Royal Naval Biography/Stuart, James
JAMES STUART, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1813.]
Obtained the rank of lieutenant in Aug. 1797; and was first of the Minotaur 74, Captain Charles John Moore Mansfield, at the battle of Trafalgar.
The flight of Rear-Admiral Dumanoir le Pelley afforded to the Minotaur and Spartiate an opportunity which, as the two rearmost ships of the weather column, they would otherwise have sought in vain. Having hauled close on the larboard tack, they lay to with their main-top-sails to the masts; exchanged broadsides in passing with the Formidable, Duguay-Trouin, Mont Blanc, and Scipion; and succeeded in cutting off the Neptuno 80, which was the last Spanish ship that struck her colours on that eventful day. The Minotaur had her fore-top-sail-yard shot away; her masts, yards, and rigging in general a good deal damaged; 3 men killed, and 22 wounded. Her first lieutenant was made commander Dec. 24, 1805; and advanced to post rank, Dec. 4, 1813.