EDWARD ROTHERAM, Esq
A Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath.
[Post-Captain of 1800.]
This officer is a son of the late John Rotheram, M.D., of Newcastle upon Tyne; a gentleman of high estimation, both as a medical practitioner, and a person of general science. He was born at Hexham, in Northumberland, where his father lived many years senior Physician of the Infirmary. His elder brother, John, studied physic, &c., under the celebrated Linnaeus, at Upsal, and died Professor of Natural Philosophy, in the University of St. Andrews, N.B., about the year 1805.
Mr. Edward Rotheratn was early instructed in mathematical learning by his father, and the late Dr. Hutton. He acquired practical navigation in the same school which bred our immortal circumnavigator Cook – the Coal Trade – and entering the navy, served during the whole of the American war, chiefly in the squadron commanded by Admiral Barrington; obtained a Lieutenant’s commission April 19, 1783; and was the senior officer of that, rank on board the Culloden 74, in the battle of June 1, 1794; an event that led to his further promotion.
In 1795, we find him commanding the Camel store-ship, on the Mediterranean station; and subsequently the Hawke sloop of war and Lapwing frigate, at the Leeward Islands. His post commission bears date Aug. 27, 1800.
In the unparalleled battle of Trafalgar, Vice-Admiral Collingwood’s gallantry was most ably seconded by Captain Rotheram, who commanded the Royal Sovereign, a first rate, bearing the flag of that excellent officer, by whom he was subsequently appointed to the Bellerophon 74, as successor to Captain John Cooke, who had fallen in the conflict[1].
The severe loss sustained by the Royal Sovereign, is the best proof of the share she had in the defeat of the combined fleets. Her surgeon reported 3 officers, 2 midshipmen, and 42 men killed; and 4 officers, 5 petty officers, and 85 men wounded – total 141. At the close of the battle, not a spar was left standing, except the tottering fore-mast, and it went overboard in the ensuing gale.
The following anecdote has been related of Captain Rotheram, and we have no reason to doubt the authenticity thereof: “A heavy shower of musketry had nearly swept the quarter-deck of the Royal Sovereign, when some of his officers requested him not to expose himself so much to the enemy’s small-arm men, by wearing his epaulets and a gold laced hat. ‘Let me alone,’ he replied, ‘I have always fought in a cocked hat, and always will.’”
Captain Rotheram bore the banner of Nelson as a K.B. at the funeral of that great chieftain; and was himself nominated a C.B. in 1815.
Agent.– William Marsh, Esq.