No history of England, that I know of, has ever given us so graphic a description of the ways and means for procuring men for the Navy, as the Newspapers of the time, and in this, as in many other things, their help is invaluable.
When we find from what classes the Navy was recruited, we wonder at what the men went through, without much murmuring; and, if their very moderate, and just, demands, had been met in a conciliatory spirit, or even, officially investigated, instead of being pooh-poohed, and shelved—there would have been no mutiny at the Nore, nor elsewhere.
When afloat, sailors were kept in subjection, or as it was termed, discipline, by brutality, foul language, and a plentiful application of the lash, to be recouped by almost unlimited license, whilst on shore, or, for the matter of that, when afloat, if at home in harbour. When the Royal George went down, there were 200 women on board, and in Dibdin's song of "Wapping Old Stairs," the heroine plaintively reminds her temporary lover thus—
"When I passed a whole fortnight between decks with you,
Did I e'er give a kiss, Tom, to one of the Crew?"
When the War with France broke out, it was hardly to be imagined that Fishermen, and Merchant seamen, would volunteer to leave their quiet occupation, to be bullied by petty, and other officers; to be triced up, and lashed unmercifully, for even a venial fault; to be no better paid, nor fed than they were already; and to have an extra chance of death in a Naval engagement, even if the English were victorious, or the certainty of semi-starvation in a French prison, if captured. So the State, wanting food for slaughter, stretched out its strong hand, and took it, by means of the pressgang. I shall have to recount a long list of "severe," or "hot," presses—and, first of all, in order that we may perfectly understand what a "press" was, and so thoroughly identify ourselves with the position, let us see the very minute, and vivid, description of Smollett, in "Roderick Random."
My Poll & my Partner Joe.—1796.
"As I crossed Tower Wharf, a squat, tawny fellow, with a hanger by his side, and a cudgel in his hand, came up to me calling, 'Yo ho! brother, you must come along with me.' As I did not like his appearance, instead of answering his salutation, I quickened my pace, in hopes of ridding myself of his company; upon which, he whistled aloud, and immediately another sailor appeared before me, who laid hold of me by the collar, and began to drag me along. Not being of a humour to relish such treatment, I disengaged myself of the assailant, and, with one blow of my cudgel, laid him motionless on the ground; and, perceiving myself surrounded in a trice, by ten or a dozen more, exerted myself with such dexterity and success, that some of my opponents were fain to attack me with drawn Cutlasses; and, after an obstinate engagement, in which I received a large wound on my head, and another on my left cheek, I was disarmed, taken prisoner, and carried on board a pressing tender; where, after being pinioned like a malefactor, I was thrust down into the hold, among a parcel of miserable wretches, the sight of whom well nigh distracted me.
"As the commanding officer had not humanity enough to order my wounds to be dressed, and I could not use my own hands, I desired one of my fellow-captives who was unfettered, to take a handkerchief out of my pocket, and tie it round my head, to stop the bleeding. He pulled out my handkerchief ('tis true), but, instead of applying it to the use for which I designed it, went to the grating of the hatchway, and, with astonishing composure, sold it before my face to a bum boat woman, then on board, for a quart of gin, with which he treated my companions, regardless of my circumstances, and entreaties.
"I complained bitterly of this robbery, to the midshipman on deck, telling him, at the same time, that, unless my wounds were dressed, I should bleed to death. But compassion was a weakness of which no man could justly accuse this person, who squirted a mouthful of dissolved tobacco upon me through the gratings, told me 'I was a mutinous dog, and that I might die, and be damned.' Finding there was no other remedy, I appealed to patience, and laid up this usage in my memory, to be recalled at a fitter season. In the meantime, loss of blood, vexation, and want of food, contributed, with the noisome stench of the place, to throw me into a swoon; out of which I was recovered by the tar who stood centinel over us, who at the same time regaled me with a draught of flip, and comforted me with the hopes of being put on board the Thunder next day, where I should be freed of my handcuffs, and cured of my wounds by the doctor."
Now let us see how the press worked—
"The Press in the River Thames, for the three last days, has been very severe. Five or six hundred seamen have been laid hold of."—(Times, February 18th, 1793.)
"On Wednesday night the press was very hot on the river Thames; all the ships, both homeward, and outward, bound, were stripped of their hands; not excepting two outward bound East Indiamen, which were to have sailed yesterday."—(Times, March 9, 1793.)
"The press has been so hot, for seamen, since the order of Friday last, that three Tenders, full of men, have been dispatched from the Tower to the 'Sandwich' guardship at the Nore."—(Times, March 27, 1793.)
"A hot press has, for the last two nights, been carried on from London bridge to the Nore; protections are disregarded, and almost all the vessels in the River have been stripped of their hands."—(Times, April 26, 1793.)
"The sailors are so scarce, that upwards of 60 sail of merchants ships, bound to the West Indies, and other places, are detained in the River, with their ladings on board; seven outward bound East Indiamen are likewise detained at Gravesend, for want of sailors to man them."—(Times, Jan. 7, 1794.)
"The number of seamen to be voted for the service of the present year, including 12,000 marines, will be 85,000 men."—(Times, Jan. 29, 1794.)
"There was a smart press on Monday, on the river, for seamen, and, in many of the avenues to the town, several hundreds were picked up, and put on board the receiving ship at the Tower."—(Times, April 2, 1794.)
"Poole, Nov. 30.
"This morning arrived in Steedland Bay, the 'Maria,' from Newfoundland, having some passengers on board, besides the crew; the officers of the impress service expecting to meet some resistance, had called for military assistance, and 20 soldiers, armed, went on board the tender, which went down the harbour, to meet the vessel; when coming alongside, and finding the people obstinate, orders were given to the soldiers to fire, which they did; the pilot (then at the helm), and two other men, were killed on the spot, and seven others dangerously wounded, one of whom is since dead. Lieutenants Phillips and Glover, with all who were on board the tender, are taken into custody, and the whole town is in the greatest commotion."—(Times, Dec. 3, 1794.)
"That part of Mr. Pitt's plan for manning the navy, which recommends to the Magistrates to take cognizance of all idle, and disorderly people, who have no visible means of livelihood, may, certainly, procure a great number of able bodied men who are lurking about the metropolis, if properly enforced. But experience teaches, that, unless the Magistrates see that their Runners do justice to the public, this salutary measure may be in a great measure defeated, from the interest which the Runners are known to have, in nursing those vagabonds, which the law enacts should be laid hold of."—(Times, Feb. 11, 1795.)
"A meeting on the subject of the Navy was held last week at Newcastle, the result of which was, the choosing of a Committee, three of whom are to confer with Mr. Dundas—'to recommend the suspension of the impress, to send into actual service the gangs and crews of the tenders, (amounting, it is said, from seven to ten thousand,) to increase the wages of seamen in the navy, and to pay half of it, monthly, for the support of their families.'"—(Times, Feb. 11, 1795.)
