In order, however, that he should to a certain degree be in leading-strings, a very old and efficient officer had been selected by the admiral as his first lieutenant.

Whether, in common justice, the captain and his subordinate ought not to have changed places, I leave the reader to guess; and it was the more unfair towards the worthy old first lieutenant, as, if the admiral had not entertained such a high opinion of his abilities and judgment as to confide to him the charge of his son, he would long before have been promoted himself to one of the many vacancies which so repeatedly occurred.
Captain Carrington had all the faults which, if no inherent, will naturally be acquired by those who are too early entrusted with power.
He was self-sufficient, arbitrary, and passionate.

His good qualities consisted in a generous disposition, a kindness of heart when not irritated, a manly courage, and a frank acknowledgment of his errors.
Had he been allowed to serve a proper time in the various grades of his profession--had he been taught to obey before he had been permitted to _command_--he had within him all the materials for a good officer: as it was, he was neither officer, sailor, nor anything else, except a _spoiled boy_.

He would often attempt to carry on the duty as captain, and as often fail from want of knowledge.

He would commence manoeuvring the ship, but find himself unable to proceed.