The Duchess of Kent seemed very familiar with Arthur: "I have heard more than once people praising Sir Arthur's achievements in natural philosophy. The learned women of the Bluestocking Society, Lady Somerville, Lady Milbank, and Lady Codrington, all speak highly of him. And I find that Royal Navy officers like you also appreciate Sir Arthur. I remember that General Codrington mentioned privately that he had planned to hire Sir Arthur as his science secretary, but the Home Office insisted on not letting him go, and the Navy Department did not cooperate in the personnel transfer, so in the end, nothing came of it."
Cochrane laughed upon hearing this: "Come now, what on earth was General Codrington thinking? The position of science secretary is not suitable for Arthur. He witnessed Arthur take out more than a dozen Barbary Pirates during a boarding battle. Not drafting such a talent into the Marine Corps is a waste."