"An Embargo is about to take place on all the shipping in our ports, which it is thought will last SIX WEEKS, or until 20,000 seamen are procured. The embargo was to take place as last night."—(Times, Feb. 19, 1795.)
"There was a very hot press in the river, on Friday night last, when several hundred able seamen were procured. One of the gangs, in attempting to board a Liverpool trader, were resisted by the crew, when a desperate affray took place, in which many of the former were thrown overboard, and the Lieutenant who boarded them, killed by a shot from the vessel."—(Times, June 9, 1795.)
"A very general search for seamen has taken place in the river, for several nights past; such is the greatest want of hands to mix on board the men-of-war now ready at the Nore, Chatham, Sheerness," &c.—(Times, June 18, 1795.)
"The Press gallies are out in the river, night and day, in order to pick up men; the demand for seamen being still very great from the vast quantities of shipping now employed in Government service."—(Times, Aug. 29, 1795.)
"One of the Juries that was impannelled on the Coroner's Inquest, to examine the body of one of the unfortunate men that was killed in the affray that took place between the pressgang, and the sailors, belonging to the 'Maria' of Poole, have returned their verdict of Wilful Murder against the two Lieutenants of the Navy."—(Times, Dec. 5, 1794.)
The following instructive little story will shew how mutinies were made:—
"The mutiny which existed several days on board the 'Culloden' of 74 guns, and which, it is said, originated in the wish of the crew to have the ship docked, previous to her sailing for the West Indies, was, on Wednesday, settled by an order from the Admiralty in the following manner:—'That several Captains were to go on board and inform the crew, unless they immediately returned to their duty, the "Royal George" of 110 guns, and "Queen," of 98 guns, would directly be laid alongside them.' They were allowed half an hour to consider the matter. The officers, and others, who chose to leave the ship, were at liberty so to do. The ship's company several times wanted to make terms, which could not possibly be complied with: in about twenty minutes they all agreed to return to their duty; 12 of the ringleaders were instantly seized, and put in irons, and will no doubt be tried by a Court Martial for the same. During the time the ship was in this mutinous state, the crew flogged several marines because they would not join them, and would have punished the whole, had they gone below."—(Times, Dec. 13, 1794.)
"The cause of the mutiny, on board the 'Culloden,' was briefly this. In coming into Spithead, the 'Sampson,' and 'Culloden,' both run a-ground. The former was a good deal damaged: the latter lost only her rudder, which could easily be repaired at Spithead, but the 'Sampson' was obliged to be carried into dock. Some of the seamen of the 'Culloden,' in a mutinous manner, expressed their doubts of the safety of the ship: and, upon being remonstrated with, insisted upon going into harbour."—(Times, Dec. 16, 1794.)
Which were right, the Sailors, or the Admiralty?
Here is a curious case, which shows the want of men to man the fleet, and how unscrupulously even magistrates lent themselves against all justice, and equity, in helping to kidnap men for the use of the Navy Services:—
"PUBLIC OFFICE, BOW STREET.—A master bricklayer, of the name of Whitehead, brought his apprentice before the sitting magistrate, on a charge of having stolen a scaffolding board, value under ninepence: he had his choice, either to enlist as a soldier, or to be sent on board the fleet: to both of which he objected. The Magistrate then ordered a letter to be written to the Regulating Captain, Tower Hill, to have him sent on board the Navy."—(Times, Jan. 5, 1795.)
On this, one of the spectators addressed Mr. Bond, and told him he was acting improperly.
"Who are you?" says Mr. B——. "I am a Mr. Thompson, a Member of the House of Commons for Evesham: and I tell you that you act illegally." "Do you tell me, sitting here as a magistrate, that I act illegally?" "I do: for the boy has committed a crime, he is not to be punished by you, or any other justice: it is to the laws of the land, and to them alone, that he is amenable: and I say, that it is a violation of the liberty of the subject." Mr. Bond observed, that the King wanted men: and did not Mr. Thompson think that it was proper to procure those for him, who had forfeited their liberty? Mr. T. replied, that he knew that the King did want men, but that that was a very improper mode of coming at them. Mr. Bond then observed, that probably Mr. T. might investigate it in the House of Commons: but whether he did or did not, he should act as he thought proper for that time. He then sent for Major Leeson, and had him enlisted. Mr. Thompson signified as much to him, as that it should be brought before the House."
(On Monday, 5th Jan., the matter was introduced in a speech of Mr. Thompson's, on the Habeas Corpus Bill, but nothing was done.)
Jack did, occasionally, get some prize money, but nothing ever came up to the "Hermione" in 1762, when each ordinary seaman had about £800 for his share; but when we look at the disparity between the Captain's and Sailor's share, we can enter into the spirit of the Sailor's prayer, before an engagement, that the shots might be apportioned, like the prize money,—the greater part among the officers.
"By the determination of the Lord Chancellor in favour of the captors of the St. Jago Register ship, Admiral Gell will get, as his proportion, near £100,000 prize money. All the captains of his fleet will divide about £30,000, and so downwards in proportion. The precise value of the St. Jago, Spanish ship, retaken in April 1793, from the French, which the Lords of Appeal adjudged to the captors, on Thursday evening last, is £935,000."—(Times, Feb. 4, 1795.)
"The first payment of the immense St. Jago prize is commenced, Captain Sir A. Douglas having received his share. The following is the declared proportion of the specie only: Each Captain's share, £13,920; Lieutenant's share, £910; Warrant officer's share, £612; Petty officer's share, £140; Foremast-man's share, £26. Besides two seventh's shares of the whole in reserve, till the question, whether the Boyne, and Powerful, have a right to share with the Squadron. The above statement is independent of the valuable cargo, and bullion, which are yet to be shared. The Admiral's shares are not yet declared."—(Times, March 21, 1795.)
"Saturday, the 26th inst., the sailors on board the Sea Horse frigate, had 2800 dollars served out to them at Portsmouth, and leave of absence for 48 hours' recreation on shore. This ship shares the whole of the Spanish prizes taken by her, and carried into Portsmouth. Their cargoes consist principally of about 300,000 dollars and gold doubloons, and about 120,000 raw hides, tallow," &c.—(Times, Dec. 2, 1796.)
"The Spanish prize, taken by the Raven brig, one of Admiral Earl St. Vincent's squadron, which was sent home, now lies at Deptford, where she is strongly guarded, and no persons suffered to go on board, till she has gone through a complete search, as it is suspected some other valuables, besides the Platina, of which 4000 ounces have been taken out and sold, are hid. Platina is a metal of the colour of silver, and about one eighth heavier than gold. None has ever been seen in Europe, at least in any quantity, but in Spain where it is consigned to the Crown, from South America."—(Times, Sept. 20, 1797.)
