Well said Steve, no statement ever penned.

Well versed in mathematics and science, a talented writer and illustrator.

First went to sea at the age of 7.

Joined the Royal navy at the age of 15

Sailing Master to Captain James Cook at the age of 22

Naval actions fought:
Dogger Bank - 1781
Gibraltar - 1782
Camperdown - 1797 - In Command
Copenhagen - 1801 - In Command (commended for his bravery in action by Nelson)

His voyage in the Bounty in 1783 and the resulting Mutiny, for which he has been unjustly vilified. His voyage, with 18 others in a ships boat measuring 23ft long and a beam of 6ft 9" from Tofua to Timor even today is considered one of the epic feats of survival and navigation. The voyage lasted 47 days and covered a distance of 3618 nautical miles without the loss of a single man.

In 1801 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society for his distinquished work associated with navigation and botony.

In 1805 he became Governor of New South Wales, where he did his utmost to stamp out corruption. He trod on too many toes making money and he was deposed by a mutiny in 1808, led by a Major Johnstone. Released two years later he returned to England where he was exhonorated, Johnstone on the other hand was sent for trial and cashiered from the Army in disgrace.

In 1814 he was promoted to Vice Admiral.

Remarkable man indeed.