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A Naval Biographical Dictionary/McQuhae, Peter

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1819279A Naval Biographical Dictionary — McQuhae, PeterWilliam Richard O'Byrne

M‘QUHAE. (Captain, 1835. f-p., 18; h-p., 26.)

Peter M‘Quhae entered the Navy, 22 Sept. 1803, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Excellent 74, Capt. Frank Sotheron. In that ship, in which he soon attained the rating of Midshipman, he served for nearly three years in the Mediterranean, where he took part in the defence of the Bay of Naples. He was next, from Aug. 1806 until Nov. 1808, employed, chiefly on the Home station; in the Phoebe 36, Capt. Jas. Oswald; after which, becoming Master’s Mate of the Lavinia 40, Capt. Lord Wm. Stuart, he assisted, previously to the fall of Flushing, in forcing a passage between the batteries of that place and Cadsand. In Jan. 1810, having attained the rank of Lieutenant 7 Oct. 1809, and been for a short time attached to the Apelles sloop, Capt. Thos. Oliver, he joined the Pyramus frigate, Capts. Chas. Dashwood and Jas. Whitley Deans Dundas, under whom he served with activity in the Baltic and Mediterranean, among the Western Islands, and along the coast of France, until within a short time of his advancement to the rank of Commander, 15 June, 1814. From the latter date Capt. M‘Quhae did not again go afloat until Sept. 1831; on 17 of which month we find him appointed to the Fly 18, fitting for the West Indies, whence he returned home and was paid off in Oct. 1835. He was advanced to the rank he now holds 10 Dec. following; and since 11 Oct. 1844 has been in command of the Daedalus 20, in the East Indies. Capt. M‘Quhae married (a second time), 19 Oct. 1831, Caroline, relict of S. Bloss Copping, Esq., of Harleston, co. Norfolk, by whom he has issue. Agents – Hailett and Robinson.