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We regret to announce the death of this distinguished officer and novelist, who expired at his residence, Langham, in Norfolk, on Wednesday, after a long and painful illness ; the cause of death, we understand, was the bursting of a blood vessel, from the effects of which the gallant officer never recovered.
In February last, Captain Marryat received intelligence of the loss of the Avenger steam-frigate, in which his eldest son was lieutenant, and perished with the vessel.
Captain Marryat was the second son of the late Joseph Marryat, Esq., M.P., of Wimbledon House, Surrey. He entered the navy at an early age, and served as midshipman in the Imperieuse, when that ship was engaged as part of Lord Cochrane's squadron, in supporting the Catalonians against the French. He also served in the attack on the French fleet in Aix Roads, and in the Walcheren expedition. In 1814, as Lieutenant of the Newcastle, he cut out four vessels in Boston Bay, an exploit of considerable difficulty and daring.
During the Burmese war he commanded the Larne, and was for some time senior officer on the station. His services during this war were of great importance, and were afterwards acknowledged by promotion. Captain Marryat was not for some years engaged in active service.
The deceased married Catherine, only daughter of the late Sir Sydney Shairp, Bart., by whom he leaves a family of six children. Captain Marryat was well known as the author of several works of fiction, relating in general to the naval service. His graphic descriptions of sea life and the actualities which daily occur in the service, have stamped him as a writer of great power. Captain Marryat's services as an officer have been too lately brought before the public to require any comment. The deceased was a Companion of the Bath, a Knight Commander of the Hanoverian Guelphic Order, an Officer of the Legion of Honour, Deputy Lieutenant of the county of Norfolk, and F.R.S.- Bell's Messenger. August 14, [1848].
SG & SGTL ; vol 5 ; page 302.
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