A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Butler, Whitwell
BUTLER. (Retired Commander, 1845. f-p., 10; h-p., 38.)
Whitwell Butler entered the Navy, 23 April, 1799, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Russel 74, Capts. Herbert Sawyer and Wm. Cuming, and, under the latter officer, was present, as Midshipman, at the battle of Copenhagen, 2 April, 1801. From Nov. following until May, 1803, he next served in the Puissant 74, Capt. Wm. Sims, at Spithead, and Bloodhound gun-brig, Lieut-Commanders Joseph Bradby Boyne and Henry Richardson, in the Downs. He then joined the Melpomene 38, Capts. Robt. Dudley Oliver and Peter Parker, which ship appears to have been twice employed in bombarding the town of Havre de Grace. In Sept. 1806, Mr. Butler removed to the Thunderer 74, Capt. John Talbot; under whom, after assisting at the passage, in Feb. 1807, of the Dardanells, and the ensuing destruction of the Turkish squadron, he visited the shores of Egypt; and, on 21 Dec. following, he became Acting Flag-Lieutenant to Lord Collingwood in the Ocean 98, stationed in the Mediterranean. He was officially promoted 27 July, 1808; was placed on half-pay 14 July, 1809; and, not having been further employed, accepted his present rank 27 Oct. 1845. Agent – J. Woodhead.