Edward Boscawen, a British admiral, third son of Hugh Boscawen, the first Lord Falmouth, born in Cornwall, Aug. 19, 1711, died near Guilford, Jan. 10, 1761. His mother was the daughter of a sister of Marlborough. Entering the navy at an early age, he was promoted to the rank of captain in 1737. In 1744 he captured a French frigate in the channel. He commanded all the land and naval forces sent to the East Indies in 1748, and the squadron employed against the French off Newfoundland and at Louisburg in 1758. The next year he gained a decisive victory over the French off Lagos, capturing three vessels and destroying two others. On his return to Spithead with his prizes and 2,000 prisoners, he received the freedom of the city of Edinburgh, and was made governor of the marine forces, with a salary of £3,000 a year, after having previously occupied the highest positions in the navy and the admiralty; and he also served for many years in parliament. Admiral Boscawen, one of the bravest of seamen, was styled by Horace Walpole the most obstinate of an obstinate family.

Lord Chatham said: " When I apply to other officers respecting any expedition I may chance to project, they always raise difficulties; Boscawen always finds expedients".