"We stated several days since, that it had been determined by Mr. Pitt to alter, very materially, the Bill now before the House of Commons, for manning the navy. The principal alteration will be the taking off the burthen on ship-owners, of finding men before their ships can clear out; instead of which they are to advance a certain proportion of money, and Commissioners are to be stationed, at the out-ports, to find men out of this fund. The measure proposed is as follows,—that each Port shall, according to the number of seamen belonging to it, raise a certain number of men—that these men shall be fixed by Ballot—that those who have enrolled themselves to be balloted, shall receive a certificate of having done so, which shall secure them against pressing—that no man shall be permitted to serve on board a merchant ship, under a very heavy penalty, without such a certificate, that no ship shall be suffered to proceed from any Port, till the number of men required from the Port shall be raised; and that those who do not enrol themselves, shall be liable to be apprehended."—(Times, Feb. 18, 1795.)
As we see by the following paragraphs, the parishes offered bounties to fill up their quota of sailors:—
"The Parish of St. James', Westminster, having, in a public manner, signified their wish, to raise twenty-five men, pursuant to the statute, to serve in His Majesty's Navy, had, by Wednesday last, completed that number: and the g-officer, in the course of the afternoon, examined them, and found them all extremely proper for His Majesty's service: and, on Thursday, they were examined and certified, by the Parochial Magistrates, when the men requesting to have £7, the third part of the bounty-money, advanced to buy slops, bedding, and for other purposes, it was immediately complied with."—(Times, Apr. 7, 1795.)
(Advt.) "Ancient and Loyal City of Westminster.
"At a MEETING of the Vestries, Church-wardens, Overseers, and the principal inhabitants, of the Parishes of St. Margaret, and St. John the Evangelist, Westminster, in St. Margaret's Vestry Room, on Thursday, the 2nd day of April 1795, it was agreed to give a bounty of Twenty-five Guineas each to Twenty Men, to be raised for the Naval Service of His Majesty King George, in defence of Old England. All able-bodied men, willing to serve in His Majesty's Navy, are desired to apply, from the hours of nine in the morning till four in the afternoon, at the Vestry Room, in St. Margaret's Churchyard, Westminster, this, and the following days, Sundays excepted. To any man, who shall be approved by the Regulating Officer, part of the Bounty will be immediately paid, on his enrolment, either to himself or to his wife and family, or to any other person he may appoint to receive the same, and the remainder upon his being mustered on board of ship. He will have an opportunity of leaving a power for part of his wages and prize money, to be paid monthly for the support of his family, who will also be under the care, and protection of a kind and benevolent parish: and if his conduct is approved, he will have the preference, on his return, of any employment the Parish can give him. None need apply but able-bodied men. No volunteer, who shall enter as above, can be taken out of His Majesty's Service, but for a criminal matter. N.B. Persons enrolled, are not liable to serve more than three months after the War, if arrived in any port of Great Britain.
"By Order, T. Drake, Vestry Clerk."
—(Times, Apr. 9, 1795.)
"From the returns of the Regulating Officers, received at the Admiralty, it appears that on the average, about half the men for the navy, are likely to be raised throughout the counties, and that the deficiency will be paid in money. The average price given in the Eastern Counties is £25 per man; so that the fine of £10 added to it, will make the parishes defaulting, advance £35, in lieu of a man, for every 68 assessed houses."—(Times, Apr. 9, 1795.)
"A change is about to take place in the Naval Uniform. Epaulets are to be worn—two by Flag Officers, and these to mark their rank; two likewise by Post Captains, demonstrative of their rank; one, on the right shoulder, by Masters, and Commanders, and one on the left by Lieutenants."—(Times, June 5, 1795.)
"The City of London has now made up its quota of 5704 Seamen, under the Act which laid an embargo on all outward bound vessels, until 20,000 men were raised for the use of the Navy. Among this number are about 1600 able seamen, who count each for two ordinary seamen. The expenses of raising them in London, are found to be much more moderate than the men raised in the country ports."—(Times, Sept. 24, 1795.)
"One Samuel Caradise, who had been committed to the House of Correction, in Kendal, and there confined as a vagabond, until put on board a King's ship, agreeable to the late Act, sent for his wife, the evening before his intended departure. He was in a cell, and she spoke to him through the iron door. After which, he put his hand underneath, and she with a mallet, and chissel, concealed for the purpose, struck off a finger and thumb, to render him unfit for His Majesty's service."—(Times, Nov. 3, 1795.)
"All superfluous ornaments to the heads, and sterns, of King's ships are, we understand, in future to be discontinued. Instead of a figure at the head, a scroll is to be substituted, and the sterns are to be as plain as possible."—(Times, Sept. 9, 1796.)
"The Navy Board have given orders, that ships of war shall be ornamented with carved work at their heads, and sterns, as formerly, which mode, some months since, had been suspended."—(Times, Oct. 6, 1797.)
"Anecdote of Captain Drury of the 'Powerful.'
"About an hour before the action with the Dutch Fleet, he assembled his men, and thus addressed them:—'You are a set of damned, blackguard, mutinous, rascals, and you know I think so of you all: we shall soon see whether you have any courage: I have only this to say to you, you see the Dutch ship that we shall soon be along-side: if you don't silence her in 40 minutes, I shall know what to think of you.—Now return to your quarters.' Turning to the Master, he said, 'Do you take care that these rascals, may not have to complain that they were not near enough.' In 20 minutes the Dutch ship struck her colours, and the 'Powerful' bore away to assist the 'Venerable.' After the action, the Captains of the fore-castle came aft, and asked Capt. Drury if he still considered them a rascally set? 'No,' said Capt. D., 'your behaviour has perfectly satisfied me.' 'Will you then shake hands?' said the men, which he did most heartily, and assured them that he should never reproach them again for what had passed, and would, on his part, entirely forget that anything had ever happened. They then gave him three cheers, and, now, Capt. Drury is almost idolized by the crew."—(Times, Nov. 16, 1797.)
"The French Government has ordered 16 sail of the line, 18 frigates, and 12 ships of war of a smaller size to be built. Good news this for Old England! It saves us the trouble and expense of building them ourselves, as they are sure to find their way into our ports."—(Times, Nov. 26, 1798.)
"Lord Camelford.
"By the Leeward Island Mail, which arrived yesterday, we have received some very circumstantial advices of what passed in the West Indies, respecting Lord Camelford, who was tried by a Court Martial, on the 13th of January last, at Fort Royal Bay, for the murder of Lieut. Peterson, and acquitted.
"Antigua, January 23, 1798.
