Moore was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Jean Simson and John Moore, doctor and author. He entered the Navy in 1777[1] at the age of 13. He was promoted to lieutenant on 8 March 1782 to serve aboard Crown, taking part in the relief of Gibraltar under Lord Howe, and the subsequent battle of Cape Spartel in October. During the peace he travelled through France, but was recalled to serve aboard Perseus, Dido, and then Adamant, the flagship of Sir Richard Hughes on the North American Station. On 22 November 1790 he was promoted to commander in the sloopBonetta, before finally returning to England in 1793.[1]
Moore was promoted to post-captain on 2 April 1794, soon after the start of the Revolutionary War, with command of the 32-gun frigate Syren,[2] in the North Sea and the coast of France. He then commanded the 36-gun frigate Melampus from September 1795.[1] In her he took part in the Battle of Tory Island on 12 October 1798, capturing the Résolue two days later.[2] In February 1800 he went out to the West Indies, but was invalided home after eighteen months.[1]
On the renewal of the war in 1803 he was appointed to Indefatigable (44),[1] and with three other frigates – Medusa (32), Lively (38) and Amphion (32) – under his command, captured a Spanish treasure fleet of four frigates – Medea (40), Clara (34), Fama (34) and Mercedes (36) – carrying bullion from the Caribbean back to Spain off Cadiz in the action of 5 October 1804.[1]
He later served as part of the North Sea fleet for several years.[1] At the close of the Walcheren campaign in December 1809, he was entrusted with destroying the basin, arsenal, and sea defences of Flushing (Vlissingen).[2]
Moore died at his home, Brook Farm, Cobham, Surrey,[10] on 25 November 1843,[1] and was buried at St. Andrew's Church.[11]
Family
In 1812 he married Dora Eden, daughter of Thomas Eden, and niece of William Eden, 1st Baron Auckland; they had one son, Captain John Moore, RN (d. 1866).[1]
Diary
Moore kept a detailed diary from 1784 until 1843, comprising thirty-four volumes, which provide a unique account of his service as a lieutenant, commander and captain.[12] The diary is held at Cambridge University Library.[13]