AN SON, GEORGE, LORD, Admiral, b. on 23d April, 1007. at Shugborough, in Staf fordshire. From an early period be manifested a predilection for a sea-life. In 1716 he served as second lieutenant under Norris; next under Byng in 1718, against the Span iards; and was made a captain in 1723. In 1739, when war with Spain broke out, he was recalled from the Carolina station, on which he had been placed since 1724, and received the command of the fleet in the South sea, with instructions to inflict what ever injury he could on the Spanish commerce and colonies, and sailed from England in Sept., 1740. The preparations for this cruise had been made in the most slovenly manner. Both vessels and stores were bad, and the sailors were old Chelsea pensioners, yet A., in spite of these disadvantages, achieved a brilliant reputation by the heroism prudence, diligence, and humanity he displayed. After his little fleet of seven vessels had been scattered by a storm, in doubling cape Horn, he landed at Juan Fernandez, where he was soon joined by three of his ships, which arrived in a dismantled condition.
While he remained on this island, he exhibited his native tenderness of character by the assiduity with which he cared for the sick. Under these disadvantages, he made several prizes, including a Spanish:galleon from Acapulco, with-a cargo worth £400,000. After this he returned to England; and arrived at Spithead, June 15, 1744, having cir cumnavigated the globe in three years and nine months. His perilous cruise greatly extended the knowledge of navigation and geography. As a reward for his services. A. was made rear-admiral of the blue (1744); and in 1747, having defeated the French admiral Janquiere, at cape Finisterre, he was made baron of Soberton; and four years later, first lord of the admiralty. In 1761, he was made admiral of the fleet. lIe d. June 6, 1762. Few works have been so popular as lord A's Voyage Round the World. It was written by Mr. B. Robins, from materials supplied by lord A., who carefully super vised it.