"On the 13th inst. died, at English Harbour, Charles Peterson, Esq., first Lieutenant of H.M. ship Perdrix. This event was occasioned by a dispute between the deceased, and Lord Camelford, upon the right of commanding at English Harbour. Lord Camelford commanded H.M. sloop-of-war the Favourite, by virtue of an order, or warrant, from Admiral Harvey; and Mr. Peterson, though an older Lieutenant than Lord Camelford, had lately served on board that ship under his command, but, having been removed to the Perdrix, and Lord Camelford not having a commission as Master, and Commander, Mr. Peterson, being then at English Harbour, supposed himself to be the Commanding Officer, and, under that idea, issued some orders to Lord Camelford, which were answered by other orders from Lord C. to Mr. P. Upon Mr. Peterson's refusal to obey these orders, a Lieutenant with a party of Marines were sent to put him under arrest, and Mr. P. prepared for resistance, and ordered the crew of the Perdrix to arm in his defence. But, before any conflict took place, Lord Camelford arrived, went up to Mr. P., demanded if he would obey his orders, or not, and, upon being answered in the negative, he immediately shot him dead upon the spot. An inquest was taken by the Coroner, the next day; but the Jury, not being willing to take upon themselves the determination of the question upon whom the command at English Harbour had devolved, found only that the deceased had been shot by Lord Camelford, in consequence of a mutiny."—(Times, April 11, 1798.)
Extract of a letter from an Officer in H.M. ship Vengeance, dated Antigua, February 9:—
"Lord Camelford appears to me to be a new character in his Class. He is very severe in carrying on duty; seldom ties up a man but he gets six or seven dozen lashes, which is a more severe punishment in this country than what is produced by giving the same number in a northern climate.
"Although his Lordship is a Master, and Commander, he makes use of no swabs (gold shoulder knots), but still appears in a Lieutenant's uniform. His dress is indeed extremely remarkable; all the hair is shaved off his head, on which he wears a monstrous large Gold-laced cocked-hat. He is dressed in a Lieutenant's plain coat, the buttons of which are as green with verdigrease, as the ship's bottom; and, with this, all the rest of his dress corresponds."
Extract of a private letter.
"Cronstadt, August 2.
"Our countrymen who have been employed at Revel, in conducting the embarkation of the Russian troops, have been honoured with great marks of attention from the Emperor, and his Family.
"His Imperial Majesty requested the Nile lugger, in which Captain Popham went to Petersburgh, to be brought up close to his palace at Peterhoff, where he went on board, accompanied by only one Nobleman. The lugger was immediately got under weigh, and, there being a fine breeze of wind, His Majesty was highly surprised, and gratified, at the swiftness of her sailings. After a two hour's cruise, he was landed again at the palace, when the lugger gave him a royal salute.
"It appears the account he gave of the English vessel had greatly excited the curiosity of the rest of the Royal Family, as, next day, Captain Popham was honoured with the company of the Empress, the Emperor, Four Princesses, and Three Princes, with their retinue, when they were, of course, treated with a sail, at which they were highly delighted, and, with great condescension, partook of some ship beef, and biscuit. The Emperor was particularly attentive to everything on board the lugger, visiting every part of her, and, when the sailors were hoisting the sails, he insisted on helping for once, to set the sails of a vessel belonging to his gracious Ally, and actually hauled the rope with the men. The Empress begged that the crew would sing 'God save the King,' which was instantly complied with, to Her Majesty's entire satisfaction.
"Captain Popham was presented by the Emperor, with an elegant snuff-box set with diamonds, and with a valuable ring from Her Imperial Majesty. His Majesty has likewise knighted Captain Popham, conferring on him the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Lieutenant Pratt, Captain Popham's Assistant in this business, has also been presented with a gold snuff-box, from the Emperor, and a handsome gold watch and chain, from the Empress."—(Times, August 28, 1799.)
Was the under-mentioned lady the veritable heroine of the ballad of "Billy Taylor?"
"There is at present in the Middlesex Hospital, a young, and delicate female, who calls herself Miss T—lb—t, and who is said to be related to some families of distinction; her story is very singular:—At an early period of her life, having been deprived by the villany of a trustee, of a sum of money bequeathed her by a deceased relation of high rank, she followed the fortunes of a young Naval officer, to whom she was attached, and personated a common sailor before the mast, during a cruise in the North Seas. In consequence of a lover's quarrel, she quitted the ship and assumed for a time the military character: but her passion for the sea prevailing, she returned to her favourite element, did good service, and received a severe wound, on board Earl St. Vincent's ship, on the glorious 14th of February, and again bled in the cause of her country, in the engagement off Camperdown. On this last occasion her knee was shattered, and an amputation is likely to ensue. This spirited female, we understand, receives a pension of £20, from an illustrious Lady, which is about to be doubled." (Times, Nov. 4, 1799.)
In 1793, the war with France, which was, on and off, to last so long, was an accomplished fact—and one of the first notices thereof, at least, pictorially, makes fun of the good intentions of the patriotic ladies of England, towards the personal comforts of the army.
British Ladies Patriotic Presents to the Army.—1793.
Men were most urgently wanted—but it had hardly come to the following:—
"Major Hanger has made a proposal to Government, rather of a singular nature, to raise a corps of men, from among the convicts. He has received his answer, that, at present, Government can give no countenance to his application." But it did come.—(Times, March 23, 1793.)
"We have already mentioned that a number of convicts in Newgate, under sentence of transportation, have within the last few days, been permitted to enter into marching regiments. The crown debtors in the various prisons, have received similar offers."—(Times, Oct. 9, 1795.)
"The French Emigrants, who are to serve in the legion now assembling at Jersey, have received orders to keep themselves ready, at a short notice, to repair to their destinations. About 400, have enlisted in town, and between 500, and 600, at Jersey."—(Times, Jan. 29, 1794.)
Here is a very early Notice of Volunteers:—
"We are happy to hear that the Grand Juries of the different counties, intend to recommend the forming Volunteer Companies, to augment the Militia. The Grand Jury, at Reading, greatly approved this measure, and the sum of 14, or £1500, has already been subscribed, at that place, for carrying it into effect."—(Times, March 8, 1794.)
"The following are the terms for raising Independent Companies. For a Company, a Lieutenant on full pay is to raise fifty men, including three corporals, to be allowed five guineas levy money, and the pay of three serjeants, and two drummers, during the levy, and to receive £150 from the successor to his lieutenancy. A Lieutenant on half pay, to raise the like number, but to be allowed eight guineas levy-money. For a Lieutenancy, an Ensign on full pay is to raise twenty men, including a corporal, and to be allowed five guineas levy-money with the pay of a sergeant, and a drummer, during the levy. An Ensign on half-pay, to raise the like number, but to be allowed seven guineas levy-money."—(Times, March 7, 1794.)
