A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Featherstone, Craven John
FEATHERSTONE. (Commander, 1844. f-p., 18; h-p., 18.)
Craven John Featherstone entered the Navy, in Nov. 1811, as a Volunteer, on board the Maidstone 36, Capts. Geo. Burdett and Wm. Skipeey. During the four years of his continuance in that ship, he assisted in taking a large number of American privateers; contributed, among other boat services, to the capture of four large armed schooners in the Rappahannock river; aided in beating off 13 heavy gun-boats after an action of four hours; was at the taking of Georgetown and Frederickstown; and twice fell into the hands of the enemy — on the last occasion, after an ineffectual resistance offered by himself and his only two companions against a body of 45 men. Mr. Featherstone — who, in consequence of the misfortune we have just recorded, remained nine months in captivity — subsequently joined the Leander 50; from which ship, commanded by Capt. Skipsey, he was discharged, as Master’s Mate, in July, 1816, into the Fury bomb, Capt. Constantino Rich. Moorsom. On his return to England, after participating in the battle of Algiers, he became attached with Capt. Moorsom to the Prometheus sloop, employed on Channel service; and from 1818, in which year he passed his examination, until Jan. 1825, he served, on the Home and Cape of Good Hope stations, in the Severn 40, Capt. Wm. M‘Culloch, and in the Ariadne and Andromache frigates, both commanded by Capt. C. R. Moorsom. He then, as Acting-Lieutenant, rejoined the Ariadne, commanded at the time by Capt. Isham Fleming Chapman; and, being confirmed 3 July following, was next appointed — 17 Dec. 1825, to the Prince Regent 120, flag-ship until 1827 of Sir Robt. Moorsom at the Nore — and, 2 Dec. 1841, to the command of the Volcano steam-vessel, in which, for three days, he had the honour of entertaining the Queen Dowager and suite. Since his last promotion, which took place 24 Feb. 1844, Commander Featherstone has been on half-pay.