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  of about a point each way fore and aft. A series of experiments were subsequently carried on at Portsmouth, under the able management and impartial scrutiny of Captain Thomas Hastings, on board the Excellent 58, giving proof upon proof of the excellencies of the new system, in economy of labour, in time of manoeuvring, in the number of hands to serve the gun, in command of range, elevation, depression, and last, not least, in precision of fire. The breechings, too, underwent the severest tests, establishing facts beyond the power of biassed opinion to controvert. In consequence thereof, a very strong and unqualified report in favour of adopting the plan in our navy was sent by Captain Hastings to the Admiralty; and, in 1833, an order was issued for all ships to have their stern and bow guns mounted upon Marshall’s principle. 

 advanced to the rank of captain Nov. 29th, 1832. 



to Sir Robert Seppings, Knt., late Surveyor of the Navy.

This officer was made a lieutenant on the 11th Nov. 1818; appointed to the Spartan frigate, Captain W. F. Wise, Oct. 14th, 1819 ; to the Aurora frigate, Captain Henry Prescott, April 7th, 1821 ; to command his uncle’s experimental ship, the Sapphire 28, in 1826; and to act as captain of the Southampton 62, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir Edward W. C. R. Owen, on the East India station, April 17th, 1831. He obtained a commander’s commission July