Admiral Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth, was the son of a Cornish packet captain who died when Edward was young, leaving the family impoverished. Edward, aged 14, ran away to sea from Truro Grammar School. Showing great daring and ability in the American War of Independence, he rose through the ranks. In the Napoleonic Wars he became the greatest frigate captain of all time. Based at Flushing across the waters from Falmouth would sail to to attack the French, capturing and bringing home enemy frigates as prizes. He showed great humanity to both his crew and the enemy, becoming good friends with the French captains he fought. The Pellew