A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Gifford, James
GIFFORD. (Rear-Admiral, 1846. f-p., 19; h-p., 45.)
James Gifford (whose name had been previously borne for upwards of three years, as Captain’s Servant, on the books of the Hannibal and Agamemnon, both commanded by Capt. Benj. Caldwell) entered the Navy, 1 Oct. 1783, as Midshipman, on board the Assistance, Capt. Wm. Bentinck, bearing the broad pendant on the Halifax station of Commodore Sir Chas. Douglas. Until the receipt of his first commission, 22 Oct. 1793, he served, latterly in the West Indies, Channel, and Mediterranean, on board the Weazle and Juno, Capt. Sam. Hood, Colossus 74, Capt. Henry Harvey, Robust 74, Capt. Rowland Cotton, and St. George 98, flag-ship, during the occupation of Toulon, of Rear-Admiral John Gell. He then joined the Lutine 32, Capts. Jas. Macnamara and Wm. Haggitt; and on 7 Oct. 1795, was in company with the Censeur 74, when that ship was captured by a French squadron under M. Richery, from whom the Lutine herself with difficulty effected her escape. As Lieutenant, Mr. Gifford’ s subsequent appointments were – to the Pompée 74, Capt. Jas. Vashon, and Prince and Prince George 98’s, flag-ships of Rear-Admiral Chas. Cotton. Being properly qualified, by commission dated 7 May, 1802, he subsequently, after officiating for a few months as Acting-Captain of the Braave frigate, assumed command, 8 May, 1804, 16 May, 1808, and 17 Feb. 1812, of the Speedy, Sarpen, and Sheldrake sloops, on the Channel and Baltic stations. He attained Post-rank 12 Aug. 1812; and on 1 Oct. 1846, became a Rear-Admiral. Agents – Hallett and Robinson.