Edward Boscawen

Edward Boscawen (August 19, 1711 – January 10, 1761) was a British (Cornish) admiral.

Seven Years' War

Immediately before and during the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), Boscawen's successes continued. In February 1755 he was appointed vice-admiral, and in April he intercepted the French squadron bound to North America, and took the Alcide and Lys of sixty-four guns each. Hocquart became his prisoner for the third time, and Boscawen returned to Spithead with his prizes and 1500 prisoners. For this exploit, he received the thanks of Parliament.

Related Topics:
Seven Years' War - 1756 - 1763 - Alcide - Lys - Spithead

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In 1758 he was appointed admiral of the blue and commander-in-chief of the expedition to Cape Breton, when, in conjunction with General Amherst, he took the Fortress of Louisburg, and the island of Cape Breton--services for which he again received the thanks of the House of Commons. His brother Colonel George Boscawen commanded the 29th Regiment of Foot also at Fortress Louisburg. In Nova Scotia, Governor Charles Lawrence invited Boscawen to attend the colonial council, and he may have been involved in the decision that led to the Great Expulsion of 10,000 Acadians in 1755.

Related Topics:
Cape Breton - General Amherst - Fortress of Louisburg - House of Commons - George Boscawen - 29th Regiment of Foot - Nova Scotia - Charles Lawrence - Great Expulsion - Acadian - 1755

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Boscawen's greatest victory came in 1759. France was planning to send an invasion force from Brest, but needed to rendezvous its fleet to protect the force during the crossing. Being appointed to command in the Mediterranean, Boscawen pursued the French fleet, commanded by M. de la Clue, and after a sharp engagement in the Battle of Lagos took three large ships and burnt two, returning to Spithead with his prizes and 2000 prisoners. The victory prevented France from assembling a fleet to cover their planned invasion.

Related Topics:
Brest - Mediterranean - Battle of Lagos

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In December 1760 he was appointed general of the marines, with a salary of £3000 per annum, and was also sworn a member of the Privy Council. He died of a fever in 1761 and is buried in a tomb in St. Michael's churchyard, Penkivel, Cornwall.

Related Topics:
Marines - Privy Council - 1761 - Penkivel - Cornwall

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