Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ballard, Volant Vashon
BALLARD, VOLANT VASHON (1774?–1832), rear-admiral, a nephew of Admiral James Vashon, served as a midshipman with Vancouver in his voyage to the north-west coast of America. Shortly after his return to England he was made a lieutenant, 6 June 1795; and in 1798, whilst commanding the Hobart sloop, on the East India station, was posted into the Carysfort frigate. He subsequently commanded the Jason frigate, the De Ruyter, of 68 guns, and the Beschermer, of 50 guns, but without any opportunity of special distinction. In 1807, whilst commanding the Blonde, a 32-gun frigate, he cruised with great success against the enemy's privateers, capturing seven of them within a few months; and in 1809-10, still in the Blonde, served under the command of his namesake, Commodore Ballard of the Sceptre, at the capture of the French frigates in Anse-la-Barque, and the reduction of Guadeloupe [see Ballard, Samuel James], for which he was honourably mentioned by both the naval and military commanders-in-chief. He obtained his flag rank in May 1825, and died at Bath 12 Oct. 1832.
[Gent. Mag. cii. ii. 646.]