Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p1.djvu/191

 Captain Burton married, in 1823, the widow of Philip Roche, of Limerick, Esq. and youngest daughter of Randall, late Baron Dunsany.

Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell. 

 to Admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart., G.C.B., Vice-Admiral of Great Britain, &c. &c.

This officer entered the navy in 1806; and was a midshipman on board the Spartan frigate. Captain (now Rear-Admiral Sir Jahleel) Brenton, at the destruction of the castles of Pesaro and Cesenatico; at the reduction of Lusin, an island on the coast of Croatia; at the capture of Zante, Cephalonia, and Cerigo; and at the discomfiture of a French squadron in the bay of Naples, on which latter occasion the Sparviere brig, of 8 guns and 98 men, was captured.

On his return home from the Mediterranean, Mr. Saumarez joined the Daphne 20, in which ship he served on the Baltic station, under the orders of his highly distinguished uncle, for nearly two years. On quitting the Daphne, he received the following handsome testimonial:–

“This is to certify, that Mr. Richard Saumarez served as master’s-mate on board H.M.S. Daphne, under my command, from the 15th day of October, 1810, to the 26th September, 1812, during which time he had constantly charge of a watch, and conducted himself with so much care and ability, displaying such knowledge in his profession, both as a sailor and a navigator, that I beg leave to recommend him as a young officer of great promise, and highly deserving of promotion. Given under my hand, in Hano Bay, this 26th day of September, 1812.

(Signed)“, Captain.”

During the above period, Mr. Saumarez was present at an attack made by the enemy upon Dantzic; and he afterwards conveyed to the commander-in-chief the official despatches relative to the battle of Borodino. He obtained the rank of