A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Donovan, Alexander
DONOVAN. (Retired Commander, 1841. f-p., 14; h-p., 36.)
Alexander Donovan entered the Navy, 10 Aug. 1797, as A. B., on board the Neptune 98, Capts. Sir Erasmus Gower and Hon. Henry Edwin Stanhope, on the Home station; where, from July, 1798, to April, 1802, he served, as Midshipman, on board the Achille 74, Capts. Geo. Murray and Edw. Buller. Between Aug. 1803, and his official promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, 7 Nov. 1806, we find him employed in the Majestic 74, Capts. Lord Amelius Beauclerk, Robt. Moorsom, and Joseph Hanwell – Monarch and Edgar, 74’s, flagships of Lord Keith – and, as Acting-Lieutenant, in the Railleur sloop, Capt. Valentine Collard, all engaged on home service. He then joined the Barfleur 98, Capt. Joseph Sydney Yorke; and he, lastly, from July, 1808, to April, 1813, had charge of a Signal station. His assumption of the rank he now holds took place 3 Dec. 1841. Agents – Messrs. Ommanney.