"The following, we understand to be the heads of the plan to be proposed for the consideration of the Lords Lieutenants of the different counties, for the internal defence of the Kingdom.
"1st. The Militia is to be augmented by Volunteer Companies, or by an additional number of privates to each company, in the option of His Majesty.
"2ndly. Volunteer Companies are to be formed in particular towns: in those particularly situated on the sea coast, for purposes of local defence.
"3rdly. A certain number of soldiers for each Regiment: to act as pioneers, as well as persons in different parishes, and districts, not attached immediately to the Militia, to act in the same capacity: and certain places to be appointed for their rendezvous, particularly upon the sea coast; but these to be ready to assist the regular forces upon every emergency.
"4thly. Volunteer Troops of Fencible Cavalry are to be raised, consisting of from 50, to 80, men per troop, which are liable to serve only during the war, and within the Kingdom: the Officers are to have temporary rank only, and are not to be entitled to half pay: arms, clothing, and accoutrements, to be furnished by the Government, but the levy-money to be found by the persons raising such troops, or troops, as also the horses; for the horses, however, they are to be allowed the Government contract price. The person who, upon the above terms, raises two troops, is to have the temporary rank of Major; he who raises four, that of Lieutenant Colonel; and he who raises six, that of Colonel.
"Fifthly, Bodies of Cavalry are, besides, to be raised within particular districts, or counties, to consist of the Gentlemen and Yeomanry, or such persons as they shall recommend, according to a plan to be approved of by the King, or by the Lords Lieutenant, under authority from His Majesty; the Officers are to receive Commissions from His Majesty, and the Muster Rolls are also to be approved of by His Majesty, or by the Lords Lieutenant, at particular periods to be hereafter fixed; no levy money is to be given, and the horses are to be provided by the Gentry or Yeomanry who compose the particular corps; the arms and accoutrements, are, however, to be supplied at the public expense. Such corps are to be exercised only at particular times, fixed by warrant from His Majesty, or by the approbation of the Lords Lieutenant. They are to be liable to be embodied, or called out of their respective counties, only by special direction from His Majesty, in case of actual appearance of invasion; and to be liable to be called upon by order from His Majesty, or by the Lords Lieutenant, or Sheriff of the county, to act within the county, or in the adjacent counties, for the suppression of riots and tumults. In either case, they are to receive pay as cavalry, and are to be liable to the provisions of the Mutiny Bill."—(Times, Mar. 13, 1794.)
Qualifications.—"The officers of the London Militia, according to the Bill now in the House of Lords, are to be qualified according to the Act of the 26th George III. Cap. 107, Sec. 8.
| Real | or Personal. | |
| Field Officers | £300 | £5,000 |
| Captains | 150 | 2,500 |
| Lieutenants | 30 | 750 |
| Ensign | 20 | 400 |
One Moiety in the City, the other in any part of the Kingdom seised of an estate, either in law, or equity, the claim or grant whereof was originally made for 20 years, of the same annual amount, to be a qualification."—(Times, June 26, 1794.)
"An extraordinary circumstance lately happened to a sheriff's officer, in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden. Hot with juniper berry, not the Tuscan Grape, he had an idea of beating the Carmagnols; and in consequence, going to a recruiting party in Bow Street, said he would enlist. The Captain of the party gave him a shilling, in the usual phrase of His Majesty's name:—he said he must have more:—a guinea was given him in His Majesty's name, to serve so and so; he took it, and departed. The matter thus rested for five or six days, when he came back to return the money, which he said he had taken in a frolic. The money was refused. He said he would be revenged, and, having a writ some days after, against one of the enlisted recruits, he went to the rendezvous house to execute it, where the Captain took him up as a deserter, and sent him to the Savoy Prison, from whence he has been released by a Habeas Corpus, contrary, as military men say, to the law by which the military are governed. This will occasion a most curious contest."—(Times, June 30, 1794.)
"Something like a legal mutiny has, it seems, already arisen in the long robed Corps of Volunteers. By a clause in their engrossed agreement, every Member neglecting to attend the regular drill, is bound to pay a fine of three shillings and four-pence, towards purchasing parchment to new head their drums. Against this penalty being levied, some of the absentees have demurred, on the plea that the instrument is not valid in law, from its not being drawn on a six shilling stamp."—(Times, July 17, 1794.)
"A melancholy accident happened yesterday, about one o'clock, at the Recruiting Office, Angel Court, Charing Cross. A sergeant having kidnapped a man, for the better securing him, had confined him in a back-garret at the top of the house, after he had cut off his hair, to disfigure him, and, tying his hands behind him, and locking the door, left him by himself. By some means, the man got his hands loosened, and chose rather to risk his life by jumping from the window, than suffer himself to be any longer in their clutches; accordingly, he attempted to pitch upon a leaded roof, which was about half way to the bottom, but, unfortunately, jumping short, he fell back, and his head falling against the wall, his skull was fractured in such a shocking manner, that he died in about an hour afterwards. The populace were so much enraged at this shocking enormity, which we are sorry to believe is too often repeated, that they almost demolished the Recruiting Office. The mob had increased to so great a degree at ten o'clock last night, that it was found necessary to call out a party of the Horse Guards, for the protection of the neighbourhood."—(Times, Aug. 16, 1794.)
Kidnapping, or a disgrace to Old England.
This was a serious riot. The mob at that time was peculiarly excitable, and had a great deal more of its own way than it has now. So a spark only was wanted to make a flame. This was found in a rumoured case of kidnapping for the army; impressing for the navy could be understood, because it had obtained from time immemorial, that when the king wanted men to man his war vessels, he took seamen, or fishermen, but this was something new, and must be put down, otherwise no man was safe. The truth was not scrupulously adhered to, and the print shops, ever eager to make money by pandering to the passions of the hour, published exaggerated, and heartrending pictures, of the way in which the army was recruited, and, altogether, a very pretty riot was got up.
"On Saturday morning, early, a mob again collected before Angel Court, Charing Cross, and attacked the house from whence the unfortunate young man had thrown himself into the street. The populace proceeded to gut the house, throwing the furniture out of the windows. The street was covered with feathers from the beds which were torn to pieces: they were proceeding to demolish an adjoining house, when the military were called in, and several officer's detachments, both of horse, and foot, again paraded the streets at Charing Cross. The mob having assembled again yesterday morning, and becoming very riotous, a troop of Horse Guards was very properly ordered out, and two or three of the principal rioters about the King's Arms Public House, taken into custody.
"It is some satisfaction that we have heard the Coroner's report on the investigation of this unpleasant business. A most respectable jury sat five hours, on Saturday night, to consider of the verdict: and, after the most minute testimony of several witnesses, it was proved that the young man, whose name was Howe, and lived at Wandsworth, was a Lunatic, and had been several times confined by his friends. He had himself offered to enlist; no blame whatever attaches in this instance, to the people of the house. We trust that this impartial enquiry will satisfy the minds of every one, and that there will be no more mobs."—(Times, Aug. 18, 1794.)
