A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Holbrook, James
HOLBROOK. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 24; h-p., 24.)
James Holbrook entered the Navy, 30 Oct. 1799, as Midshipman, on board the Abundance store-ship, Master-Commander Wm. Price; and in June, 1801, on his return from the Cape of Good Hope, he removed to the Unicorn 32, Capts. Chas. Wemyss and Chas. Stuart, attached to the force on the Home station; where, between Jan. 1803 and May, 1805, we find him employed on board the Ethalion and Melampus frigates, Capts. Chas. Stuart and Stephen Poyntz. In the course of the latter year he proceeded to the East Indies in the Woolwich 44, armée en flûte, Capt. Fras. Beaufort, with whom, we believe, he remained until April, 1807. From Nov. 1809, until Jan. 1813, he served on board the Magnificent 74, Capts. Geo. Eyre and Willoughby Thos. Lake, in the Mediterranean, and also on the north coast of Spain, where, in co-operation with the patriots, he assisted at the reduction of Castro, Puerta Galletta, Guetaria, St. Ano, &c. Until Sept. 1814, Mr. Holbrook was further occupied on the Channel station, in the Whiting schooner, Lieut.-Commander Geo. Hayes, and Insolent brig, Capts. Edw. Brazier and Wm. Kelly. He obtained his commission 15 Feb. 1815, but, with the exception of an appointment in the Coast Blockade, which he held as Supernumerary-Lieutenant of the Hyperion 42, Capt. Wm. Jas. Mingaye, from 4 Sept. 1826, until Aug. 1827, he was not again employed until 27 Jan. 1837; since which period he has been in charge of a station in the Coast Guard. Agents – Messrs. Chard.