Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/89

  officer was made a Lieutenant in 1793; appointed to a command in the Devonshire Sea Fencibles, April 3, 1798; and promoted to post rank April 29, 1802.

Agent.– Sir F. M. Ommanney, M.P. 

 officer’s first commission as a Lieutenant bears date April 17, 1778. He obtained post rank April 29, 1802.

Agent.– Sir F. M. Ommanney, M.P. 

 officer is the fourth and only surviving son of the late John Becher, Esq., a Commander R.N. He was born at Sheet-End, (in Staffordshire) near Stourbridge, co. Worcester, April 6, 1770; received his education at the maritime academy, Chelsea; entered the naval service on board the Latona frigate about March 1783; and served nearly eight years as a Midshipman in that ship, the Carysfort 28, Trusty 50, and Pearl of 28 guns, on the West India and Mediterranean stations; during which time he distinguished himself by his assiduity in making astronomical observations, and surveys of the various places visited by the different ships to which he belonged.

In Feb. 1791, being then at Gibraltar without the least prospect of promotion, he introduced himself to Rear-Admiral Peyton by a letter, stating that he was the son of a deceased officer, and that he had made such observations and surveys between that place and Constantinople as might probably be found useful to the squadron; mentioning at the same time that the drawings alluded to had been forwarded to the Admiralty by the Captains under whom he had had the honor of serving.

The Rear-Admiral received this letter in a very kind manner, and instantly ordered him to be discharged into his flagship, the Leander of 50 guns, from whence he promoted 