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A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Robinson, Edward

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1903952A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Robinson, EdwardWilliam Richard O'Byrne

ROBINSON. (Lieut., 1813. f-p., 18; h-p., 24.)

Edward Robinson entered the Navy, 8 July, 1805, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Eurus sloop, Capt. Alex. Innes, with whom, and with Capt. Edw. Wallis Hoare, he continued employed as Midshipman in the Amsterdam 20, on the Cork station, until transferred, in Nov. 1807, to the Amelia of 48 guns, Capt. Hon. Fred. Paul Irby. In that ship he contributed to the destruction of three French frigates under the batteries of Sable d’Olonne 24 Feb. 1809; witnessed the capture of La Mouche corvette of 16 guns and 180 men, La Rejouie national brig of 8 guns and 51 men, a schooner of 1 gun and 25 men, two armed luggers with cargoes (all taken on one occasion, in company with the Statira 38), and Le Charles privateer of 20 guns, 300 tons, and 170 men; aided in causing the self-destruction, 25 March, 181 1, of L’Amazone, a French frigate of the largest class, which had been driven into a bay near Cape Barfleur; and was present at the demolition of the fort and town of Winnebah, on the coast of Africa. He was also, 7 Feb. 1813, engaged, as Master’s Mate, and severely wounded in a desperate action of more than three hours and a half fought off the lies de Los with L’Aréthuse French frigate of 44 guns (24-pounders on her main-deck) and 340 men, which terminated in the separation of the combatants, after a loss to the enemy of 105 killed and wounded, and to the British, out of an original force of 300, of 141 men killed and wounded.[1] For his conduct on the occasion he was ordered, the day following, to act as Third-Lieutenant (that officer having been killed); and on 15 of the ensuing April was confirmed. About six months after the Amelia had been paid off he was appointed, 12 Nov. 1813, to the Harlequin sloop, Capt. Wm. Kempthorne, with whom he served on the North American station until Nov. 1815. From Dec. 1832 until 1 Jan. 1838 he had charge of the Semaphore station at Chelsea; and from 12 May, 1842, until 1845, he was employed in the Ocean 80, guard-ship at Sheerness, Capts. Peter Fisher and Rich. Arthur. He is now on half-pay.

Lieut. Robinson’s wounds procured him a gratuity from the Patriotic Fund and a pension from Government of 91l. 5s. per annum.


  1. Vide Gaz. 1813, p. 583.