On the renewal of hostilities, in 1803, our officer commissioned the Malta of 84 guns, in which ship he particularly distinguished himself in the action between Sir Robert Calder and Admiral Villeneuve, July 22, 1805[1]. On that occasion, in consequence of the fog, she separated from her companions, and was at one time assailed by five of the enemy’s vessels. Captain Buller, however, resolutely braved the danger, and continued the unequal conflict until one of his opponents, the San Rafael of 84 guns, surrendered. In this affair the Malta had 5 men killed and 40 wounded. Captain Buller soon afterwards received the honourable appointment of a Colonel of the Royal Marines; and in the ensuing year assisted at the capture of le President, French frigate. The Malta was subsequently attached to the fleet under Lord Collingwood, employed in watching the port of Cadiz.
About the month of May, 1807, our officer was obliged to return to England in consequence of a violent fever, occasioned by his exertions in affording relief to the crew of a Portugueze frigate, wrecked near Gibraltar. He was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, April 28, 1808; and raised to the dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain, on the 3d October following. At the close of the year 1809 he succeeded the present Sir John Sutton, as second in command at Plymouth, where he continued until about the autumn of 1812, and then hoisted his flag in the Channel fleet. His advancement to the rank of Vice-Admiral took place Aug. 12, 1812, on which day he assisted at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of that stupendous erection, the breakwater in Plymouth Sound[2].
Sir Edward Buller married, March 15th, 1789, Gertrude, fifth daughter of Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt.
Residence.– Trenant-Park, Wiveliscomb, co. Cornwall.
