A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Eagar, John
EAGAR. (Commander, 1825. f-p., 18; h-p., 31.)
John Eagar entered the Navy, 1 Sept. 1798, as Midshipman, on board La Minerve, of 42 guns and 286 men, Capt. Geo. Cockburn; under whom, besides witnessing the capture of several privateers, and participating in various cutting-out affairs, he joined in the hostilities against Malta, was present at Lord Keith’s capture, on 19 June, 1799, of three frigates and two brigs under Rear-Admiral Perrée, and assisted at the capture and destruction, 2 Sept. 1801, of the Succès of 32, and Bravoure of 42 guns. Between Oct. 1801 and April, 1805, during which period, in 1804, he was much engaged with the enemy’s batteries and flotilla near Boulogne, he served, chiefly as Master’s Mate, in the Resistance 38, Capt. Henry Digby, Iris and Seine frigates, both commanded by Capt. David Atkins, and Hercule 74, flag-ship in the West Indies of Sir John Thos. Duckworth. He was then appointed Acting-Lieutenant of the Diana 38, Capt. Thos. Jas. Maling, and, being confirmed to that ship 10 Oct. following, afterwards became her First-Lieutenant. Accompanying Capt. Maling in a similar capacity, in Nov. 1807, into the Undaunted 38, Mr. Eagar, on Capt. Rich. Thomas succeeding to the command of that frigate, took charge of her boats and demolished a strong fort on the coast of Catalonia in Sept. 1811; and on 29 April, 1812, in command of the boats of the same ship, and of the Volontaire 38, and Blossom 18, he effected the very spirited capture and destruction of 21, including a national schooner of 4 guns and 74 men, out of a convoy of 26 vessels at anchor near the mouth of the Rhone.[1] Previously to these exploits he appears to have been lent for about eight months, as Senior Lieutenant, to the Achille 74, Capt. Sir Rich. King. He invalided from the Undaunted in Feb. 1813, and from that period remained imemployed until 28 July, 1821, when he was appointed to the command of the Clinker 12, on the Newfoundland station. Since his promotion to his present rank, which took place 27 May, 1825, this officer has been on half-pay.
He married, 29 June, 1824, Catherine, daughter of the late Capt. Bullock, of Prittlewell, co. Essex. Agents – Messrs. Ommanney.
- ↑ Vide Gaz. 1812, p. 1278.