Royal Naval Biography/Richardson, Charles

by John Marshall

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CHARLES RICHARDSON, Esq.
A Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath.
[Post-Captain of 1804.]

This officer entered the naval service as a Midshipman on board the Vestal of 28 guns, commanded by Sir Richard I. Strachan, Nov. 19, 1787. In that ship he made two long voyages from England; one to the Straits of Banca, the other to Bombay^[1]; and from her he removed with his patron into the Phoenix 36, attached to the squadron under Commodore Cornwallis on the East India station, where he saw much active service during the war with Tippoo Saib, being employed for several months in boats sent up the different rivers toco-operate with the Malabar army under Sir Robert Abercrombie. He was also present in the action between the Phoenix and la Resolu, occasioned, as we have already stated, by the pertinacity of the French commander in refusing to allow some suspected vessels under his convoy to be examined for contraband stores^[2].

On his return to England, in 1793, Mr. Richardson joined the Alexander 74, fitting at Chatham; from which ship he removed, after passing his examination, in the spring of 1794, to the Royal George, a first rate, bearing the flag of Sir Alexander Hood, under whom he served in the battles of May 29, and June 1, 1794^[3]. On the 4th Aug. following, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and appointed to the Circe 28, of which frigate he was first Lieutenant during the general mutiny at the Nore, in 1797: on that occasion the rebellious seamen made strong efforts to obtain the command of the Circe, but were prevented by the firmness of her Captain and his officers, to whom the thanks of the Admiralty were afterwards given for their judicious conduct at that alarming juncture^[4].

In our memoir of Vice-Admiral Halkett we have stated that the Circe formed part of the squadron left off the Texel under Sir Henry Trollope, to watch the Dutch fleet; and that she was one of Admiral Duncan’s repeaters in the battle off Camperdown. We have now to add, that her first Lieutenant was the officer who conveyed the Batavian commander-in-chief from his late flag-ship to the Venerable. – Observing the Vryheid dismasted and silenced, and thinking it probable that Admiral de Winter would endeavour to get on board some other ship of his fleet, then near him and still in action, Lieutenant Richardson volunteered to go on board in a boat and take him out, which he accomplished without accident, rowing clear of the enemy’s fire, and presenting him in person to the British Admiral.

On his return to port, Lord Duncan, as a mark of his approbation, applied for Mr. Richardson to be appointed one of his Lieutenants, and he was accordingly removed into the Venerable, on promotion. He subsequently served with the same gallant veteran in the Kent 74, and we find him commanding a detachment of seamen, attached to Sir Ralph Abercromby’s army, from the period of debarkation near the Helder, until the surrender of the Dutch squadron under Rear-Admiral Storey, in Aug. 1799^[5]. The nature of the service in which he was personally engaged will be seen by the following extract from his Lordship’s public letter to the Admiralty:

“I shall not enter into a detail of the landing of the troops, or what happened on Tuesday, as their Lordships will have that stated by Vice-Admiral Mitchell; suffice it to say, the troops rowed towards the shore at day-break, and landed, though immediately opposed by numbers, and from that time till half-past four P.M. were continually in action.”

Lieutenant Richardson returned from the Texel in command of a Dutch 68-gun ship; but afterwards rejoined the Kent and served under Lord Duncan till that nobleman’s resignation, at the commencement of 1800. He subsequently accompanied the present Sir W. Johnstone Hope to the coast of Egypt^[6], assisted at the landing of the British troops in Aboukir bay, and was present in the battle of Mar. 8, 1801. His next appointment was, as first Lieutenant, to the Penelope frigate, commanded by the Hon. Henry Blackwood, with whom he continued on the Mediterranean station till the spring of 1802.

The Penelope, after refitting at Portsmouth, was ordered to convey Sir Alexander I. Ball and suite to Malta. Lieutenant Richardson, on his arrival at that island, was promoted to the command of the Alligator a 28-gun frigate, armed en flute. On his return to England, in April, 1803, he was sent to join Commodore Hood on the West India station; and he appears to have been entrusted by that officer with the direction of a flotilla employed in the reduction of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice, in Sept. 1803. His conduct during the operations against Surinam between April 25 and May 5, 1804, an account of which will be found at p. 797 et seq., was highly spoken of both in the naval and military despatches relative to the conquest of that colony, and led to his further advancement; the Commodore appointing him to command the Centaur 74, vice Captain Maxwell, and the Admiralty confirming that appointment by a commission dated Sept. 27 in the same year.

