by John Marshall

“ During the colonial war, Captain Richard Graves, being on his way to New York with despatches, in the Swift, a leaky brig, of 6 four-pounders and 35 men, with four feet water in her hold, and the pumps choked; engaged an enemy’s vessel of 18 six-pounders and 120 men, which he beat off, although twice a-board of each other during the action. When beaten back in an attempt to carry the Swift by boarding, the enemy left thirty of their pistols on the deck of the British vessel. ”

“ He was afterwards appointed to the Belisarius, mounting 20 nine-pounders; and in that ship, after an hour’s contest, compelled the Tartar, an American vessel of the same force, to surrender, and her consort, the Alexander of 22 guns, to seek safety in flight. About the same period he also captured the Venus, of 14 guns and 45 men.
On the termination of the American war, the services of Captain Graves being no longer required, he, with many other gallant officers, was obliged to retire from the active duties of a profession in which he had so highly distinguished himself ”

“ John, the second brother, also served his king and country most faithfully and honorably, and likewise died a Superannuated Rear-Admiral. The next, Thomas, was more fortunate, being included in the great promotion of Flag-Officers, which took place on the 1st Jan. ”