Royal Naval Biography/Slade, James
JAMES SLADE, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1810.]
We first find this officer serving as senior Lieutenant of the Latona frigate, Captain (now Vice-Admiral) Sotheron, by whom he was entrusted with the command of a detachment of boats, sent to co-operate with Captain Adam Mackenzie, in an attack upon a Dutch gun-brig, two armed schooners, a row-boat, and several merchant vessels, lying between Schiermonikoog and the main land of Groningen. The manner in which this service was executed has been fully described at p. 235, et seq. of Vol. II, Part I. The following is an extract of the official letter written by Captain Sotheron, when transmitting Captain Mackenzie’s report of his proceedings:–
“I am happy to say he makes most honorable mention of my friend and first Lieutenant, Mr. Slade, who is upon all occasions, a truly deserving and active officer. The Juno and Latona not being able to act, I may without vanity say, as we were only spectators, it has been as gallant an achievement as ever was recorded.”
Lieutenant Slade shortly afterwards witnessed the capture of the Helder, and the consequent surrender of the Dutch squadron, under Rear-Admiral Storey[1]: his promotion to the rank of Commander took place, Sept. 2, 1799; on which occasion he was appointed to l’Espiègle sloop, employed on the North Sea station.
Captain Slade’s post commission bears date Oct. 21, 1810; and from that period until the end of the war, we find him commanding the Experiment, receiving-ship at Falmouth.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.