Royal Naval Biography/Purvis, John Brett

2229510Royal Naval Biography — Purvis, John BrettJohn Marshall


JOHN BRETT PURVIS, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1809.]

Son of the late Admiral J. Child Purvis, by a sister of Commissioner Henry Garrett.

This officer was made a Lieutenant May 1, 1805; and promoted to the rank of Commander Aug. 9, 1808. His post commission bears date Sept. 16, 1809; at which period he commanded the Delight brig, on the Mediterranean station.

Captain Purvis’s next appointment was Oct. 29, 1811, to the Ganymede 26, in which ship he captured the French privateer Vauteur, of 7 guns and 47 men, Aug. 18, 1813. Since the peace he has commanded the Magicienne 42, on the East India station, where he rendered essential service to the crew of one of the Hon. Company’s ships, wrecked upon the Cargados Garragos reef[1], for which the Court of Directors presented him with 200 guineas for the purchase of a piece of plate.

Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, and Son.



  1. See Francken’s Narrative of the loss of the Cabalva.