A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Anderson, Alexander
ANDERSON. (Lieut., 1842. f-p., 14; h-p., 1.)
Alexander Anderson entered the Navy 18 July, 1832; passed his examination 17 Sept. 1838; and, as Mate of the Blonde 42, Capt. Thos. Bourchier, was afterwards most actively employed on the coast of China. During the hostilities in that quarter he served in the boats at the capture of several rafts, and of the last fort protecting the approaches to Canton, 13 March, 1841; took a similar part in the ensuing capture of that city; was officially mentioned by Capt. Bourchier, on the occasion of the capture of Amoy, 26 Aug. following, as a “young officer of much promise;” and on 10 Oct. commanded a gun-boat at the reduction of Chinghae.[1] In 1842 he assisted on shore, under Capt. Bourchier, in the operations at Tze-kee, the storming of Chapoo, and the attack on the batteries of Woosung.[2] In acknowledgment of these services, Mr. Anderson was awarded a commission dated 23 Dec. 1842.[3] His appointments have since been – 26 Jan. 1844, to the Cornwallis 72, flag-ship of Sir Wm. Parker – and, 29 July following, as First Lieutenant, to the Samarang 26, surveying-vessel, Capt. Sir Edw. Belcher, both employed on the East India station, whence he is now on his return.