WILLIAM BEVIANS, Esq.
[Commander.]
Son of lieutenant William Bevians, who commanded the Surprise cutter at the close of the American war, in 1783; and was drowned with his boat’s crew, and a lady passenger, in returning to the Insolente gun-brig, after receiving orders from the Prince de Bouillon, in 1801.
Mr. William Bevians, junior; was first lieutenant of the Irresistible 74, Captain (now Sir George) Martin, at the battle off Cape St. Vincent, Feb. 14th, 1797; and obtained his present rank 8th March following. In 1801, he commanded the Earl of Oxford, hired armed ship; and in 1803, served as agent of transports, afloat. His last appointment was to the Lyra brig, of 10 guns, which vessel we find attached to the fleet under Lord Gambier at the memorable attack upon a French squadron in Aix Road, April 11th, 1809. On the following day, one of her boats was captured by two luggers, whilst employed in burning the enemy’s ships[1]. The out-pension of Greenwich Hospital was granted to Commander Bevians in April, 1823. His brother, James Montagu, is a major in the royal marines.