A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Chambers, David
CHAMBERS. (Retired Commander, 1838. f-p., 14; h-p., 46.)
David Chambers died 24 May, 1845, in the 73rd year of his age.
This officer entered the Navy, 22 May, 1785, as part of an Admiral’s retinue, on board the Europa, in which ship and the Janus he alternately served until 16 Jan. 1786. He re-embarked, 19 May, 1791, as A.B., on board the Alcide 74, Capt. Sir Andrew Snape Douglas, lying off Portsmouth harbour, and attained the rating of Midshipman 24 Sept. 1791. On next removing, in Aug. 1792, to the Lion 64, Capt. Sir Erasmus Gower, he sailed, with Lord Macartney, on an embassy to China, whence he returned in 1794, and joined the Prince George 98, Capts. Jas. Gambler and Sir John Orde, fitting for Channel service. In May, 1795, Mr. Chambers was transferred to the Namur 98, Capts. Jas. Hawkins Whitshed, Thomas Sotheby, and Wm. Luke, under the first of whom he attained the rank of Lieutenant, 11 Oct. 1796, and was present in the battle off Cape St. Vincent 14 Feb. 1797. His subsequent appointments were – 27 March, 1799, to the Gorgon 44, armée en flûte, Capts. Williams and Henry Hill, on the Mediterranean station – 15 Aug. 1800, to the Ambuscade 32, Capt. Hon. John Colville, with whom he proceeded to the West Indies – and, 9 Sept. 1803, to the command of the Conflict brig of 14 guns, in which he captured, 8 Nov. following, off Calais, the French gun-boat No. 86, armed with 2 guns, and carrying 34 men, besides 23 complete stand of arms. He went on half-pay in the spring of 1804; attained the rank of Retired Commander on the Junior List 15 Dec. 1830; and was removed to the Senior 23 Jan. 1838.
Commander Chambers married, 3 May, 1804, Emma Catherine, fourth daughter of John Weyland, Esq., of Grosvenor Street, London, by whom he has left issue.