Captain Richardson returned home with Sir Samuel Hood in the spring of 1805; and on the 2d Jan. 1806 was appointed to the Caesar 80, bearing the flag of his old friend and patron Sir R. I. Strachan, then about to sail in pursuit of a squadron which had recently escaped from Brest. Towards the end of 1807, we find him employed off Rochefort, and in Feb. 1808 accompanying the same officer to the Mediterranean in quest of another French squadron under Rear-Admiral Allemand, who, however, had the good fortune to reach Toulon without molestation.

On the 23d Feb. 1809, the Caesar, then bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Stopford, but still commanded by Captain Richardson, assisted at the destruction of three French frigates in the Sable d’Olonne, and on that occasion sustained considerable damage in her bowsprit and rigging, by the fire from several batteries under which they had sought refuge^[7]. She was also present at the attack made upon the enemy’s fleet in Aix roads, April 11, 1809^[8]; and appears to have been one of the ships which passed the French batteries and brought up at that anchorage, with a view of renewing the attack in the evening of the following day. Her loss, according to Lord Gambler’s official return, consisted of 3 persons killed, and 1 man missing, supposed to have been drowned. In July following, Captain Richardson was attached to the Walcheren expedition; the object, conduct, and result of which, have been so much canvassed, and are now so generally known, as to render it unnecessary for us to offer an opinion thereon. The following extracts from official and other documents, will shew the manner in which the subject of this memoir was employed:

Sir Richard I. Strachan to the Admiralty, Aug. 4, 1809.

“As soon as the ships were secured [in the Roompot], measures were instantly taken to land the army on the island of Walcheren. I did not wait for the gun-boats coming up, but ordered those who happened to be near the Venerable, together with the mortar-brigs, to push in shore, cover the landing, and force the Derhaak battery.

“Having accomplished this first object, I lost no time in directing the bombs and gun-vessels to proceed up the Veere Gat, off Camvere; and having given Sir Home Popham permission to employ them as the service might require, he the next morning (July 31) began to cannonade Camvere, which had been summoned, but held out. The fire of the gun-boats was exceedingly well-directed, and did much damage to the town. The officers and men engaged in that service had a great claim to my admiration for their conduct. Three of our gun-boats were sunk. In the afternoon it blew fresh, and as the strength of the tide prevented the boats from acting, I directed the flotilla to fall back, preserving a menacing position. “At night, Captain Richardson, of the Caesar, who was in the dyke on shore, threw some rockets at the nearest battery of Camvere, and soon after the commanding officer of the town sent out an offer to surrender. A copy of the terms acceded to by Lieutenant-General Eraser, and Captain Richardson, the senior naval officer on the spot, accompanies this letter^[9].”

Rear-Admiral W. A. Otway to Sir R. I. Strachan, Aug. 16, 1809.

“I have the honor to enclose for your information, a report from Cap_ tain Richardson of H.M.S. Caesar, who commanded the brigade of seamen that landed on the 30th ult. with the division of the army under the orders of Lieutenant-General Sir Eyre Coote, K.B.; and I beg leave to add, that I am authorised by the Lieutenant-General, who commanded the siege of Flushing, and under whose orders the naval brigade more immediately acted; as likewise by Major-General M‘Leod, commanding officer of the royal artillery, to express their high approbation of the bravery and zeal so very conspicuous in the conduct of Captains Richardson and Blarney, and the whole of the officers and men under their command, during the continuance of a long and most arduous service.”

Captain Charles Richardson to Rear-Admiral Otway, Aug. 16, 1809.

“I beg leave to inform you, that in obedience to your general order issued on the 28th ultimo, I landed with the army on the sand-hills, near the signal-post on the island of Walcheren, on the 30th ultimo. The officers and seamen you did me the honor to place under my orders, were composed of three divisions, having charge of nine pieces of ordnance, which were drawn and worked by them. At 8 A.M. on the 31st, the left division took post before Ter Verre^[10], and joined in the attack of that place, throwing several cases of rockets into it with good effect; during the night a flag of truce was received, and the terms of capitulation agreed to and signed by Lieutenant-General Fraser and myself. On the 1st instant, the troops quitted Ter Verre, on their way to fort Raminekena, when we were constantly employed in the construction of works, and drawing heavy cannon, till it also capitulated on the 3d at night^[11]. The detachment then proceeded to East Zouberg, and were employed day and night in cutting fascines, erecting batteries, and drawing heavy ordnance into them; the artillery horses being found inadequate to perform that service from the narrow roads, darkness of the night, and difficulty of driving clear of the ditches, into which they had thrown several 24-pounder guns and carriages. This important duty, from the heavy rains and soft muddy soil, was attended with the greatest difficulty and fatigue.

