Royal Naval Biography/Smith, Charles Thurlow

2256948Royal Naval Biography — Smith, Charles ThurlowJohn Marshall


CHARLES THURLOW SMITH, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1812.]

Nephew to Admiral Sir W. Sidney Smith, K.C.B. who thus speaks of him in a letter addressed to his father, after the destruction of a Turkish squadron, at the entrance of the Dardanelles, Feb. 19, 1807:-

“Your son Thurlow proved himself to be of a good breed, by steady, clear-headed conduct, in the situation I entrusted to him, of signal-lieutenant, with me on the poop, where we could see around us, and know the worst.”

Captain Smith's commission as a commander bears date, Oct. 3, 1809; and his promotion to post rank took place Feb. 28, 1812: he subsequently commanded the Hibernia a first rate, bearing the flag of his heroic uncle, on the Mediterranean station: and during the war with Murat, in 1815, we find him in the Undaunted frigate, taking possession of the Tremiti islands. His name was struck off the list of British naval officers, in consequence of his accepting a command in the Mexican navy, after the promulgation of H.M. Order in Council, forbidding the subjects of this realm from taking any part in the war between Spain and her revolted colonies.

He died at Tampico, in Nov. 1826.