"In consequence of a mob again assembling at Charing Cross, yesterday evening, the Horse Guards were again called out, and paraded the streets till midnight."—(Times, Aug. 19, 1794.)
"THE RIOTS IN LONDON.
"We had flattered ourselves with the hope, that the very fair, and public, investigation which took place on the Coroner's Inquest, which sat on Saturday last on the body of the unfortunate man, Howe, who threw himself out of a window of a Recruiting House, would have satisfied every man's mind, that Howe was a Lunatic, and had been so for many years past: and that it was in a fit of Lunacy, that he destroyed himself. We hoped after this investigation, all kinds of mobs would have ceased.
"We are sorry to observe, that the people are instigated to riot by the false representations daily made in those Jacobin prints, which are, at all times, so eager to announce, and magnify, every public misfortune. One of these yesterday asserted, 'that a poor woman with five children, and herself now pregnant, suspecting the crimps had decoyed her husband into a house in Whitcomb St., watched it, and by chance saw her husband chained to the floor.' An evening paper of yesterday, observes 'that the guards, both horse and foot, were as usual, grossly insulting inoffensive passengers,' and it concludes with a piece of advice to these military gentlemen, 'that they are not always with musquets, and swords, in their hands, and that the people may be roused to resistance.' Now we know that no gentlemen could have observed greater caution than the military have done on this occasion: and the above remarks have no other object than to excite riot.
"On Tuesday last, John Kerr and John Ruggle, were committed to Newgate for stripping a man of his cloaths. Kerr is the man who keeps a house in Whitcomb Street, Charing Cross; which was assailed by a mob on Tuesday night, and very much damaged. It was owing to this riot, that the Horse Guards were again called out, and paraded the streets, through the night, as well as yesterday, to keep the peace.
"Six of those who were found in Kerr's house throwing the furniture out of the windows, were taken into custody, and, yesterday morning, were all committed to Tothill-fields Bridewell.
"A riot also was attempted to be raised at a recruiting-office in Tooley St., Southwark, on Tuesday night.
"Yesterday, a mob assembled before a house of the same description, in Shoe Lane, at which several stones were thrown: and, at length, it became so serious, that the Lord Mayor was called upon to interpose his assistance, and attended, and, by the interference of a few constables, the mob dispersed, but, in the evening, the number of people continuing to increase, a party of guards were sent from the Tower, and the Lord Mayor, at eight o'clock, read the Riot Act. The mob, after being driven out of Shoe Lane by the soldiers, rushed suddenly to Bride Lane, where they broke open a house which had been employed as a recruiting-office, and proceeded to throw the beds, and some little furniture that remained in it, out of the windows; but, hearing of the approach of the military, they fled, saying they had plenty more business to do. It was reported, at the time this paper was going to press, that the Recruiting Offices on Mutton Hill, and Cow-Cross, near Clerkenwell Green, had likewise met a similar fate."—(Times, Aug. 20, 1794.)
"On Wednesday, the examinations closed respecting Mrs. Hanna, who kept the recruiting office at Charing Cross, when she was acquitted, no evidence being adduced to criminate her. This acquittal has been the consequence of a very scrutinizing investigation.
"The riots were not confined, on Wednesday night, to Fleet St. and the neighbourhood, but extended to the Raven, in Golden Lane, and the Sash, in Moorfields, and very much damaged the Rum Puncheon, in Old St., and a private house in Long Lane. They were all recruiting houses. A recruiting house, opposite Fetter Lane, in Holborn, was completely gutted.
"Yesterday, bills were very properly stuck up in different parts of the town, to the following purport:—'You are earnestly requested to depart hence, and not by remaining, encourage others to stop, by which a crowd will be accumulated, and your personal liberty may be endangered.' Parents were likewise warned from suffering their children to appear abroad.
"It is greatly to be apprehended that there exists a scheme to raise mobs, and disturb the peace of the metropolis. On Friday, and Saturday, during the riots at Charing Cross, great pains were taken to persuade the people, that there were subterraneous passages from the houses to the Thames, and that men were sent off in the night. On Monday, and Tuesday, hand-bills were distributed, telling the people that men, and children, were kidnapped, and sent off to Canada, and elsewhere. Nothing can be more notoriously false than such assertions."—(Times, Aug. 22, 1794.)
"On Thursday night there was an attempt made to raise a riot in St. George's Fields, at the Milk House, the corner of the London Road, the master of which is a temporary Serjeant to recruit for some of the volunteer corps; but by the spirited behaviour of the recruits, soldiers and light horse volunteers, in that quarter, the incendiaries did not proceed to acts of violence. It was evidently apparent that the mob was led on by persons above the common rank, whose sole aim is, if possible, under the idea of some pretended grievance, to raise a general riot in the metropolis. On Thursday, several persons were committed to the New Compter, by the Lord Mayor, for being concerned in the riot in Shoe Lane; and six men were committed to Newgate, from the Public Office, in Worship Street, for being concerned in the riots at the Sash, in Moorfields, and at the Black Raven, in Golden Lane.
"In the course of the same day, several attempts of a similar nature were made in different quarters of the town, which were prevented, however, by the appearance of the regular military, and, in some places, by the City Horse Volunteers, who have been out on duty every day. The recruiting offices in Drury Lane, and at Shoreditch, were attempted to be demolished. As the continuance of these riotous proceedings is of the most dangerous nature, we trust that some more decisive steps will be taken, by Government, for their suppression."—(Times, Aug. 23, 1794.)
"The activity of the Magistrates, and the arrival of the Oxford Blues, to assist the Civil Power, caused the mobs to be cautious of appearing on Saturday. They found that it was determined to fire upon them if they did not desist; and, therefore, they thought personal safety the best policy. A very rigid, and severe, investigation will, no doubt, be made into the practice of crimping, and a stop put to the disgraceful manner of recruiting."—(Times, Aug. 26, 1794.)
"Old Bailey.
"Five men were indicted for a riot, on the 20th of last month, at a Public House, known by the name of the Old Sash, in Moorfields. After a trial of five hours, the Jury found all the prisoners—Not Guilty. John Osborn and R. Piggott were indicted for riotously assembling on the 20th August last, in Golden Lane, and beginning to demolish the dwelling house of Hugh Case. Piggott found guilty, sentence, Death. Osborn, not Guilty. J. Strutt, was afterwards tried for beginning to demolish the dwelling house of W. Ostiff, in Johnson's Court, Charing Cross, and, after a trial of several hours, was found guilty, sentence Death. Antony Purchase, and R. Warnbeck, were next tried, for beginning to pull down the house of R. Lazell, and found guilty, sentence Death. They were both of them strongly recommended, by the Jury, to mercy, on account of their youth, and the goodness of their character."—(Times, Sept. 22, 1794.)
