Charles Bolton

military officer

Lieutenant Charles Bolton was a British naval officer known for commanding HMS Nimble during its active anti-slavery patrols in the early 19th century. His leadership was crucial in the ship's numerous captures of slaving vessels, effectively liberating thousands of Africans from enslavement. Bolton's career was marked by his dedication to combating the slave trade, although his ship met with tragedy when it ran aground in 1834, resulting in the loss of many lives. He was later cleared of blame by a court martial, reflecting both the dangers of naval operations at the time and the complexities surrounding the issue of slavery.