Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v1p2.djvu/237

Rh  recalled the ancient House of Nassau to rule over them, he was selected to convey William Frederick, Prince of Orange, to his native country, for the purpose of assuming the station and honors so long enjoyed by his progenitors.

His Serene Highness embarked on board the Warrior in the Downs, Nov. 25th, and on the following morning sailed for the coast of Holland; but owing to unfavorable winds, did not reach Scheveling until the 30th, when the Prince and Lord Clancarty, the British Ambassador, with their respectives suites, landed amidst the hearty huzzas of the numbers assembled from all parts to witness their debarkation. H.S.H. was attended to the Hague by Lord Torrington, whom he favored with the most gracious expressions for his attention, accommodation, and hospitality, during the time he had the pleasure of being his guest. The same illustrious individual afterwards conferred upon his Lordship the insignia of the Order of Wilhelm of the Netherlands, for which an elegant gold-hilted sabre, with a suitable inscription, has since been substituted.

Lord Torrington subsequently convoyed a fleet of merchantmen to the West Indies; and during his absence was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, by commission dated June 4, 1814.

On perusing the foregoing sketch of the Viscount’s professional career, drawn from various authentic sources, it will be seen that 33 years and a half of his life have been spent in active service at sea; 15 of which in the East and West Indies. An impaired state of health, occasioned thereby, and the claims upon his attention of a numerous progeny, obliged him, in 1818, to decline the offer of a foreign command ; his time, however, is not mis-spent, being divided between his family, his senatorial duties, and the amelioration of the condition of his poorer fellow subjects. We are not aware of his Lordship ever having published