Royal Naval Biography/Boxer, James
JAMES BOXER, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1814.]
Is a native of Dover. We first find him serving as master’s-mate of the Tigre 80, Captain Sir Sidney Smith, who gave him the command of a gun-boat, employed in the defence of St. Jean d’Acre. His advancement to the rank of lieutenant took place in Nov. 1800; and he was subsequently presented with the Turkish gold medal for his services in the Levant.
Mr. Boxer next presents himself to our notice as lieutenant of the Pompée 74, at the seige of Copenhagen; and he appears to have been included in the general promotion of officers belonging to Lord Gambier’s fleet, Oct. 13, 1807. In the spring of 1809, being then commander of the Skylark brig, he was employed in ascertaining the strength of the enemy’s defences at Flushing, &c. preparatory to the commencement of the Walcheren expedition.
On the 10th Nov. 1811, the Skylark, in company with the Locust gun-brig, Lieutenant John Gedge, discovered and pursued twelve French gun-vessels, one of which was driven on shore near Calais, and another, a brig, of 4 long 24-pounders and 60 men, captured, under a heavy fire from the enemy’s batteries and musketry. On the 3d May, 1812, the Skylark was unfortunately wrecked near Boulogne.
Captain Boxer’s next appointment was, Feb. 15, 1814, to the Albacore sloop, in which vessel he was serving when promoted to post rank, July 19 following.
Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, and Son.