A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Barlow, Charles Anstruther
BARLOW, C.B., K.S.F. (Captain, 1841. f-p., 22; h-p., 13.)
Charles Anstruther Barlow, born 5 Feb. 1800, is second surviving son of Sir Geo. Hilaro Barlow, Bart., G.C.B., Governor of Fort St. George, Madras, and late Governor-General of India, by Elizabeth, daughter of Burton Smith, Esq., of the co. Westmeath; nephew of Admiral Sir Robt. Barlow, G.C.B., the gallant captor of L’Africaine, who died 11 May, 1843; first cousin both of the Dowager Viscountess Torrington and of the Countess Nelson, widow of the first Earl; and a near relative of Rear-Admiral Sam. Butcher.
This officer entered the Navy, 14 Nov. 1812, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Victorious 74, Capt. John Talbot, on the North America station, where he attained the rating of Midshipman, 10 Dec. 1813. Between Sept. 1814, and March, 1822, he served in succession on the Home and Mediterranean stations, on board the Maeander 42, Capt. John Bastard, Queen Charlotte 100, flag-ship of Lord Exmouth, under whom he took part in the battle of Algiers, Rochfort 74, Capt. Sir Archibald CoUingwood Dickson, and Revolutionnaire 46, Capt. Hon. Fleetwood B. R. Pellew, in the boats of which frigate he contributed, as Mate, to the capture of two piratical gun-vessels, off Zante, 18 May, 1821. He obtained a Lieutenancy, 1 July, 1822, in the Despatch 18, Capt. Wm. Clarke Jervoise, on the Mediterranean station; and was afterwards appointed – 6 Dec. 1822, to the Prince Regent 120, flag-ship at Chatham of Sir Benj. Hallowell – 20 Feb. 1826, to the Forte 44, Capt. Jeremiah Coghlan, on the coast of South America – 25 Feb. 1831, to the St. Vincent 120, bearing the flag of Hon. Sir Henry Hotham in the Mediterranean – 25 Jan. 1834, as Senior, to the Malabar 74, Capt. Henry Shovell Marsham, on the same station – and, 15 Dec. following, to the Royalist 10. The latter vessel he commanded off the north coast of Spain from the siege of Bilboa, in June, 1835, until shortly after the receipt of his second promotal commission, 10 Jan. 1837, and for his exertions during that period was presented, 23 Dec. 1839, with the Order of the First Class of San Fernando. Assuming command, 2 Dec. 1839, of the Nimrod 20, Capt. Barlow sailed for the East Indies, and ultimately enacted a very prominent part in the operations on the coast of China. On 13 March, 1841, we find him obtaining official mention for his voluntary and efficient support of Capt. Thos. Herbert at the capture of several rafts, and of the last fort protecting the approaches to Canton – next rendering himself conspicuous by his zeal in command of the first division of boats employed at the proximate capture of that city – and, during the hostilities of the ensuing May, heading the second naval battalion, and obtaining the official recommendation of Sir Hugh Gough for the able assistance afforded by him to Capt. Bourchier, who commanded the naval brigade.[1] On the occasion of the final conquest of Canton, Capt. Barlow, whose Post-commission bears date 8 June, 1841, was made the bearer, by Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, of the despatches announcing that event to the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Gordon Bremer, also to the Governor-General of India at Calcutta,[2] and thence overland to England. He was made a C.B. on 14 Oct. in the same year, and has since been unemployed. Agents – Messrs. Ommanney.