A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Massey, John
MASSEY. (Lieut., 1810. f-p., 10; h-p., 34.)
John Massey entered the Navy, 3 Nov. 1803, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Plantagenet 74, Capts. Hon. Michael De Courcy, Fras. Pender, and Wm. Bradley. After a servitude of four years in the Channel and among the Western Islands, half the time in the capacity of Midshipman, he joined, in Nov. 1807, the Tonnant 80, bearing the flag of his friend Hon. M. De Courcy; whom, in March, 1809 (having previously assisted in embarking the remains of Sir John Moore’s army at Corunna), he followed, as Master’s Mate, into the Foudroyant 80, of which ship he was successively created an acting and a confirmed Lieutenant 3 Nov. 1809 and 9 April, 1810. He continued in her on the Brazilian station until Nov. 1812; and was next, from Nov. 1813 until Nov. 1814, employed off New York in the Saturn 56, Capt. Nash. He has not been since afloat.