2272597Royal Naval Biography — Finley, JusticeJohn Marshall


JUSTICE FINLEY, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1814.]

Obtained the rank of lieutenant in Dec. 1796; and served as such in the Blenheim 74, bearing the flag of Sir Thomas Troubridge, by whom he was promoted to the command of the Harrier brig, on the East India station.

On the 12th Jan. 1807, Captain Finley sailed for Madras, in company with the Blenheim and Java, the latter a frigate, commanded by Captain George Pigot. In the night of Feb. 5, he lost sight of those ships, in a tremendous gale of wind, off the Isle of Rodrigues, and they have never since been heard of. When last seen, each of them had the signal of distress flying, and the Blenheim appeared as if she had already begun to settle in the water. It is supposed, that the Java, while attempting to save Sir Thomas Troubridge, ran foul of the sinking 74, and accelerated their mutual destruction.

This officer’s commission as commander was not confirmed by the Admiralty until Dec. 16, 1808; from which period we lose sight of him until his appointment to the Rover of 18 guns, Oct. 22, 1810. In Mar. 1811, he accompanied a squadron, under Sir Joseph S. Yorke, to Lisbon; and on the 30th Nov. following, captured le Comte Reginaud, French letter of marque, (formerly H.M. sloop Vincejo) mounting 14 guns, with a cargo of spices, sugar, and coffee, from Batavia bound to Rochelle. His promotion to post rank took place June 7, 1814.