A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Mercer, Samuel
MERCER. (Commander, 1838. f-p., 19; h-p., 6.)
Samuel Mercer entered the Navy, 20 Jan. 1822, as Midshipman, on board the Leven 26, Capt. Wm. Fitzwilliam Owen, in which vessel, until Sept. 1826, he was employed in surveying the east and west coasts of Africa. In Feb. 1827, after he had been for about two months attached to the Challenger 28, Capt. John Hayes, on the Home station, he again joined Capt. Owen on board the Eden 26. Continuing with him until June, 1830, he was in consequence afforded an opportunity of assisting in the colonization of Fernando Po, and had the satisfaction during the period of being awarded a Lieutenant’s commission dated 12 Jan. 1829. His next appointments were – 23 June, 1831, to the Blossom 16, Capt. Rich. Owen, employed on surveying-service in the West Indies, where he remained, part of the time in command of the Monkey tender, until Oct. 1832 – and 11 Jan. 1834, to the command of the Charybdis 3. While in that vessel, which he paid off in Sept. 1837, Lieut. Mercer was again stationed on the African coast, and succeeded in capturing not less than 14 slave-vessels. Attaining his present rank 28 June, 1838, he officiated, from 17 Aug. 1841, until Aug. 1846, as Superintendent of the Packet service at Dover, with his name on the books of the Ocean 80, guard-ship at Sheerness. He is now on half-pay.
Commander Mercer married, 20 Feb. 1839, Fanny, eldest daughter of Lieut. Josiah Durnford, R.N., by whom he has issue. Agents – Hallett and Robinson.