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.
