John Wesley Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wesley Wright
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| Born | 14 June 1769 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 27/28 November 1805 |
| Navy | United Kingdom |
| Years of service | 1781–1805 |
| Rank | Commander |
John Wesley Wright (born June 14, 1769 – died November 27 or 28, 1805) was a brave commander and captain in the Royal Navy. He was known for his service during the Napoleonic Wars and his close work with Sir Sidney Smith.
Contents
Life of John Wesley Wright
Early Years and Education
John Wesley Wright was born in Cork, Ireland, on June 14, 1769. His family was from Lancashire, England. When he was very young, he moved with his father to Minorca. There, he learned to play music and speak French very well. It is also thought that he learned Spanish.
Starting His Career
In 1781, when he was about 12 years old, John joined the ship Brilliant. He served for two years at Gibraltar during a long siege. After the Brilliant was taken out of service in 1783, Wright went to a school in Wandsworth for two years.
Later, he worked in a merchant's office. Around 1788, he went on an important trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia. He stayed in Russia for five years, visiting cities like Moscow. During this time, he learned to speak Russian fluently.
In 1794, John Wesley Wright met Sir Sidney Smith. At Smith's request, Wright joined the ship Diamond as a midshipman. He often worked as Smith's secretary.
First Capture and Escape
After almost two years serving off the coast of France, Wright and Smith were captured by the French on April 18, 1796. Because of his close connection to Smith, Wright was held as a special prisoner in the Temple prison in Paris. He was questioned many times about Smith's plans. However, in May 1798, he managed to escape with Smith.
After their escape, Wright joined the ship Tigre. He served with Smith during important battles, including the Siege of Acre and campaigns along the coast of Egypt. He was officially made a lieutenant on March 29, 1800. In May 1802, he was promoted to commander of the sloop Cynthia, which he sailed back to England.
Final Capture and Disappearance
When the war started again, Commander Wright was given command of the brig Vincejo. For about a year, he patrolled the coast of France. On May 8, 1804, his ship was pushed by bad weather into Quiberon Bay. While off the mouth of the Vilaine River, the wind stopped.
About seventeen French gunboats came out of the river and surrounded the Vincejo. With no wind, Wright's brig could not defend itself well against so many attackers. After two hours of fighting, the Vincejo had to surrender.
Wright was taken to Paris and again held prisoner in the Temple. He was questioned repeatedly about whether he had helped royalist agents land in France. Wright refused to answer these questions, even when he was threatened. He remained a prisoner. His name was not removed from the navy list until 1807, as many in England believed he might still be alive.
