James Luttrell (c. 1751 – 23 December 1788) was an officer in the Royal Navy who served during the American War of Independence and a politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1775 to 1788.

Luttrell saw little active service afloat after the end of the American War of Independence, but resumed his political career, voting mainly in the government interest.

[2] Like his older brother John, James embarked on a career in the navy, and after a period of service was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on 2 February 1770.

[2] He followed his family's stance in opposing the war which broke out with the American colonies, and promoted reconciliation, arguing that "I cannot agree to vote away the lives and properties of my fellow subjects, merely for the purpose of enriching and aggrandising a few favourites and flatterers placed near the throne.

[2] Robinson informed Luttrell that Sandwich had promised to keep the Belliqueux in home waters, and would arrange for him to be promoted to master and commander at the first opportunity.

The force consisted of several American and French privateer frigates, storeships and transport vessels under the command of Nicolas Baudin, intending to deliver reinforcements and supplies to America.

[7] The surviving ships were still in sight on the morning of 13 December, but Luttrell had a large number of prisoners to guard, and with the hostile Spanish coast nearby, decided to head for a British port with his prizes.

[7] The captured prisoners made an attempt to seize the Mediator during the voyage to Britain, but prompt action by the ship's officers quashed the rising without bloodshed.

Marine artist Thomas Luny painted a depiction of the action, while Dominic Serres produced several views of the battle.

[1][9] He sat for Dover, voting for the government interest, while holding his post as Surveyor-General of the Ordnance, until his death on 23 December 1788 from consumption.