Carl Adolph Rothe (1767-1834), second in command to Jessen on the "PRINS FREDERIK CHRISTIAN", was the son of Tyge Rothe, writer and friend of the Danish peasants, and his wife Karen Bjørn. Carl became a cadet in 1781, and soon after he went on his first expedition. A couple of years later, he became officer and went as such on the dangerous two-year expedition to East Greenland in 1786-88.

During the Battle in Copenhagen Roads April 2nd 1801 Rothe commanded the barge "NYBORG" and its approximately 200 men. The "NYBORG" was one of the most heavily attacked and severely damaged ships during the whole battle, and as a result of this, Rothe lost 80 men!

Rothe, who defended his ship brilliantly, was forced to bring his heavily molested ship in to the coast, where it sank in shallow waters. After this he managed to transfer the rest of his crew to the barge "AKERSHUS". This barge also sank, after Rothe once again managed to bring this ship near to the coast.

In the following years Rothe took part in several expeditions to the west Indies, Norway and into the Baltic. On December 26th 1807 he was signed on to the "PRINS FREDERIK CHRISTIAN" as the second in command, where he was the oldest officer, 40 years of age. At this command he replaced first lieutenant Top, 30 years of age.

With Rothe as a new second in command, the crew experienced a significant change in discipline. Rothes behaviour was much more strict and official than the cheerful and good natured Top. Rothes relationship with the commander C.V. Jessen was good, even though they were of a very different nature. Compared to Jessen, who was zealous and hot-headed, Rothe was cold and calm, thereby complementing each other magnificently in the best interests of the crew.

During the battle Rothe was badly wounded. His right arm was severely injured and well as a pair of his left side ribs were crushed. Only by sheer luck he did not loose his left arm. Rothes normal attitude towards fellow officers and crew was cold. Besides that he was a man of few words thereby dissociating himself. But during the battle he showed his deep felt interest in the well-being of the crew at several occasions.

This was particularly shown the night after the battle, when he remembered the 17-years old lieutenant H.B.Dahlerup, who lay ill in a small cabin in the front end of the wrecked ship forgotten by all others. Rothe was afraid that Dahlerup was forgotten due to the very confused situation after the battle. Therefore he asked the chief physician to get Dahlerup.

The entrance to the cabin was almost blocked by fallen woodwork, dead and molested crewmembers. Without Rothes caring for the young officer, he most likely would have been completely forgotten. Later on Rothe ordered the chief mate to take care of Dahlerup and to stay by his side, until he was carried safely off the ship. As a tribute to Rothe, Dahlerup later wrote a biography on Rothe.

Almost recovered from his injuries Rothe was exchanged as prisoner of war and was commanded to the island of Bornholm were he assumed position as the island commander and defender. This job which led to great and profitable changes for the island was honoured and credited to Rothe.

After the peace agreement at Kiel and the loss of Norway, Rothe was sent to this country with the aim of acquiring all the supposed Danish vessels. These comprised 7 brigs, 8 gunboats, 47 gun-barges, 51 gun-dinghies, 7 floating batteries and other ships of different kinds. These difficult negotiations ended on June 22nd 1816 in a settlement, where Norway was allowed to keep all the ships, and Denmark was compensated by receiving 95.000 Species. This settlement was even sanctioned by the Danish king Frederik VI.

In 1820 Rothe was ordered to the West Indies to perform investigations concerning the way the commanding Governor-General ran his office. Rothe carried out these investigations in his well known almost ruthless, just and strict manner - his brand mark. The end of the investigations led to the discharge of the governor, loosing even his pension. Rothe was then put in office as his successor.

Even though he as Governor-General showed great skills, he was already called home the year after, as he was wanted to have a high ranking seat in the highest command of the Danish navy admiralty.

Rothe died in 1834 and was buried in the cemetery of Holmen. On his headstone is written:

A faithful man of his king and country with a fierce soul in a hardened body he dauntlessly, bravely and wisely encountered enemy forces over the waves of the sea, in times of danger, when his king commanded.. The best of the Danish Navy was the aim of his endeavours - Honourable in deed, steady as a rock in friendship, and as a loving housefather, he was honoured by his king and by his fellow countrymen. God bless his memory.