by John Marshall

“ Through the spirited and unceasing exertions of Captain Barrie, my friend Gabriel was made a commander in March 1812; since which he has made every effort in his power to obtain employment, but without success. On obtaining a pension for his wounds, ho immediately settled its amount, upon his mother for her life. As a husband, a father, or a master, his character is equally amiable and affectionate. He married Maria, eldest daughter of William Holbrook, Esq. an eminent solicitor of Ledbury, in Herefordshire, a lady possessing every qualification to make him supremely happy. ”

“ How few instances can you, even with your extensive information, bring forward of a plan so liberal, rational, and blended with the purest principles of humanity, having been adopted in the ships of the royal navy during the reign of King George III., the period to which, I find, you intend to confine your particular attention? ”

“ Of Captain Gabriel I can honestly say to you, that I never knew a better officer, a better seaman, or a braver man, than he proved himself during six or seven years he served with me as first lieutenant. He is really a most valuable officer.”
Although so desirous of being employed afloat, Commander Gabriel did not obtain an appointment until June 1830, when he commissioned the Columbine, of 18 guns, fitting out for the West India station. His promotion to the rank of captain took place July 2d, 1831. ”

“ We cannot too highly appreciate the interest you have uniformly taken in our welfare, and for the zeal always manifested in promoting our commercial prosperity. I can safely say we have never missed the flag at the fore while you have had charge of the port duties; and God grant we may ever have officers like you filling that responsible situation. ”

“ The total number of vessels, including two privateers, captured and destroyed by the boats of that ship, under the immediate command of Lieutenant Gabriel, was forty-one; and ten of those appear to have been taken close under the enemy’s batteries. The other services in which he bore a prominent part, have been recorded in pp. 722–727 of Vol. II. Part II. Let us now turn our attention to the internal discipline of the Pomone.
“Captain Barrie and his first lieutenant,” says our informant, “seems to have been actuated by a perfect unison of sentiment ”