A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Cragg, John Bettinson
CRAGG. (Commander, 1842.)
John Bettinson Cragg entered the Navy 10 Oct. 1809; passed his examination in 1816; and obtained his first commission 19 May, 1828. He was next appointed – 1 Oct. 1829, to tie Semiramis 24, as Flag-Lieutenant to Hon. Sir Chas. Paget, Commander-in-Chief at Cork – 15 Jan. 1831, to the Talavera 74, Capts. Thos. Brown and Edw. Chetham, employed on the Home, Lisbon, and Mediterranean stations – and, 15 Feb. 1837, to the Cornwallis 74, Capt. Sir Rich. Grant, with whom he visited North America and the West Indies. We subsequently find him assuming command, 7 March and 27 July, 1838, and 18 July, 1839, of the Carbon, Dasher, and Hecla steam-vessels, on the Home, North America, and West India stations. While in the Hecla, he obtained the high commendation of Capt. Leith, the Senior officer in the West Indies, for his conduct at a period when the fever was raging on board that vessel. He attained his present rank 15 April, 1842, and since 29 June, 1846, has been in command of the Sphynx steam-sloop.
He married, 7 Nov. 1843, Margaret Anne, fourth daughter of Simon Little, Esq., Purser and Paymaster, R.N. Agents – Hallett and Robinson.