“After having assisted in mounting all the batteries, and otherwise completing them, on the 12th, General Sir Eyre. Coote honored me with the command of a new work just lined out for six 24-pounders; we made every possible exertion to complete it under a galling fire from the enemy’s ramparts, distant only 600 yards; during the day four were killed and one wounded in the battery. At sun-rise on the 14th, we opened a most destructive fire on the rampart and town in front of us, and in two hours every gun we could bear upon was silent. Our fire waa kept up incessantly until about 7 P.M., when I received an order to cease, as did all the other works. We immediately put the battery in a state for renewing the fire, if found necessary; and at nine we opened again by order, with still greater effect, and continued our fire until two o’clock, when we ceased, by order, the French General having agreed to capitulate on the basis of the garrison becoming prisoners of war. I cannot conclude this report, without assuring you that I have received every possible support from Captain Blarney, and the Lieutenants of the different ships under my orders } and I beg to recommend them to your attention and protection^[12],”

“Letters from Flushing,” by an officer of the 81st regiment, (p. 155.)

“Of the batteries which chiefly distinguished themselves in the bombardment, one of them commanded by Captain Richardson, of the Caesar, astonished us all. It consisted of six 24-pounders, and played on the enemy incessantly. Every discharge seemed to be followed by a vast crash and ruin in the town. I must observe, by the way, that the seamen are all engineers, and manage the batteries as well, I had almost said better, than any of our artillery officers. They fire their batteries by broadsides, and the reports of the individual pieces are seldom distinguishable. They always play, moreover, against a certain point till they have demolished it. * * * *. Their 6-gun battery invariably went off as if only one gun.”

Early in 1810, Captain Richardson was ordered to Lisbon, where he exchanged into the Semiramis frigate, about the month of April in the same year. On the 24th Aug. 1811, he undertook a very daring and hazardous enterprise, in company with Captain William Ferris, of the Diana, the particulars of which are contained in the subjoined letters on service:

“Captain Ferris to Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Williams.

“I have the honor to inform you, that, while standing towards the Cordovan light-house, in company with H.M.S. Semiramis, in the afternoon of the 24th instant, I discerned four sail inside of the shoals at the mouth of the Gironde, under escort of a national brig of war. I meditated either their capture or destruction, which could only be accomplished by artifice and promptitude, without the sacrifice of many lives. Stratagem was used, which had the desired effect, as they sent a vessel, with pilots, to our assistance, and I anchored, after dark, the two ships midway between the Cordovan and Royan, under whose guns the brig had taken refuge, and close to the brig stationed for the protection of the several convoys passing either way. I despatched three boats, under the orders of Lieutenant Sparrow, Lieutenant Roper, and Mr. Holmes, Master’s-mate, from this ship, seconded by four boats, under the orders of Lieutenants Gardner, Grace, and Nicholson, and Mr. Reneau, Master’s-mate, from the Semiramis, to capture or destroy the convoy then anchored up the river, about four miles distant; but the tide prevented their accomplishing it until late in the night; and at day-light, finding the captured vessels with the boats far up the river beyond the two brigs, I determined to attack the latter with the ships, but not without using the same artifice as before to prevent suspicion^[13]; and so convinced were they of our being friends, that the Captain of the port, Monsieur Dubourg, Capitaine de fregate, and commanding the in-shore brig, came on board to offer his services, and was not undeceived until he had ascended the quarter-deck. The Diana laid the outer brig on board, and Lieutenant Robert White Parsons (first Lieutenant), Lieutenant Madden R.M., and Mr. George M. Noble (Boatswain), headed about 30 seamen and marines, as many as could be spared by the absence of the boats, and succeeded in getting possession of H.M. late gun-brig Teazer, mounting 12 18-pounder carronades, and 2 long eighteens, commanded by M. Papineau, Lieutenant de vaisseau, with a complement of 85 men, and without loss on either side. It adds to the lustre these officers and men achieved, the humanity they displayed to the overpowered captives in putting them below without the force of arms, and an unnecessary effusion of blood. It was at this time that alarm was given, and the batteries opened their fire upon the ships; when Captain Richardson, in a manner which characterizes the officer and seaman, pursued, drove on shore, and burnt, under the guns of the batteries, le Pluvier French national brig, of 16 guns and 136 men, whose Captain I have before spoken of, was decoyed on board.

