Royal Naval Biography/Temple, Francis
FRANCIS TEMPLE, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1805.]
This officer received his first commission in 1793, and was promoted to the rank of Commander for his gallant conduct in attacking and capturing the French national brig Venteux, of 10 guns and 82 men, an event already noticed in our memoir of Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland, from whose official letter to Sir John Colpoys we make the following extract:
“When it is considered that the Venteux, perfectly prepared, manned with 82 men, all of whom were upon deck, and covered with very heavy batteries, was opposed to the crews of two of our boats (as the third, from rowing heavy, did not get up till the brig was completely gained possession of) I feel confident you will view it in the light that I do, as one of those brilliant exploits which add lustre to the British arms; of which, though so many instances occurred during the late war, no one has before been happy enough to have thrown in his way during the present. The success of Mr. Temple’s daring attempt speaks sufficiently for his conduct, and that of every one under his command, to render it superfluous for me to enter into any eulogiurn on the present occasion.”
Captain Temple’s advancement to the rank of Commander took place July 4, 1803; and in Jan. following the Committee for managing the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd’s voted him a sword, value 50l., as a token of the sense entertained by that society of his distinguished merit in combat with an enemy of such superior force. His post commission bears date Mar. 12, 1805. Towards the close of the war we find him commanding the Armide frigate on channel service. He married, in 1815, Susan, youngest daughter of the late George Warren, of Penpool, Cornwall, Esq.
Agent.– Sir Francis M. Ommanney, M.P.