William Cathcart

William Cathcart, Master of Cathcart (30 June 1782 – 4 June 1804) was an officer in the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Early life He was the eldest son of Scottish peer William Cathcart, 10th Lord Cathcart, later Earl Cathcart, and of Elizabeth Elliott, the daughter of Andrew Elliot, the governor of New York. His younger brother was General, the Honourable Sir George Cathcart KCB DL. Cathcart was educated in the paternal tradition at Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Subsequently, he served on as a supernumerary (6 May – 6 August 1796), Able Seaman on (21 August 1796 – 13 January 1797), Midshipman (14 January – 12 November 1797), Midshipman and Master's Mate on (13 November 1797 – 7 March 1799), and Midshipman on (8 March – 2 December 1799). He was made lieutenant on 2 September 1801.

He served on and was made master and commander on 14 April 1802. This ship was highly active in various theatres of operations and had a prolific service life, the log of which is preserved and is accessible online through the University of Glasgow. However, Cathcart's presence on board is, at present, only considered presumptive. He then in October 1802 took charge of the sloop , another addition from the French Navy. Having subsequently being appointed post captain, Cathcart took command of the frigate Clorinde, captured in 1803 at Santo Domingo. He is reported to have served with distinction at the raids on Boulogne, a naval action of August, 1801 in which the Royal Navy attempted to destroy components of the French fleet in that port.

Having been rescued by Cathcart, worthy of note is the obituary for Parker which indicates the sacrifice of the failed attack in which Cathcart had heroically acquitted himself.

Death Cathcart was appointed as post-captain on HMS Clorinde, captured along with the Surveillante, after foundering on rocks while attempting escape from a joint British and Haitian siege of Santo Domingo, under the command of Emmanuel Halgan, in 1803. The ship was recovered and was then transferred to Jamaica during which time Cathcart assumed charge of the ship. However, before he could ascend fully to his new command, Cathcart contracted yellow fever, which proved fatal. The Cathcart genealogical entry for him states that,"This gallant young officer fell a victim to the yellow fever, at Jamaica, when in command of the Clorinde frigate, with the rank of post-captain, 5th June 1804, in his 22d year, unmarried."