A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Ashley, Benjamin
ASHLEY. (Retired Commander, 1844. f-p., 18; h-p.,36.)
Benjamin Ashley entered the Navy, 27 June, 1793, as A.B., on board the Invincible 74, Capt. Hon. Thos. Pakenham, whom he followed, after participating in the action of 1 June, 1794, into the Juste 80. From April, 1797, until May, 1802, he served as Master’s Mate and Acting-Master of the Childers brig, Capts. Jas. O’Bryen and Jas. Coutts Crawford, on the Home station; where, after an interval of three years and a half, he joined, in Nov. 1805, the Elephant 74, Capt. Geo. Dundas, of which ship, when subsequently in the West Indies, he was created Acting-Lieutenant, 28 June, 1806. On being confirmed, 28 Aug. 1807, he removed to the Coquette, Capt. Robt. Forbes, with whom he continued to be employed, in the same vessel, the Favorite 20, and Creole 36, on the Home and Africa stations, until Jan. 1814. He then returned to England as Acting-Captain of the Astrea 36, in charge of a Brazilian convoy; and since 28 Oct. in the same year has been on half-pay. His assumption of the rank he now holds took place 11 Jan. 1844.