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.
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