by John Marshall

“ From thence he proceeded to the Spanish coast, where he continued till the defects of his frigate required her to be sent home and put out of commission.
Having thus given an outline of Captain D’Urban’s valuable services, it remains only for us to state that there is perhaps no individual who possesses so much local knowledge of the Mediterranean as he obtained during upwards of twelve years spent on that station, or who is so intimately acquainted with the manners, customs, and prejudices of the different nations on both its shores as himself. ”

“ Although his services have not been of that brilliant cast with those of many whose exploits we have recorded, yet they have nevertheless proved in many instances highly beneficial to his country, and as such gained him the thanks and esteem of all the Admirals he ever served under, although, at the same time they deprived him of cruises, the advantages of which were reaped by the mere sailor, who is now enjoying his golden harvest, while the labours of his more scientific cotemporary, are in a great measure forgotten. ”

“ He is the son of a military officer, and descended from a very ancient and noble family who early settled in the Duchy of Milan, and were engaged under Goffredo di Bouglion in the holy wars.
Mr. D’Urban served the first three years of his naval life as a Midshipman on board the Sphinx of 24 guns, commanded by Captain, now Admiral Markham, on the Mediterranean station; and completed his time under the late Admiral John Elliot, who was, we believe, one of the first officers by whom lunar observations were brought into practice at sea. Mr. ”