He was born at Argyle Square[1] in Edinburgh on 15 August 1784 the son of Adam Ferguson and his wife, Catherine Burnett.

[4] The survivors huddled in the wrecked hull until February 15 when a Danish ship came to their rescue, but, Denmark being sided against Britain at the time, Ferguson and his crew were taken prisoner.

[6] When Ferguson returned to England the court martial for the loss of Pandora severely reprimanded him as well as the pilot, William Famie, for their failure to take frequent depth soundings and for carrying too little sail.

Ferguson died on 5 June 1855 and is buried next to his brother in an enclosed vault within the sealed "Covenanters Prison" section of Greyfriars Kirkyard next to his great uncle Joseph Black.

[11] in 1818 until 1823 he joins his brothers and sisters living at Huntlyburn House, Melrose, purchased by Sir Walter Scott.

After his death "Mrs Admiral Ferguson" is listed as living at 2 Eton Terrace in Edinburgh's West End.