Samuel Reeve was captain of HMS Surprise in 1779, seizing American privateers Monmouth, Wild Cat and Jason off the coast of Newfoundland.
In October 1793 he was ordered, along with HMS Bedford and HMS Speedy, to attack a French frigate French frigate Modeste anchored in the harbour at Genoa.
The Raid on Genoa was a success, and six days later Reeve discovered and captured the abandoned French ship Impérieuse at La Spezia.
On 5 May 1803 Reeve was riding in a chaise near his home when the horse bolted.
Reeve was flung from the chaise and was killed immediately, suffering a broken neck.