by John Marshall

“ The family of Orde is of great antiquity, and has long possessed considerable landed estates in the counties of Northumberland and Durham. The subject of this memoir is the youngest son of the late John Orde, Esq. who lived chiefly at Morpeth, and acted for many years as a Magistrate and Deputy-Lieutenant of the former county, by his second wife, Anne, widow of the Rev. William Pye, and was born at Morpeth, in Northumberland, Dec. 1752 [1] .
He entered the navy in 1766, on board the Jersey, of 60 guns, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Spry, stationed in the Mediterranean. ”

“ Orde was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant by the latter officer, and returned to England in the Rainbow, of 44 guns. At the commencement of the dispute with our transatlantic colonies, he was appointed to the Roebuck, commanded by the present Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, with whom he continued on the coast of America until 1777 [2] , when he was removed into the Eagle, of 64 guns, Lord Howe’s flag-ship, as first Lieutenant, preparatory to his promotion. ”

“ In the beginning of 1797, Sir John Orde assumed the command at Plymouth, during the absence of the Port Admiral, the late Sir Richard King. On this service he continued until the close of the disgraceful mutiny, in the month of May [4] ; soon after which he hoisted his flag on board the Princess Royal of 98 guns, and joined the fleet under the orders of Earl St. ”