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 daughter of the Rev. Thomas Leigh, formerly Rector of Harpsden, or Harden, near Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

He was born at Steventon, April 23, 1774; and admitted a student at the Royal Naval Academy, April 15, 1786. Whilst there, he applied so closely to his studies, and behaved in so exemplary a manner, as to obtain from the Lords of the Admiralty, (to whom his good conduct had been officially reported) a recommendation to the Hon. Commodore Cornwallis for promotion, as soon as his time should be completed.

Mr. Austen embarked as a Midshipman on board the Perseverance frigate, about the latter end of 1788; and served in that ship, the Crown 64, and Minerva of 38 guns, on the East India station, till Dec. 28, 1792, when he was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant. From that period we find him serving successively in the Dispatch armed brig; Minerva; Lark sloop; Andromeda of 32 guns; Prince George and Glory, second rates; Shannon, Triton, and Seahorse frigates; and London of 98 guns; under the respective commands of Captain John Whitby, Commodore Cornwallis, Captains Josias Rowley, Thomas Sotheby, William Taylor, James Bowen, Alexander Fraser, John Gore, Edward J. Foote, and J. Child Purvis.

