Editing Clements Markham (section)

=== Naval cadet, 1844–1850 ===
[[File:HMS Collingwood (1841).jpg|thumb|{{HMS|Collingwood|1841|2}}, Markham's first ship]]
In May 1844, Markham was introduced by his aunt, the Countess of Mansfield, to Rear Admiral Sir [[George Seymour (Royal Navy officer)|George Seymour]], a [[Lord of the Admiralty]]. The boy made a favourable impression on the admiral, and the meeting led to the offer of a cadetship in the [[Royal Navy]]. Accordingly, on 28&nbsp;June 1844, Markham travelled to [[Portsmouth]] to join Seymour's flagship, {{HMS|Collingwood|1841|6}}. ''Collingwood'' was being fitted out for an extended voyage to the Pacific Ocean where Seymour was to assume command of the Pacific station.<ref>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;17–26.</ref> This tour of duty lasted for almost four years. The ship reached the Chilean port of [[Valparaíso]], the headquarters of the Pacific station on 15&nbsp;December 1844, after a cruise that incorporated visits to [[Rio de Janeiro]] and the [[Falkland Islands]], and a stormy passage in the [[Southern Ocean]].<ref name= AHM28/> Markham's social connections assured him of a relatively comfortable time; he was frequently invited to dine with the admiral, whose wife and daughters were on board.<ref name= AHM28>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;28–35.</ref>

[[File:CadetMarkham.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Markham as a naval cadet in 1844, aged 14]]
After a few weeks' respite in Valparaiso, ''Collingwood'' sailed again, this time for [[Callao]], the main port on the Peruvian coast, giving Markham his first experience of a country that would figure prominently in his later career.<ref>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;38–47.</ref> During the next two years ''Collingwood'' cruised in the Pacific, visiting the [[Sandwich Islands]], Mexico, and [[Tahiti]], where Markham attempted to assist the nationalist rebels against their French governor.<ref>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;64–69.</ref> On 25&nbsp;June 1846, Markham passed the examination for [[midshipman]], being placed third in a group of ten. The long periods spent in Chilean and Peruvian ports had also enabled him to learn Spanish.<ref name = Baigent/>

Towards the end of the voyage, Markham experienced growing doubts about a conventional naval career; he now desired above all to be an explorer and a geographer. On arrival in Portsmouth in July 1848 he informed his father of his wish to leave the navy, but was persuaded to stay.<ref>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;97–99.</ref> After a brief period of service in the Mediterranean Markham experienced months of inactivity while based at [[Spithead]] and the [[Cobh|Cove of Cork]], which further diminished his interest in the service.<ref>A. Markham, p.&nbsp;106.</ref> However, early in 1850, he learned that a squadron of four ships was being assembled to undertake a new search for the lost Arctic expedition of Sir [[John Franklin]].<ref>Coleman, p.&nbsp;51.</ref> Markham used his family's influence to secure a place in this venture, and in April 1850, was informed of his appointment to {{HMS|Assistance|1850|6}}, one of the squadron's two principal vessels.<ref>A. Markham, pp.&nbsp;108–109.</ref>