Zachary Mudge - Early Life

Early Life

Mudge was one of 20 children of a famous physician, Dr. John Mudge, of Plymouth; his mother was John's third wife, Elizabeth. Mudge's grandfather was clergyman Zachariah Mudge. The family included distinguished surveyors and mathematicians. His older half-brother was William Mudge, who developed the Ordnance Survey and was responsible for much of the early detailed mapping of Britain. Uncle Thomas Mudge was a famous horologist. In addition, the family was connected to the politically powerful Pitt family.

In 1780 (aged 10), Mudge joined HMS Foudroyant where he served as midshipman on the home and North American stations. He was serving on her when she captured the Pegase (21 April 1782) and was promoted to lieutenant on 24 May 1789. He briefly served on HMS Europa until she paid off; on her he met several of his future companions on Vancouver's voyage.

Read more about this topic:  Zachary Mudge

Famous quotes containing the words early and/or life:

    In the early days of the world, the Almighty said to the first of our race “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread”; and since then, if we except the light and the air of heaven, no good thing has been, or can be enjoyed by us, without having first cost labour.
    Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

    A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot.
    Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 14:30.