by John Marshall

“ The capture of this vessel was effected by boarding, but not until the boats had been exposed, in consequence of a strong lee tide, to a heavy fire for 45 minutes, by which many men were killed and wounded.
In Jan. 1800, we find Mr. Arabin, who had previously passed his examination, serving as master’s-mate on board the Pompée 74, bearing the flag of Sir W. Sidney Smith, and about to sail for the Mediterranean, in consequence of the lamented Nelson having selected his chivalrous compeer to protect Sicily from a threatened invasion. ”

“ He accordingly visited the most considerable parts of France and Italy, acquiring a practical knowledge of the languages of those countries, and passing his time with as much advantage, in a professional point of view, as if he had been serving in a sloop of war. ”