BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF GEORGE LORD ANSON, ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE SQUADRON, AND ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET

Summary

Intaminatis fulget honoribus.

Ulysses' voyage lives by Homer's pen,

Who many cities saw and many men;

Shipwrecks and sufferings, fancy could display,

In a small portion of the midland sea;

But what to Anson's were Ulysses' toils?

Or what to India's wealth were Ilium's spoils?

The world surrounded, all the nations view'd,

Each climate tried, each danger now subdu'd;

Our second Drake, arriv'd on British ground,

His toils with laurels and with honour crown'd.

Anon.

The recital of the most distinguished actions of eminent men, is at once a reward and an encouragement to merit, and serves to convey useful information in the most agreeable form. Among the heroes who have contributed to the naval glory of their country, and who stand high on the records of fame, the name of Anson holds a prominent place. Our illustrious seaman was the second and youngest son of William Anson, Esq. of Shugborough, in the county of Stafford, a gentleman of an ancient and respectable family, and Elizabeth his wife, one of the daughters and coheirs of Ralph Lane, Esq. and sister to Mary Countess of Macclesfield. Discovering an early passion for the naval profession, and taking the greatest delight in reading and hearing the stories of our most celebrated voyagers and Admirals, his father gave him an education suitable to his genius; and having served the usual period, in the year 1722, he was made a Commander, and appointed to the Weazle sloop.