Robert Henley was born in James’ City county, in the state of
Virginia, on the 5th day of January, 1783. He was educated at William
and Mary College, in that state, and intended for the profession of
the law; but his mind seeming bent on a seafaring life, his parents
reluctantly permitted him to apply to his relative, General Washington,
for a midshipman’s warrant, which, at his particular desire, was
obtained, and he entered the navy in 1799. Although but sixteen years
of age when he entered the service of the United States, he possessed a
good mind and showed great firmness and decision of character; he had
laboriously applied himself to reading and study, more particularly in
preparation for the naval service, which it was his determination to
follow, although at that time his wishes were unknown to his friends.
His first cruise was with Commodore Truxtun, in the Constellation, and
he was present at her encounter with the French ship “La Vengeance.”
Not a year had elapsed before our young sailor had an opportunity of
knowing by experience the toils and hardships of a seafaring life.
On the first of February, 1800, the desperate conflict between the
Constellation and La Vengeance took place, and during the struggle,
which lasted from eight in the evening until nearly one in the morning,
the bravery of Midshipman Henley was unflinching; although nearly
exhausted by fatigue he never for one moment deserted his post, and
after the conflict was over, was one of the first who was complimented
by his commander for his bravery, who observed while pointing to him,
“That stripling is destined to be a brave officer.”
On his return to the United States he obtained leave of absence and
returned to Williamsburgh, where he attended a course of lectures on
navigation and naval science. This seemed to infuse him with new life
and vigor, and his buoyant pride was soon gratified by an appointment
to the command of a gun-boat at Norfolk and promotion to a lieutenancy.
After remaining some years in this and similar situations, he received
the command of the brig Eagle on Lake Champlain, and was second in
command to Commodore McDonough in that decisive battle; who, in his
official letter, speaks of the gallantry of our hero, as follows:--“To
Captain Robert Henley, of the brig Eagle, much is to be ascribed; his
courage was conspicuous, and I most earnestly recommend him as worthy
of the highest trust and confidence.”
For his gallant conduct throughout this engagement, Congress voted to
Captain Robert Henley a gold medal (_see_ Plate XIII.,) and the thanks
of both houses. After the battle of Lake Champlain, Captain Henley
resided for some time in Norfolk, Virginia, in order to overlook some
matters connected with the naval station at that place, until 1827,
when he was called to the command of the Hornet, and ordered to cruise
in the West Indies. On his return to the United States he was stationed
in North Carolina, where he remained some years; from thence he was
ordered to Charleston, South Carolina, where he died in command in
the year 1829. He married in early life but left no family. Captain
Henley was a man of fine and commanding appearance, of a sanguine and
ardent temperament, combined with great decision of character: although
generous and brave, he was easily appeased; he was magnanimous,
hospitable, and possessed a warmth of heart that made him the idol of
his crews; he was full of chivalry, and a devoted lover of his country;
whose interest seemed to govern every action of his life.