"Sunday evening, an affray happened in Whitcomb Street, between a recruiting party, and the mob, on account of the former attempting to trepan a young man, in a state of intoxication. The windows of the recruiting-house were broke, and the affair, which for some time bore an alarming aspect, was at last terminated by the arrival of a party of the Horse Guards." (Times, Dec. 23, 1794.)
RIOT IN ST. GEORGE'S FIELDS.
"However expedient it is to recruit our Land Forces, and strongly as it is requisite to make our Navy respectable, and superior to the enemy, yet, in attaining these essential points, the constitutional liberty of the subject should be preserved. It is, therefore, with a degree of regret, we mention that the power of enlisting men for the Land Service, in particular, has been entrusted to persons who have abused the confidence reposed in them, and who have used the most unjustifiable means to accomplish their purposes. As an instance, among others that have previously been brought before the public, we are authorised, from the circumstances of the case, to state, that on Friday last, a very great mob assembled in London Road, leading from the Obelisk, in St. George's Fields, to the Elephant and Castle, at Newington Butts, and, having intimation that a number of men were there imprisoned by a certain description of Crimps, they attacked the house where these persons were confined, demolished the windows, and released eighteen men, who were chained together by hand-cuffs, and other iron ligaments.
"The Borough Magistrates, on hearing of this outrage, immediately sent down their officers: and the Acting Recruiting Serjeant being taken into custody, he was, after a short examination, committed to the New Gaol. The circumstances which led to the discovery of this imprisonment, was, that of kidnapping a pot-boy, who, before he was chained down, contrived to break a pane of glass in the drawing-room window (for the house was a private one, and elegantly furnished), from whence he cried out 'Murder!' This alarmed the neighbourhood, and, as it had been suspected by them, that persons were illegally confined there, the doors, and windows, were soon demolished, and the prisoners liberated. The Serjeant, and his crew, had two women of the town genteelly dressed up for the purpose of inveigling young men into the house, which they styled their lodgings, where the deluded were instantly hand-cuffed, and, about three or four o'clock, in the morning, sent off in coaches, hired for the purpose, to the country. On Saturday, several more youths, who were confined in other parts of the Fields, were released by the Magistrates, amidst the plaudits of a numerous multitude of spectators."—(Times, Jan. 12, 1795.)
"On Tuesday night some disturbance happened in Charles Streets, Westminster, occasioned by some crimps having inveigled a boy from his parents, and lodged him in a house there. The mob broke the windows of it, and the boy was rescued. We have every reason to hope that the most severe punishment will be inflicted on the crimps, Government having taken every possible pains to prevent such abuses."—(Times, April 16, 1795.)
"Yesterday evening, about seven o'clock, a very considerable mob assembled about Charing Cross, and, under the pretence of delivering a man from the Crimping House, they attacked the house, which is up a little court near Northumberland House, and threw all the furniture out of the windows. Charing Cross was covered with feathers. The mob became so numerous, and disorderly, that it was found necessary to call in the assistance of the Horse Guards: and the Riot Act was twice read by a Magistrate. The street was much thronged, and the tumult continued, when this Paper went to press: although there had been no other act of serious mischief. No one can detest the business of Crimping more than we do: but we have strong reasons to believe that this is very frequently made a stalking horse with the factious, to provoke a riot."—(Times, July 12, 1795.)
"A Mob collected themselves again, last night, at Charing Cross, when, after making every one pull off their hats, as they passed, they proceeded to Mr. Pitt's, in Downing St., and broke several windows in his house; but, the Guards being immediately called out, and appearing in sight, very soon dispersed them.
"The Mob, afterwards, went over Westminster Bridge, and paraded to St. George's-fields, where they attacked the Royal George Public-house, near the Obelisk, and threw all the furniture of it into the road, and there burnt it. They gutted another Recruiting house, in Lambeth-Road, and, afterwards, made a bonfire of the furniture. This was mistaken by many, to be houses on fire. There were some of the Mob who kept watch on the outside of the houses, to give notice of the arrival of the military, who did not come till after the furniture of these two houses were consumed. The Mob compelled the inhabitants of the houses in the neighbourhood, to put up lights.
"The Riot at Charing Cross, on Sunday night, was begun by a very few persons who wished for mischief, and called out the words, Crimps, and Kidnappers! The damage was done almost instantaneously, and the villains escaped, leaving a numerous assembly of people, who were only drawn together by an idle curiosity, on the Surrey-road, near the Circus. Yesterday morning, however, about seven o'clock, it was assailed by a mob, and, notwithstanding it was well defended, and that the door was plated with iron, it was forced, and the prisoners rescued. Last night the mob again assembled about half past eight o'clock, near the Obelisk, in St. George's fields, where they gutted another Recruiting Office, and threw the furniture into the road, of which they made a bonfire. At first, the mob consisted only of about one hundred men, but the flames soon attracted great numbers. About nine, the Horse Guards arrived, and soon dispersed the crowd. We wish they had come sooner, as it is extremely injudicious to the public interest, that such indecent sights should be repeated. It was very well known that a Mob meant to assemble, and, of course, the Military should have been at hand, to meet it. Several persons were much hurt, in not being able to disperse soon enough, which ought to be a warning not to mingle in such a crowd. The Duchess of Gloucester, who was at the Circus, with her daughter, was escorted home by a party of horse."—(Times, July 14, 1795.)
"The Riots continued on Monday evening in St. George's Fields, until the Military arrived to disperse the mob. Several persons were taken into custody, and lodged in the watch-house."—(Times, July 15, 1795.)
Modern Mode of Beating up for Volunteers.
The way in which the patronage in the Army was managed, was a crying shame—children in their cradles had Cornetcies presented to them, and their promotion went on several steps before they left school. We hear of the natural consequence, in the following extract from the Times, 4th Jan. 1794:—
"We are extremely sorry that our public duty should call upon us to make any unpleasant remarks on the officers of our Army abroad, but repeated letters from the Continent, received by all descriptions of persons, agree in saying that there is a great want of Subordination among our troops. We shall not enter into particulars on this subject, as our only object is, that this observation should meet the eye of the Commander-in-Chief, and other General Officers, and that they should take the matter into their serious consideration. The evil is certainly increased by having so many young men introduced into the Army, and placing them over the heads of veteran Soldiers."
