ROBERT HENDERSON, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1806.]
Second son of a deceased military officer, was born in 1778, commenced his naval career soon after the commencement of the French revolutionary war, served the whole of his time as a Midshipman on board the Southampton frigate, and was made a Lieutenant into the Osprey sloop, May 29, 1799.
Soon after his first promotion, Mr. Henderson proceeded to the Leeward Islands, on which station we find him serving as senior Lieutenant of the same vessel, at the renewal of hostilities in 1803.
The Osprey formed part of Commodore Hood’s squadron at the reduction of St. Lucia, June 22, 1803[1]; and Lieutenant Henderson subsequently performed a dashing exploit, the nature of which will be seen by the following copy of his commander’s official letter, dated Oct. 31 in the same year:
“Sir,– I beg leave to acquaint you, that on the 26th instant I discovered a suspicious sail under the land of Trinidad, and immediately chased; but on arriving within about four miles of her it fell calm, and as I was now convinced she was an enemy’s privateer, from the number of sweeps she was rowing, and having no chance of coming up with her in the Osprey, I sent three boats to attack her, under the command of Lieutenant Robert Henderson: the cutter in which he was, rowing much faster than the other boats, he, without waiting to be joined by them, in the most brave and determined manner, and under a heavy fire from the enemy’s guns and musketry, boarded and captured the French privateer la Resource, mounting 4 four-pounders, and having on board 43 men, 2 of whom were killed and 12 wounded.
“Lieutenant Henderson and 3 seamen are slightly wounded, and one man dangerously: the cutter had only 17 men in her, who all behaved with the utmost bravery. I have further to inform you, that having put Lieutenant (Francis Augustus) Collier, and 16 men, on board the brig, he the next day chased and captured la Mimi French schooner privateer, of 1 gun and 21 men. I am, &c.
“To Commodore Hood, &c. &c. &c.”
- ↑ See Vol. 1, p. 481.
- ↑ Captain Younghusband died in 1806.
