[1] He joined the navy as a volunteer aboard the Diamond in September 1691, was a Lieutenant on the Advice in May 1693 and succeeded to command that vessel following the death of the previous captain on 7 October 1694.
Upon his return from this voyage in November 1697, he was suspended from duty due to alleged victualling irregularities and only reinstated three years later on 11 January 1700.
Kirkby was executed by firing squad on the deck of the Bristol in Plymouth Sound on 16 April 1703, Acton having witnessed his will and sat up with him the night before.
[6] In December 1704, Acton was given command of the Bedford, and took part in the battle of Cabrita Point, the relief of the siege of Gibraltar and the capture of Barcelona.
[2] A newly refitted Grafton left the Downs on 1 May 1707 alongside the Royal Oak and the Hampton Court escorting a convoy of merchant ships bound for Lisbon and the West Indies.