Robert T. Spence—born at Portsmouth, NH, about 1785—was appointed midshipman in 1800 and was ordered to duty in Siren. The brig sailed for the Mediterranean in 1803 in Commodore Edward Preble’s squadron. The following year, Spence participated in attacks on Tripoli and, on 7 August 1804, was an officer in the prize gunboat No. 9 when she was blown up by a hot shot that hit her magazine. Although the boat’s stern was under water, he continued loading her forward gun; fired it; and, with his crew of 11 survivors, gave three cheers. Then, sitting astride the gun and waving his hat, went down into the water. Fortunately, he was rescued. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1807 and to master-commandant in 1813.
   During the War of 1812, Spence superintended the building and equipping of the sloop-of-war Ontario at Baltimore and commanded the naval station there. He was commended by Commodore John Rodgers for his promptness and ingenuity in laying obstructions to impede the British fleet as it approached Baltimore in September 1814. He was promoted to post-captain in 1815, commanded Naval forces at Baltimore until 1 July 1819, and served in that post again from May 1820 to May 1822.
   Captain Spence assumed command of Cyane at that time and was ordered to the West Indies to help to suppress piracy. He later patrolled the African coasts to oppose freebooters and slavers there.