The Historical Memoirs and a Biography of Admiral Sir Richard Goodwin Keats. Built around a hand-written memoir this work examines the career, life and character of Nelson's favourite captain who remains a neglected star of the Age of Sail. An active career in the Royal Navy spanning the American and French Wars saw Keats showcasing his skills as one of the most talented sea officers of his generation. Possessing a touch for navigation in difficult waters, topped with a degree of daring and incomparable seamanship, Keats was sure to prove himself at sea: whether in a frigate squadron, as captain of a ship of the line or a flag officer, but showed himself equally capable as a diplomat, as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland and for many years Governor and one of the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital Greenwich.