This officer was born in 1766, and commenced his naval career at an early period of life, having embarked as a Midshipman on board the Vigilant 64, commanded by Captain (afterwards Sir Robert) Kingsmill, July 1st, 1778; from which period he appears to have been engaged in a constant series of very active services until the termination of hostilities with America, France, &c. in 1783. When only fifteen years of age, he saved the life of a young lad by jumping overboard and keeping him above water until a boat could be sent to his assistance.
The Vigilant formed part of Admiral Keppel’s fleet, and was one of the ships principally engaged in the action off Ushant, July 27th, 1778. She afterwards proceeded to the West Indies, under the command of the late Sir Digby Dent, and bore a share in the conflict between Byron and d’Estaing, off Grenada, July 6, 1779; as also in the whole of Rodney’s actions with the Count de Guichen, in April and May, 1780. From the Vigilant, Mr. Hancock removed with Captain Dent into the Royal Oak 74; and we subsequently find him serving as a Master’s-Mate, on board the Europe 64, commanded by Captain Smith Child, in the actions off the Chesapeake, Mar. 16, and Sept. 5, 1781. On the former occasion he had his left leg broke at the ancle joint, and his right leg dreadfully contused by a splinter: the Europe’s total loss is stated by Schomberg to have been 17 killed and 28 wounded.