A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Black, Matthew
BLACK. (Lieutenant, 1814. f-p., 8; h-p., 32.)
Matthew Black entered the Navy, 2 Sept. 1807, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Monmouth 64, Capt. Edw. Durnford King, and sailed shortly afterwards for the East Indies with the flag of Rear-Admiral Wm. O’Brien Drury. While subsequently employed in the North Sea, as Midshipman and Master’s Mate, from Sept. 1808, to March, 1812, of the Stately 64, and Saturn and Armada 74’s, Capts. Wm. Cumberland, Adam Mackenzie, and John Ferris Devonshire, he assisted at the cutting-out of some Danish gun-boats and the re-capture of a Russian ship. He was next employed for some months with Capt. Devonshire, at the defence of Cadiz, in the St. Albans 64; after which he removed to the Ramillies 74, commanded at Chatham by Sir Thos. Masterman Hardy, and then, in Dec. of the same year, joined the Plover 18, Capts. Colin Campbell and John Skekel. He was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the latter vessel 10 June, 1814, and, previously to being paid off in Jan. 1815, visited Quebec, and served on the African and Newfoundland stations. He has not since been employed.