# Royal Naval Biography/Pipon, Philip

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PHILIP PIPON, Esq. [Post-Captain of 1808.]
Served part of his time as a midshipman under the command of that blunt old sailor, and worthy man, the late Admiral T. M. Russell; by whom he was employed on a See Vol. I, p. 142., St. Domingo, in Feb. 1792.
From this period we find no mention made of Mr. Pipon until Aug. 21, 1801; when his gallant and judicious conduct, in a dashing boat affair, was thus noticed by the present comptroller of the navy:
“Fisgard, off Ferrol, Aug. 21.
“Sir,– I beg to inform you, that last night the boats of H.M. ships Fisgard, Diamond, and Boadicca, attacked the enemy’s vessels lyinig in the harbour of Corunna, and succeeded in bringing out El Neptuno, a new ship, pierced for 20 guns, belonging to his Catholic Majesty; a gun-boat, mounting one long 32-pounder; and a merchant ship. These prizes wore moored within the strong batteries that protect the port, and so near them that the sentinels on the ramparts challenged our people, and immediately commenced a heavy fire; but they were towed out with a degree of coolness and perseverance that does infinite credit to the officers and men; and can only be equalled by their conduct throughout the affair. I should he very glad, if it were in my power to do justice to the merits of Lieutenant Pipon, who directed this enterprise with the most becoming spirit and address. His success will, I trust, sufficiently recommend him to your approbation, and the notice of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“T. B. Martin.”
“To the Hon. Admiral Cornwallis.”
Lieutenant Pipon was promoted to the rank of Commander ​April 29, 1802; and appointed to the Kite brig, shortly after the renewal of hostilities, in 1803. By reference to p. 44, of this volume, it will be seen that that vessel formed part of the squadron under Sir James Saumarez, at the bombardment of Granville, in the month of Sept. following. Captain Pipon subsequently commanded the Rose sloop of war, on the Channel station. His advancement to post rank took place Sept. 17, 1808; on which occasion he appears to have been appointed to the Daphne of 20 guns.
During the ensuing five years. Captain Pipon was principally employed in the Baltic; and at the conclusion of the war we find him commanding the Tagus frigate, on the South American station. The capture of la Ceres French 44, by that ship and the Niger, off the Cape de Verds, is thus officially described:
“H.M.S. Niger, at sea, Jan. 6, 1814.
“Sir,– I acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that having made the island of St. Antonio yesterday morning, for the purpose of correcting my longitude previous to the ships parting company, which were bound to Maranham, a strange sail was discovered a-head. I immediately gave chase; H.M. ship Tagus in company. She was soon made out to be a frigate, and we had the pleasure to find that we were gaining upon her: at day-light this morning, we wore not more than a mile and a half distant; at half-past seven, they took in studding sails, and hauled to the wind on the starboard tack, finding that we had the advantage before it. The Tagus being to windward, Captain Pipon was enabled to open his fire first, which was briskly returned by the enemy, who had hoisted French colours on the Tagus shewing hers. After exchanging a few broadsides, the French frigate’s main-top-mast was shot away, which rendered her escape impossible; and as H.M.S. under my command was coming up, any further defence would only have occasioned a useless sacrifice of lives, they fired a broadside and struck their colours. On taking possession, she proved to be la Ceres, French frigate, of 44 guns and 324 men, commanded by the Baron de Bougainville, out one month from Brest on her first cruise; she is only two years old, copper-fastened, and sails well. I should not do justice to the Baron if I omitted stating, thai during the long and anxious chase (in which we ran 238 miles), his ship was manoeuvred in a masterly style. I have sent Lieutenant (John) Manton, first of this ship, in charge of the prize, who is a deserving officer. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“P. Rainier.”
“To Vice-Admiral Dixon, &c. &c, &c., Rio Janeiro.”
Agent.– ___ M‘Inerheny, Esq.