Admiral (Sir) Edward Harvey was born in 1783, the youngest son of Capt. John Harvey who was later killed whilst commanding H.M.S. Brunswick during the battle of the Glorious First of June 1794. Young Harvey entered the Royal Navy in 1793 and enjoyed a distinguished career during the Napoleonic Wars which included the capture of Trinidad and the battle of Camperdown in 1797. Promoted Captain in 1811, his last sea service was in command of H.M.S. Implacable off Syria in 1840 (see lot 609) after which he was decorated by the Sultan of Turkey. He reached the rank of Admiral in 1860, being created K.C.B. in 1861 and the G.C.B. in 1865.