Robert Rolles

Notes on Officer

At the commencement of the war with France, in 1793, this officer commanded the Lord Mulgrave hired armed ship, of 20 guns, employed in convoying the trade between Spithead and Hull, the underwriters of which port presented him with a handsome piece of plate, for his great care and diligent attention to their interests whilst on that station.

On the 12th Aug. 1795, Captain Rolles was posted into the Laurel, of 28 guns; and in the spring of the following year, assisted at the reduction of St. Lucia, by the forces under the orders of Sir Hugh C. Christian and Sir Ralph Abercromby. He subsequently commanded the Renommée and Alarm frigates, on the Jamaica station, and returned to England in the latter, about the year 1800.

During his continuance in the West Indies, our officer captured several of the enemy’s privateers and armed packets, and a Spanish national schooner, of 14 guns. He also assisted in taking the Asturiana, letter of marque, mounting 24 guns and 4 brass howitzers, with a complement of 100 men, from Cadiz to Vera Cruz, richly laden.

We next find Captain Rolles commanding the Lion, of 64 guns, in the East Indies; from whence he convoyed home several of the Hon. Company’s ships; and for this service was presented by the Court of Directors, with the sum of 500l. for the purchase of a piece of plate. On the 27th Dec, 1808, the Lion captured la Reciprocite French privateer, of 14 guns and 45 men, off Beachy Head.

Early in 1811, Captain Rolles obtained the command of the Edinburgh, a new 74, from which ship he removed into the Union, a second rate, on the Mediterranean station, where he remained until the peace. His commission as Rear-Admiral bears date June 4, 1814.

Our officer married, first, Dec. 22, 1801, Miss Scott, daughter of Rear-Admiral Scott, of Spring Hill. Secondly, about Jan., 1805, a daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Rawbone, Rector of Hatford.