A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Henry, John
HENRY. (Lieutenant, 1823. f-p., 21; h-p., 18.)
John Henry entered the Navy, 8 June, 1808, as a Volunteer, on board the Iphigenia 36, Capt. Hen. Lambert, in which ship, after making a voyage to Quebec, he proceeded to India, where he witnessed the conquest of Ile Bourbon in July, 1810, and in the course of the following month assumed a share, as Midshipman, in a series of gallant but unfortunate operations, which, by the 28th, terminated in the self-destruction of the British frigates Sirius. bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Sam. Pym, and Magicienne, the capture of the Nereide, and the surrender to a powerful French squadron of the Iphigenia herself, after incurring an individual loss of at least 5 men killed and 13 wounded, at the entrance of Port Sud-Est, Isle of France. From the date last mentioned Mr. Henry remained subject to the horrors of a loathsome captivity, until released at the subsequent reduction of the Mauritius, when he was re-appointed to the Iphigenia, Capt. Thos. Gordon Caulfeild, with whom, he returned to England and was paid off in May, 1811. He then served for three years in the Baltic and Channel, part of the time as Master’s Mate, on board the Pyramus 36, Capts. Chas. Dashwood and Jas. Whitley Deans Dundas; which frigate, towards the close of 1812, brought Sir Jas. Saumarez from Gottenborg to England. Between May, 1814, and Aug. 1824, Mr. Henry was employed, on the West India, Mediterranean, Home, and African stations, in the Sultan 74, Capt. John West, Euphrates 36, Capt. Robt. Preston, Tagus 38, Capt. J. W. D. Dundas, Active 46, Capt. Jas. Alex. Gordon, Ramillies 74, Capt. Edw. Brace, Owen Glendower 42, Commodore Sir Robt. Mends, and Driver sloop, Capt. Chas. Bowen. While in the latter vessel, of which he was confirmed a Lieutenant 22 Oct. 1823, we find him co-operating with the troops engaged in the Ashantee war. His last appointment afloat was, 6 Nov. 1828, to the Challenger 28, Capt. Chas. Howe Fremantle, with whom he served in the East Indies, as First Lieutenant, until he returned home and was paid off 12 June, 1833.
Lieut. Henry, who has long officiated as an Emigration Agent, is now employed in that capacity at Dublin.