Captain henry whitby, whose career, though short, was such as to give promise of attainment to the highest honours of his profession, was the youngest son of the Reverend Thomas Whitby, by Mabella, youngest daughter of the late John Turton, Esq. of Angrave. He was born on the 21st of July, 1781, at Creswell Hall, his father's seat in the county of Stafford.—His family and connections on both sides were ancient, and had long been established in that part of England. Amongst other relatives, particularly of his own profession, may be mentioned the gallant and noble Earl St. Vincent.

The period of childhood has generally so many circumstances in common, so few which are worthy of notice as extraordinary, that no surprise will be excited by saying, that young Whitby loved play better than books. Being a healthy and robust boy, he was, in very early youth, designed for the navy. His education was consequently adapted to his future situation in life; and, having acquired the rudiments of latin, &c. at Brewood and Copy Hall schools, in his native county, he was sent to others, where navigation and the preparatory branches of nautical science were taught.