A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Watkins, Frederick
WATKINS. (Admiral of the Red, 1840.)
Frederick Watkins obtained his first commission 20 Nov, 1790; and was Senior-Lieutenant of the Blanche of 38 guns and 198 men, Capt, Jonathan Faulknor, at the capture, 5 Jan. 1795, off Guadeloupe, of the French frigate La Pique, of 38 guns and about 279 men, after an action of nearly four hours and a-half, as brilliant and decided as was ever fought, in which the enemy had 76 killed and 110 wounded, and the British 8 killed and 21 wounded,[1] Capt, Faulknor falling during the conflict, the command of the Blanche devolved upon Mr. Watkins, whose consummate gallantry in bringing the struggle to so glorious an issue obtained him a Post-Commission bearing date 26 April following. Being appointed, about the same period, to the Resource of 28 guns, he particularly distinguished himself in her by the endeavours he shortly afterwards made to subdue the insurrections which, at the instigation of Victor Hugues, had broken out in the islands of Ste. Lucie, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Dominique, After cruizing with great activity and success, and assisting, in company with the Mermaid 32, at the capture, 10 Dec, 1796, of Le Général Leveau corvette, of 16 guns, he obtained command, in 1799, of the Néréide 36, In this ship, while stationed in the Bay of Biscay, he made prize, in March, 1800, of La Vengeance privateer of 16 guns and 174 men, and retook an American ship with a cargo of coffee, sugar, and tobacco, valued at 30,000l. On 11 Sept, following, being off the port of Amsterdam, in the island of Curaçoa, Capt. Watkins received a deputation from the Dutch inhabitants, who, alarmed at the barbarities committed by a large republican force recently arrived from Guadeloupe, now claimed the protection of England. Pushing at once into the harbour, Capt, Watkins landed his men and some cannon, took possession of the forts and thereby induced the French to evacuate the island. On the 13th a capitulation was signed, surrendering Curaçoa and its dependencies, with the vessels in the harbour, in all 44 sail, and such property as was on board of them on the 10th, to the Néréide.[2] In Feb. 1801 Capt. Watkins returned to England. His last appointment was, in 1808, to the Majestic 74. He was placed on the Retired List of Rear-Admirals 11 June, 1814; and successively promoted, 12 Nov. 1840, to the rank of Vice and full Admiral.
Admiral Watkins published, in 1809, a work entitled, ‘The Young Naval Hero; or, Hints to Parents and Guardians on Educating and Preparing Young Gentlemen for His Majesty’s Navy.’ He is married and has issue. Agents – Hallett and Robinson.