A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Spencer, Samuel
SPENCER. (Lieut., 1806. f-p., 43; h-p., 8.)
Samuel Spencer entered the Navy, 9 Nov. 1796, as A.B., on the Prevoyante, Capts. Chas. Wemyss and John Seater, stationed on the coast of North America. In the following Aug. he attained the rating of Midshipman; and in April, 1800, he removed to the Active frigate, Capt. Dacres. After serving for three years and four months in that ship in the Channel and Mediterranean, he became Master’s Mate, in Aug. 1803, of the Maidstone 32, Capt. Hon. Geo. Elliot, under whom he was wounded while in pursuit of a French privateer. We believe he was also, 11 July, 1804, present in the boats at the cutting-out affair detailed in our memoir of Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker. In the course of the ensuing month he joined the Victory 100, flag-ship of Lord Nelson; and in her, on his return from pursuing the combined squadrons to the West Indies, he was afforded an opportunity of sharing in the glories of Trafalgar. He served subsequently, from Nov. 1805 until April, 1806, in the Queen 98, bearing the flag of Lord Collingwood off Cadiz; and on 18 Oct. in the latter year he was made Lieutenant into the Prince of Wales 98, flag-ship of Sir Jas. Saumarez in the Channel. From July to Sept. 1807 he cruized off Ferroll in the Achille 74, Capt. Sir Rich. King; during the next two years he filled an appointment in the Impress; he then, in Oct. 1809, joined the Rinaldo 10, Capt. Jas. Anderson, on the Downs station; and from March, 1810, until Jan. 1818, and again from July, 1823, until the close of 1837, he was employed in the Transport Service; in which, we are informed, he was present at Algiers. Since 10 June, 1839, he has been officiating as Admiralty Agent on board a contract mail steam-vessel.
Lieut. Spencer was left a widower 1 July, 1835. Agents – Collier and Ince.