A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Hungate, William
HUNGATE. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 13; h-p., 31.)
William Hungate was born 7 Sept. 1786. He was presented to William IV. by the Earl of Denbigh, as a Baronet, 27 April, 1831.
This officer entered the Navy, 10 July, 1803, as Ordinary, on board the Pique 36, Capts. Wm. Cumberland and Chas. Bayne Hodgson Ross. In the course of the same year he witnessed the evacuation of Aux Cayes, St. Domingo, the capture, with other vessels, of Le Goelan 18, and the surrender of three French frigates with the remains of General Rochambeau’s army from Cape François on board. He was also, in Jan. 1804, present in the unsuccessful attack on the island of Curaçoa; and in Dec. 1804 and Feb. 1805, we find him assisting at the capture of the Spanish ships of war Diligentia and Orquijo. On 26 March, 1806, he further contributed to the taking of the French corvettes Phaeton and Voltigeur of 16 guns and 115 men each; the former of which vessels offered so fierce a resistance that 9 of the British were killed, and 14 of them (including Mr. Hungate in the knee) wounded, while in the act of boarding. For their gallantry on the occasion the officers were each presented by the Patriotic Society with the sum of 100l. for the purchase of a sword, and the men with 20l. a-piece. In Aug. 1807, on his return with a large convoy to England, Mr. Hungate removed to the Elizabeth 74, Capts. Hon. H. Curzon, Thos. Searle, and Edw. Leveson Gower. In that ship, in which he served as Midshipman, Master’s Mate, and Second Master, until June, 1812, he witnessed the departure of the Royal Family of Portugal for the Brazils, aided in blockading the Russian Rear-Admiral Seniavin’s squadron in the Tagus, was employed in embarking the troops after the battle of Corunna, and was for some time stationed in South America. From June, 1812, until Feb. 1816, Mr. Hungate officiated as Second Master of the Minden 74, bearing the flag at first of Sir Samuel Hood, and afterwards commanded by Capt. Donald Hugh Mackay, on the East India station. He then, having passed his examination in Dec. 1809, took up a commission bearing date 2 March, 1815; and has since been on half-pay.
Lieut. Hungate married, 27 Aug. 1818, Jane, daughter of the late Lieut. Wm. Avery, R.N., and. by that lady, who died 21 June, 1845, has issue six sons and four daughters. Agents – Goode and Lawrence.