A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Digby, Edward
DIGBY. (Lieut., 1821. f-p., 30; h-p., 4.)
Edward Digby, born 14 April, 1799, is second son of the late Rev. John Digby, of Osberstown, co. Kildare, and of New Park, co. Meath, who for thirty years was in the Commission of the Peace, by Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of Edw. Borr, Esq., of Spring Park, in the latter shire, a descendant of the celebrated Bishop Jeremy Taylor. He is related to Capts. Jos. Digby and Digby Marsh, R.N. This officer entered the Navy, 6 Aug. 1813, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Devonshire 74, Capt. Ross Donnelly; and on removing, as Midshipman, to the Harlequin 18, Capt. Wm. Kempthome, assisted at the capture, off Newfoundland, of the Ida privateer, and was present in a mistaken and very severe action with the Princess Charlotte, a King’s packet. During the four years immediately consecutive on the general peace, he served as Master’s Mate of the Podargus 16, Capts. Jas. Wallis, Jas. Cairnes, and Hon. Henry John Rous, off St. Helena, for the purpose of securing the detention of Buonaparte. He then, in July, 1819, passed his examination; and was soon after appointed to the Coast Blockade. On 11 Feb. 1821, he assisted, with the present Commander C. J. F. Newton, and was wounded, at the attack and defeat of an overwhelming band of armed smugglers, at Brookland, in Kent. For his share in that daring exploit, Mr. Digby was promoted by Lord Melville to his present rank 4 May following. He was afterwards reemployed in the Coast Blockade from Nov. 1823, to Dec. 1825; and since Dec. 1826, has been in almost uninterrupted charge of a station in the Coast Guard.
He married Sarah, daughter of the late Hugh Crawford, of Orangefield, co. Down, by whom he has issue a son and daughter.