Royal Naval Biography/Polkinghorne, James
JAMES POLKINGHORNE, Esq.
[Captain of 1828.]
Was made a lieutenant into the Cleopatra frigate. Captain (now Sir John Brooke) Pechell, Dec. 1st, 1808; and assisted in capturing the French national ship Topaze, of 48 guns, near Guadaloupe, Jan. 22d, 1809[1], On this occasion, his captain wrote to Sir Alexander Cochrane as follows:–
“I am happy in having an opportunity of bearing testimony to the gallantry displayed by the officers and crew of H.M. ship under my command; and beg leave to recommend my first lieutenant, William Simpson, to their Lordships’ notice; also Lieutenants Polkinghorne and Lambert, as good officers, and every way deserving their Lordships’ favor.”
In Dec. 1812, Mr. Polkinghorne followed Captain Pechell from the Cleopatra into the San Domingo 74, bearing the flag of Sir John B. Warren, on the North American station. In the beginning of April 1813, he was slightly wounded while commanding a detachment of boats, at the capture of four formidable privateers, in the Rappahannock river. The copy of his official report is given in p. 365 et seq. of Suppl. Part I.; and we have there stated, on good authority, that he was promoted for this gallant exploit, although his commission as commander is only dated June 27th, 1814. His subsequent appointments were, – in July 1824, to be Inspecting Commander of the Coast Guard at Fowey; – and, Nov. 21st, 1825, to the Sparrowhawk sloop, fitting out for the Cape of Good Hope station ; where he continued until advanced to the rank of captain, Aug. 25th, 1828.
This officer married, in 1821, the second daughter of the late Robert Passingham, of Chester, Esq.
Agent.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, & Son.