James Alexander Gordon British

As virtually all British naval officers of his time, James Alexander Gordon achieved relatively quick promotions during the wars against France and Spain. In 1812, he assumed command of HMS Seahorse and was posted to the Chesapeake area. In August 1814, in conjunction with General Ross's overland march to Washington, Gordon was ordered to lead an expedition up the Potomac River. His task was to destroy any fortifications and stand ready in case Ross's forces should have to be evacuated by water. On August 27, Gordon was preparing to attack Fort Warburton when to his amazement, the Americans blew up their own fort. Gordon went on to Alexandria where he seized no less than twenty-one American merchant vessels of various sizes which, he crammed with as much of the goods from the town's warehouses as he could manage before making his way back down the river to rejoin the fleet, pausing briefly to destroy three batteries the Americans had hastily erected to try and stop him. After the war, Gordon continued receiving steady promotions, eventually achieving the rank of fleet admiral. He was also knighted.