A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Hunter, James
HUNTER. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 9; h-p., 31.)
James Hunter was born 21 July, 1794. This officer entered the Navy, 20 Jan. 1807 as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Thalia frigate, Capt Jas. Walker, with whom, in the same ship and in the Bedford 74, he continued to serve for the space of eight years, principally as Midshipman and Master’s Mate, on the Home, South American, North Sea, West India, and North American stations. Towards the close of 1807 he escorted the Royal Family of Portugal to the Brazils; and on 14 Dec. 1814 he served with the boats of a squadron at the capture, on Lake Borgne, of five American gun-boats under Commodore Jones, which did not surrender until the British, after a desperate struggle, had sustained a loss of 17 men killed and 77 wounded. On the occasion Mr. Hunter, while in the act of boarding one of the enemy’s vessels, received a musket-ball through his left hand, a grape-shot wound in his right cheek, and one over the left eye.[1] In consideration of his gallantry and sufferings he was appointed to act as Lieutenant and Commander of one of the prizes, the Harlequin, which, with the remainder, was paid off at Bermuda in the following June. He has not since been employed. His commission bears date 27 Feb. 1815. Lieut. Hunter never obtained any gratuity for his wounds. Since the peace he has had a command in the Merchant Service. He married 14 Dec. 1832; and has issue four children.
- ↑ Vide Gaz. 1815, p. 448.