British admiral,
came of a Norfolk family. Pepys story of his humble birth is said
to be erroneous. It is probable that he saw a good deal of sea-service
before 1648. He first appears prominently as the captain of the
Elisabeth, which after a sharp action brought in a Dutch convoy
with two men-of-war as prizes. From 1653 to 1655 he continued
to command the Elisabeth, high in favor with the council of state
and recommended for promotion by the flag officers under whom
he served. In 1655 he was appointed to the Marston Moor, the crew
of which was on the verge of mutiny. His firm measures quelled
the insubordinate spirit, and he took the vessel out to the West
Indies, where he remained for some years. The Restoration government
retained him in his command, and in 1664 he was made vice-admiral
in Prince Ruperts squadron. As vice-admiral of the White he flew
his flag at Lowestoft in 1665, and for his share in that actien
received the honor of knighthood. In the following year he served
under the new lord high admiral, Sandwich, as viceadmiral of the
Blue. He was on detachment with Prince Rupert when the great Four
Days Battle began, but Ieturned to the main fleet in time to take
part, and in this action he received a wound of which he died.
