James Gambier, baron, a British admiral, born in the Bahama islands, Oct. 13,1756, died at Iver, near Uxbridge, April 19,1833. He was of a French Protestant family, expatriated by the revocation of the edict of Nantes. Early entering the naval service, he obtained in 1778 the rank of post captain, and as commander of the frigate Raleigh was engaged in the reduction of Charleston in 1780, and in repelling the French attempt upon Jersey in 1781. In 1793 he was appointed to the command of the Defence, of 74 guns, under Earl Howe, and in the engagement with the French fleet under Villaret de Joyeuse (June 1, 1794) his ship was the first to break through the enemy's line. Advanced to the rank of rear admiral in 1795, and of vice admiral in 1799, he became third in command of the channel fleet in 1801, and in the following year was intrusted with the government and defence of Newfoundland. In 1807 he commanded the fleet in the expedition against Copenhagen, bombarded the city (Sept. 2-5) and captured the Danish fleet, and was rewarded with the dignity of baron, and with the offer of a pension, which he declined.

In 1808 he was appointed to the command of the channel fleet, drew up a code of signals and the general disciplinary instructions for the navy, and in April, 1809, attacked the French squadron in the Aix roads and burned five of the ships. Lord Cochrane had command of the British fire ships (catamarans), and in consequence of a disagreement between him and Lord Gam-bier, the latter requested a court martial, by which he was honorably acquitted. In 1814 he was appointed at the head of the commissioners to conclude a peace with the United States, and the treaty was signed at Ghent on Dec. 24. He afterward lived in retirement, and was made admiral of the fleet on the accession of William IV.