From his eminent professional character, the name of Pearson ought, long since, to have been inscribed upon our naval column. According to the proverb, however, it is “better late than never;” and we shall now endeavour to atone for our seeming neglect.

Sir Richard Pearson was born at Lanton Hall, near Appleby, in Westmoreland, in the month of March, 1731. He first went to sea, from Dover, in the year 1744; and, in the spring of 1745, he embarked in the royal navy, on board his Majesty's ship Dover, in the Downs, and went in her to the Mediterranean, to join his relation, Captain Wilson, who then commanded the Seaford, a sixth rate, of 20, or 24 guns. He joined the Seaford, at Corsica, and continued to serve in that ship till the peace of Aix la Chapelle in 1748. In consequence of that event, promotions but rarely took place; and it was not until the year 1755, that Mr. Pearson was made a lieutenant. He was then appointed to the Elizabeth, of 64 guns, by Lord Anson. In April, 1757, he proceeded in her to the East Indies, as third lieutenant, with Commodore (afterwards admiral) Stevens, who took out a small squadron, as a reinforcement to Admiral Pocock.