It was, however, to be explained in very few words.  He was the son of the admiral of the station, and (as at that period there was no regulation with respect to age, to check the most rapid promotion), after he had served his time as midshipman, in less than two months he had been raised through the different ranks of lieutenant, commander, and post-captain.  On receiving the latter step, he was at the same time appointed to the frigate in question,—­one of the finest which belonged to his Majesty’s service.  In order, however, that he should to a certain degree be in leading-strings, a very old and efficient officer had been selected by the admiral as his first lieutenant.  Whether, in common justice, the captain and his subordinate ought not to have changed places, I leave the reader to guess; and it was the more unfair towards the worthy old first lieutenant, as, if the admiral had not entertained such a high opinion of his abilities and judgment as to confide to him the charge of his son, he would long before have been promoted himself to one of the many vacancies which so repeatedly occurred.

Captain Carrington had all the faults which, if no inherent, will naturally be acquired by those who are too early entrusted with power.  He was self-sufficient, arbitrary, and passionate.  His good qualities consisted in a generous disposition, a kindness of heart when not irritated, a manly courage, and a frank acknowledgment of his errors.  Had he been allowed to serve a proper time in the various grades of his profession—­had he been taught to obey before he had been permitted to command—­he had within him all the materials for a good officer:  as it was, he was neither officer, sailor, nor anything else, except a spoiled boy.  He would often attempt to carry on the duty as captain, and as often fail from want of knowledge.  He would commence manoeuvring the ship, but find himself unable to proceed.  At these unfortunate break downs, he would be obliged to resign the speaking-trumpet to the first lieutenant; and if, as sometimes happened, the latter (either from accident, or perhaps from a pardonable pique at having the duty taken out of his hands), was not at his elbow to prompt him when at fault—­at these times the cant phrase of the officers, taken from some farce, used to be, “York, you’re wanted.”

About an hour before sunset the juvenile captain made his appearance on board, rather fresh from taking leave of his companions and acquaintances on shore.  The frigate was got under weigh by the first lieutenant, and, before the sun had disappeared, was bounding over the foaming seas in the direction of the country which had nurtured to maturity the gnarled oak selected for her beautiful frame.  Newton joined his new messmates in drinking a prosperous passage to old England; and, with a heart grateful for his improved prospects, retired to the hammock which had been prepared for him.