Basil Hall

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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 criticisms 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.

His daughter Eliza married Admiral William Charles Chamberlain.