“Having obtained the object in view, I anchored in the Gironde, out of gun-shot, to repair the damages sustained by the different vessels. The services I received from Captain Richardson, the officers and ship’s company of the Semiramis, merit my warmest acknowledgments; and I should be committing a great injustice to the officers and crew I command, were I not to speak in terms of the highest admiration of their steadiness and zeal throughout the whole affair. Could I add stronger encomiums to one than another, it would be from the great assistance I received from Lieutenant Parsons, and Mr. David Bevans, the Master, whose unremitted attention in piloting the ship, in the most intricate navigation, greatly tended to insure the object of pursuit. I enclose you a letter from Captain Charles Richardson, narrating his attack upon the brig, and enclosing a list of wounded in the affray.”

(Signed)“W. Ferris.”

Captain Richardson to Captain Ferris.

“As soon as the Diana ran on board the enemy’s outside brig, her consort immediately cut her cable and made sail for the beach near the battery of Royan, where she grounded. I followed in to five fathoms, anchoring with a spring; the broadside was brought to bear on the enemy’s brig, and bow-guns on the battery, within grape-shot of both.

“After engaging some time, I found the guns of the enemy’s vessel almost silenced, and perceived the boats haul up to quit her.

“At this time the barge, pinnace, and cutter rejoined me; I ordered Lieutenant Gardner, with these boats, immediately to board the enemy, which was gallantly effected after receiving her broadside. She proved to be the French national brig Pluvier, of 16 guns and 136 men.

“The prize being fast on shore, the ebb-tide running most rapidly, and my own ship in only twenty feet water, I found it necessary to burn her, which being completely effected I made sail to join you.”

The Semiramis on this occasion had only 3 persons wounded: Captains Ferria and Richardson received the thanks of the Admiralty “for the peculiar neatness” to use the words of the late Mr. Perceval, “with which they had conducted the business^[14].” Among numerous captures subsequently made by the latter officer was a French privateer, the Grand Jean Bart., of 14 guns and 106 men. The Semiramis was paid off at Portsmouth, Aug. 29, 1814; and Captain Richardson was shortly after nominated a C.B. as a reward for his meritorious conduct during a period of more than twenty-six years, passed in active service at sea and co-operation with troops on shore in every quarter of the globe.

Captain Richardson’s next appointment was, July 29, 1819, to the Leander of 60 guns, fitting for the flag of Sir Henry Blackwood, commander-in-chief on the East India station. On the demise of Captain John R. Lumley, in July, 1821, he consented to take the command of the Topaze frigate; and proceeded in her from Pulo Penang to China, where 14 of his crew were dangerously wounded by the natives, while employed filling water at Lintin. The remainder of the watering party were fortunately preserved through the firmness and judgment of Lieutenant William Hamilton (b), the senior officer then present.

Two Chinese having been killed by the Topaze’s fire, disputes ensued with the authorities at Canton, which led to the suspension of all commercial intercourse, the embarkation of the British factory without passes, and the departure of all the Hon. Company’s ships then lying in the Tigris. At length, however, a Mandarin of high rank was sent on board the frigate to discuss this unpleasant affair; and he proving a sensible and moderate man, the business was satisfactorily adjusted, and matters restored to their former footing, in the spring of 1822. Captain Richardson then returned to India, and re-joined the Leander a short time previous to Sir Henry Blackwood being relieved by Commodore Grant; but his health being in a very dangerous state he was obliged to invalid at the Cape of Good Hope, Oct. 14 in the same year.

Agent.– Thomas Stilwell, Esq.

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1. See Vol. I. p. 284.
2. See id. p. 285; and Vol. II. Part I. note † at p. 319.
3. See Vol. I. p. 246.
4. See id. p. 573.
5. See Vol. I. p. 415 et seq.
6. See id. p. 512.
7. See Vol. I. p. 617.
8. See id. pp. 84 and 356.
9. See Naval Chronicle, vol. 22, p. 146. N.B. Camvere was strong in its defences, and had a garrison of 509 men.
10. Camvere.
11. The occupation of fort Ramraekens by the British, completed the investment of Flushing – Middleburgh, the capital of Walcheren, having previously surrendered. It also enabled the small armed vessels and gunboats to pass through the Slough into the Western Scheldt, for the purpose of preventing succours from reaching the enemy by the canal of Ghent.
12. Lieutenants John Wyborn, ___ Nicholson, Eaton Travers, ___ Hilton, ___ Howell, ___ Medway, and ___ Hall.
13. The two frigates hoisted French colours, and the Diana a Commodore’s broad pendant.
14. Captain William Ferris, C.B. was the second son of the late Thomas Ferris, D.D. Dean of Battle. He obtained the rank of Post-Captain when under 21 years of age. His career though short was brilliant, he having highly distinguished himself on many occasions in the West Indies, Dutch Guiana, the North Sea, and British Channel. He died at Chelsea, May 18, 1822, in his 40th year.