Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2011
He who in manhood keeps the defensive, and private passions under the wisest restraint, who forms the most select, and virtuous friendships; who seeks after fame, wealth, and power, in the road of truth and virtue, and if he cannot find them in that road, generously despises them; who in his private character and connexions gives the fullest scope to the tender and manly passions; and in his public character serves his country and mankind in the most upright and disinterested manner; that man is the worthiest character on this stage of life.
Fordyce.Sir Robert Kingsmill, whose original name was Brice, is the descendant of a very ancient and respectable family long settled at the town of Belfast, in Ireland; he was born about the year 1730. Having from his earliest infancy discovered a predilection in favour of a naval life, he was indulged by his parents in that propensity, and accordingly entered at a proper age into the Royal Navy. In the subordinate ranks of Midshipman, and Master's Mate he constantly displayed a diligent attention to the duties of his station, as well as a care, and a conviction of the necessity of it, far beyond what has generally appeared in the character of youth. Such having been the promising outline and traits of his conduct, he was very deservedly appointed a Lieutenant on the 29th of April 1756.
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