Circle of Sir Joshua Reynolds P.R.A. 1723-1792

The sitter was the fourth son of Samuel Graves.  He entered the navy on 21st November 1732 on board the Exeter.  The following year he moved to the Swallow and served on a variety of ships until his appointment as a Lieutenant in 1739.  He was appointed Lieutenant of the Aetna, but was soon after moved to the Norfolk where he served with his uncle, Thomas Graves, and distinguished himself in the capture of the batteries at Cartagena.  During the Seven Years' War he commanded various vessels, and in 1770 was appointed a Vice-Admiral and given command of the North American Squadron.  The focal point of his operations was the city of Boston, but he found his task of preventing smuggling, and dealing with the colonists a constant struggle.  Although he never lost the support of Lord Sandwich, Graves lost favour with George III and many of his ministers and in 1776 he returned home.  Graves was promoted to admiral of the Blue and Admiral of the White, but never saw further active service.

He married twice, firstly to Elizabeth Dedgwick of Stanidrop, County Durham, and secondly to Margaret, daughter of Elmes Spinckes of Aldwincle.