A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Roscow, Samuel (b)

1906605A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Roscow, Samuel (b)William Richard O'Byrne

ROSCOW. (Retired Commander, 1847. f-p., 15; h-p., 32.)

Samuel Roscow (b) entered the Navy, in June, 1800, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Spencer 74, Capt. Henry d’Esterre Darby; and in July of the following year was present, as Midshipman, in Sir Jas. Saumarez’ actions off Algeciras and Cadiz. The Spencer being paid off on her return from a voyage to the West Indies, in Sept. 1802, he next, in Feb. 1803, joined the Caroline 36, Capt. Benj. Wm. Page; in which ship, employed for nearly two years in the East Indies, he contributed to the capture, among other vessels, of the De Haasje Batavian brig-of-war, and French privateers Les Frères Unis of 16 guns (mounting 8) and 134 men, and Le Général de Caen of 22 guns and 200 men. On his arrival home with Capt. Page, and a large convoy, in the Trident 64, he was received, in Oct. 1805, on board the Intrepid 64, Capt. Hon. Philip Wodehouse; under whom in 1806 he witnessed the defence of Gaeta and the capture of Capri. He continued employed with Capt. Wodehouse in the Mediterranean on board the Cumberland 74, until transferred, in Aug. 1808, to the Montagu 74, Capts. Rich. Hussey Moubray and John Halliday. Being invested, 23 March, 1809, with the rank of Acting-Lieutenant, Mr. Roscow, on 4 May in the same year, was confirmed in that rank. He served on shore in April, 1810, at the reduction of Sta. Maura; and was lastly, from July, 1811, until Oct. 1815, employed on the Leith and North American stations in the Rifleman brig, Capts; Joseph Pearce and Henry Edw. Napier. Under Capt. Pearce he assisted at the capture of Castine [errata 1] and Belfast, and took part in other operations in the Penobscot. He accepted his present rank 27 July, 1847. Agents – Goode and Lawrence.


  1. Original: Custine was amended to Castine : detail