LEAKE, Sir JOHN, Admiral; 1656-1720: b. Rotherhithe, Surrey, England; early entered the navy, and distinguished himself under his father in 1673 in the action between sir Edward Sprigg and Van Tromp, and afterward, when appointed capt., performed the daring feat of conveying some victualers into Londonderry, thus com pelling the enemy to raise the siege. In 1702 lie was promoted to the rank of com modore, and, in command of a squadron, destroyed the French settlements at New foundland, restoring the island to the English. For these services he was made on his return rear admiral, and soon afterward vice-admiral of the blue. and knighted. In 1704 he displayed great skill and gallantry in relieving Gibraltar when on the point of being taken by 500 Spaniards who had climbed up the rock. Soon after he was made vice-admiral of the white, and again, in 1705, relieved Gibraltar by destroying the French squadron. In 1706 he relieved Barcelona when besieged by the Spaniards and French and iu great extremity, obliging king Philip to raise the siege. In the same
year he commanded the fleet which captured Alicant. Carthagena, and the island and city of Majorca. On returning home he received for his services a ring valued at 42400 from prince George of Denmark, and £1000 from the queen. In 1707 lie was made admiral of the white and commander-in-chief of the fleet. In 1708 he captured Sar. dinia and Minorca. In 1709 he was made rear-admiral of Great Britain. The same year he was lord of the admiralty, and continued high in office till the death of queen Anne. He was several times a member of parliament for Rochester. On the accession t.1' Clecrgn I. he was superseded on a pension of £600 a year, and spent the remainder of Max,in.snt, leavingh reputatiou for great skill, energy, prudence, and success.