Basil Hall (1788 - September 11, 1844) was a naval officer, traveller, and author. He was the second son of Sir James Hall, an eminent man of science. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hall joined the navy in 1802, and eventually rose to be captain. He was one of the first to visit Korea, and wrote Voyage of Discovery to Corea (1818), also Travels in North America in 1827_28, a lively work which gave some offence in the U.S. due to his criticims of native mores. His best work was Fragments of Voyages and Travels (1831_40), He also wrote some tales and romances and contributed to scientific journals. His writing and keeping a journal had been encouraged by his father at the commencment of Hall's naval career, and his many publications are the extracts of notes in his personal journal. He became insane later in his life and died in the Royal Hospital in Portsmouth.
External links
Extensive biography of Basil Hall (http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/hall_basil.htm)
BASILHALL (1788-1844), British naval officer, traveller and miscellaneous writer, was born at Edinburgh on the 31st of December 1788.
BasilHall was educated at the High School, Edinburgh, and in 1802 entered the navy, where he rose to the rank of postcaptain in 1817, after seeing active service in several fields.
Captain Hall was a fellow of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, and of the Royal Astronomical, Royal Geographical and Geological Societies.
Feeds |
Contact