1794 - entered the navy, aged 9, on the St George with Captain Foley. 1800 - promoted lieutenant. 1801 - served in the San Josef and St George, under Nelson. 1802 - was promoted commander. 1803 - went to the Mediterranean as a volunteer with Nelson in the Victory. 1811 - was at the capture of Java. 1813 - was at the suppression of Borneo pirates. 1827-1830 - commanded the Victory guardship at Portsmouth. 1830 - was nominated a CB and became first political secretary of the Admiralty at the king's request. 1832-1835 - was the whig MP for Roxburghshire. 1837 - was advanced to flag rank. 1840 - sent to China as commander-in-chief and joint plenipotentiary with Captain Charles Elliot. 1843 - designed the HMS Euridyce. 1847 - became vice-admiral. 1848-1851 - served as commander at the Nore. 1853 - promoted to admiral. 1862 - made a KCB.