A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Oliver, George Colin
OLIVER. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 14; h-p., 27.)
George Colin Oliver entered the Navy, in May, 1806, as a Supernumerary, on board the Milan 38, Capt. Sir Robt. Laurie, then on the point of sailing for Newfoundland, where, in the course of the same year, he successively joined the Leander 50 and Leopard 50, both commanded by Capt. Salusbury Pryce Humphreys. On 22 June, 1807, he was present, we believe, in the latter ship when she compelled the U.S. frigate Chesapeake to surrender, in consequence of a refusal on the part of the American Captain to allow her to be searched by the British for deserters. Between 1808 and the date of his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, 3 March, 1815, we find him employed on the Halifax, Mediterranean, and Home stations, as Midshipman and Master’s Mate, in the Swiftsure 74, flag-ship of Sir John Borlase Warren, Laurestinus 24 and Orlando 36, both commanded by Capt. John Clavell, and Nautilus 18, Capts. Thos. Dench and John Bradley. His succeeding appointments were – 17 Oct. 1818, to the Rochfort 80, flag-ship of Sir Thos. Fras. Fremantle and Sir Graham Moore in the Mediterranean – 7 Nov. 1821, to the Racehorse 18, Capt. Hon. Chas. Abbot (now Lord Colchester), on the same station, whence he returned to England and was paid off about Feb. 1822 – and, 23 Dec. 1825, to the Spartiate 74, Capt. Fred. Warren, lying at Portsmouth. Since the close of 1826, at which period be was superseded from the last-mentioned ship at his own request, Lieut. Oliver has been on half-pay. Agents – Messrs. Chard.