A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Halford, Charles
HALFORD. (Lieut., 1812. f-p., 14; h-p., 32.)
Charles Halford entered the Navy, 13 Jan. 1801, as A.B., on board the Caesar 80, Capts. Jahleel Brenton and Hugh Downman, bearing the flag of Sir Jas. Saumarez, under whom, in July following, he fought as Midshipman in the actions off Algeciras and Cadiz. In Nov. 1802, after having been for a short time transferred to the Hercule 74, Capt. Solomon Ferris, lying at Portsmouth, he rejoined Capt. Brenton, as Master’s Mate, in La Minerve of 48 guns; and on 2 July, 1803, he had the misfortune to be on board that frigate when she took the ground under the batteries of Cherbourg, and was compelled, in spite of a desperate and sanguinary resistance, to strike her colours. He was accordingly detained a prisoner in France until May, 1811, at which period, having been deprived of his parole, he succeeded in effecting his escape from the citadel of Verdun, where he had been placed in close and rigorous confinement. He was promoted to the rank he now holds 21 March, 1812; and from 15 of the ensuing April until 2 Aug. 1815, was employed in the Valiant 74, bearing the flag of the late Sir Manley Dixon on the North Sea and American stations. He has since been on half-pay. Agents – Messrs. Halford and Co.