A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Pulling, James
PULLING. (Captain, 1845. f-p., 28; h-p., 16.)
James Pulling entered the Navy, 26 July, 1803, as Midshipman, on board the Fisgard 38, Capts. Lord Mark Robt. Kerr, Wm. Bolton, and Fras. Mason. In that ship he was actively employed on the Channel, Mediterranean, Jamaica, and North Sea stations, part of the time as Master’s Mate, until obliged by ill health to invalid in May, 1810. In 1809 he accompanied the expedition to the Walcheren. In Sept. 1811, after his name had been for five months borne as a Supernumerary on the books of the Royal William, Capt. Robt. Hall, Ruby, Master-Commander Ferry, and Eurydice 24, Capt. Jas. Bradshaw, he joined the Atalanta 18, Capt. Fred. Hickey, under whom he assisted in the attack on Crany Island in June, 1813, and was wrecked, while acting as Master, on the Sisters Rocks, off Halifax lighthouse, 10 Nov. following. He then returned to England in the Nemesis 28, Capt. Hon. Jas. Ashley Maude; and, on 23 Feb. 1815, was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant. For several years subsequently to 1821 Mr. Pulling was employed in the Coast Guard service in Hampshire, where his exertions in the protection of the revenue brought him into frequent contact with bands of smugglers. In Dec. 1826 he was placed in command of the Skipjack schooner, on the Jamaica station, where he remained until promoted to the rank of Commander 8 Sept. 1829. He was afterwards again employed in the Coast Guard – from 7 Oct. 1831 until 1834 – from 24 May, 1836, until 1839 – and, from 30 March, 1840, until presented, 16 Jan. 1845, with a Post-commission. He has since been on half-pay. Capt. Pulling is Senior of 1845.