Death of the Last Survivor of Nelson's Victory
In our obituary column yesterday was recorded the death, in his ninety second year, of Mr James Chapman, who was the last survivor of those who fought on board HMS Victory with Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805. Mr Chapman was for some years resident at West Newport, Fife, but latterly lived at Invercarse, the residence of his son-in-law, Mr John Earl Robertson, prominent Dundee Silk Mercer, where he died on Sunday morning.
The veteran seaman was born in the year 1784. He entered the seafaring profession while a boy, and in 1808 was pressed in the River Thames for service in the Royal Navy. From the tender he was put on board HMS Victory, where he served for two years under Lord Nelson, and was present with that hero at the Battle of Trafalgar and other actions. Mr Chapman was stroke oar in Lord Nelson's cutter. Although engaged in severe actions, James Chapman received no wound, and never had any pension. He was, however, honoured with two medals - the Trafalgar Medal, with Nelson's name and words - "England expects every man to do his duty" - and the Victoria Medal with two clasps bearing "Trafalgar, October 21st 1805", "Board Service 23rd November 1810".
Mr Chapman was discharged from the service at the peace of 1814 and during his time, had also served under Lord Collingwood, Sir Richard Keats and Sir Francis Freemantle. During his latter years, although laid down with paralysis, he could still spin a good seaman's yarn to a friend by his bedside, and the veteran passed his latter days in good cheer.
Excerpt from "Advertiser"
Tuesday November 14th 1876
