IN tracing the progress of Gentlemen, whose professional exertions entitle them to an inscription on the columna rostrata of their Country, we have often to regret our inability to ascertain the period of their entering the Service. Our knowledge sometimes only commences at the time of their attaining the rank of Post Captain. Yet, to say nothing of that humble state of probation, as it may be termed, in which the aspiring Mid inhales the fumes of the orlop, the services of a Lieutenant are generally useful, frequently conspicuous, and sometimes splendid. The Master and Commander has also a superior chance of displaying his abilities. Our regret on this subject, however, does not extend to the present respected object of our notice; as we have the pleasure of being able to present an outline of Admiral Cosby's naval career, from its commencement down to the present time.

Phillips Cosby, of Stradbally Hall, Queen's County, Ireland, Esq., is the representative of an Irish family of some distinction. In the beginning of the year 1745, at an early period of life, he went into the Navy, on board of the Comet Bomb, commanded by the late Admiral Sir Richard Spry, as Captain. On the 12th of February, in the same year, almost immediately after he had become a worshipper at the shiine of Neptune, he was in a severe engagement with a Spanish Ship of War, called the Galga, of 36 guns.