"The scandalous abuses which have been so often, and so justly, complained of, as detrimental to the public service, of children being taken from school, and appointed Officers, cannot be too soon remedied, though it will be a Herculean task to cleanse the Augean stable. In mentioning the following circumstance, we have certainly no kind of ill-will towards the party concerned; but it is a fact, that a child, not fourteen years of age, is now under orders for embarkation at Plymouth, who has been taken from school, to join his regiment at St. Domingo, as Captain!!! It is impossible for any man, who has the interest of his country at heart, to hear of such abuses without commenting on them with the utmost severity. The fault is not with Government, but is attached to the custom which prevails in officering the army; a custom which cannot be too soon corrected."—(Times, Feb. 10, 1795.)
"The Duke of York has ordered circular letters to be sent round to the Colonels of Regiments, desiring a return to be immediately made to his Office, of the number of Captains in each Regiment, under TWELVE years of age; and of Lieutenant Colonels under the age of EIGHTEEN!!! The very scandalous abuses that have, of late, crept into the mode of officering the army, are such, as to have demanded a very serious enquiry: for numberless are the evils that have resulted from it, besides that it has given so much disgust to veteran Officers, whose fortunes were not adequate to the purchase of rank. Various are the instances of boys having been taken from school, to take the command of Companies of Regiments."—(Times, March 20, 1795.)
"Over a Warehouse for fashionable dresses, in Fleet St., is written up 'Speculum modorum,' or, the mirror of the fashions; and several young Gentlemen of the Guards are actually learning Latin, in order to understand them. Others have sent for the Alphabet, in gingerbread, as preliminary education."—(Times, Oct. 27, 1795.)
"An alteration, we understand, is shortly to take place in the uniform of the officers of all the regiments of the line. The present full dress coat is to be abandoned in favour of a very short one, without any lace, or lappels, which the officers are always to wear when on duty, but discretionally at other times."—(Times, Nov. 16, 1797.)
"A number of baby officers have threatened to sell out of the Guards. They purchased for the privilege of wearing handsome regimentals, and the new uniform they say is so ugly."—(Times, Nov. 20, 1797.)
"Some of the sucking Colonels of the Guards have expressed their dislike of the short skirts. They say they feel as if they were going to be flogged."—(Times, Nov. 21, 1797.)
Kelsey's was a famous fruiterer's, &c., in St. James's Street, and we are here presented with one of the boy officers, whose legs cannot reach the ground, and who has not yet lost his childish predilection for "Sugar Plums." As a foil to him is given Colonel Burch, of the Royal Household Troops—who is actively engaged in demolishing Ice Creams.
Heroes Recruiting at Kelsey's 1797.
The following paragraph tells a sad tale:—
"The late order of the Cabinet for furnishing all His Majesty's troops with bread, in the same manner as if in camp, namely, a loaf of six pounds weight for five-pence, will, we doubt not, have the desired effect in preventing a continuance of those outrages, to which the military, in many parts of the kingdom, have been compelled, by absolute want."—(Times, April 27, 1795.)
But this order was modified, as we see.
"A new regulation has been made throughout the whole Army, that instead of the additional allowance of Bread-Money, each Soldier is to receive 8d. per day clear."—(Times, Oct. 2, 1795.)
The fate of a prisoner of War is always hard, and, as a rule, they are not too luxuriously treated. When first we had large quantities of French prisoners over here, they were nearly starved, but, afterwards, their lot was much ameliorated. Probably they were better treated than our people who were imprisoned in France, for, if the following letter can be believed, they certainly were neither luxuriously housed, nor fed.
"The following is an Extract of a letter from an Officer of the 'Castor' Frigate, captured some time since, by the French, dated Quimper near Brest, Feb. 27, 1795:—
'I wrote by Lady Ann Fitzroy, which I hope you have received; we were in a very bad state at that time: but since she has been gone, we have been a great deal worse. They now serve out nothing but bread, and horse-beans, for three weeks, or a month, together: and, when they do give meat, it is but six ounces of salt pork per man. It would make your heart ache, to see our poor sailors, without money, without cloaths, worn down by sickness, and emaciated to the last degree, fighting over the body of a dead dog, which they sometimes pick up, and devour with the most voracious appetites: and it is a fact, that the head, and pluck, of a dog, sold for 30 sous, the other day. Such scenes as this, was I obliged to undergo: but I am now in a house allotted for the officers, and am rendered very comfortable by the friendship of our second lieutenant, Mr. Hadaway. I am the only surviving midshipman of four, who came here, belonging to our ship. I have lost all my hair by sickness: but I live in hopes of seeing Old England, and my friends again.'—(Times, April 16, 1775.)
"Several persons escaped from prison, bear the strongest testimony of praise towards Lady Ann Fitzroy, late a prisoner of war at Quimper, in France, who perhaps, suffered more insults, and bad usage, from her jailors, than any of her rank ever suffered before: but, regardless of her own distresses, she made it her sole business to alleviate those of her fellow-prisoners: made shirts, and caps, for all those in need, besides purchasing some hundreds of jackets, and trowsers, which she distributed amongst her unfortunate countrymen, in want of cloathing. Her Ladyship, also, every day, had a great quantity of veal, and soup, dressed, to distribute amongst the sick. Her unparalleled benevolence saved the lives of hundreds."—(Times, June 12, 1795.)
"TWENTY GUINEAS BOUNTY.
"Gray's Inn, in the county of Middlesex, 13th Dec., 1796.
"To all able-bodied MEN, willing to serve in His Majesty's Army.—The Hon. Society of Gray's Inn will give Twenty Guineas, without any deduction whatever, to any Man who shall be approved by the Regulating Officer. No Volunteer who shall enter, as above, can be arrested for Debt, or taken out of his Majesty's Service, but for a criminal Matter.—Application to be made any Day, from the Hour of 10, till 3 o'clock, at the Steward's Office, Gray's Inn.
"Persons enrolled are not liable to serve more than one Calendar Month after the end of the present War."—(Times, Dec. 17, 1796.)
"At the Roscommon Assizes, Lord Viscount Dillon was cast in a verdict of £60, for illegally confining a poor mechanic, a fortnight underground, with a view of forcing him to enlist."—(Times, Sept. 20, 1797.)
"On Saturday last, the sentence of a Regimental Court Martial was carried into execution, on a private soldier, belonging to the 2nd Battalion of the Breadalbane Fencibles, now in the Castle of Edinburgh. He received 1000 lashes, and was drummed out of the Battalion, for having, while on sentry at Leith, on the night of the 15th of September last, loaded his piece, and fired the same into the house of an inhabitant, the Civil Magistrates having delivered him over to the Military Law."—(Times, Oct. 7, 1797.)
The sale of Commissions is here openly acknowledged, although it was not allowed, vide the two following advertisements in the same paper (1798, Jan. 15):—
"Militia.—Any young Gentleman wishing for an Ensignsy in a highly respectable Regiment of Militia, where he will have the opportunity of forming the very first connections, may, on certain conditions of honour, solely between the parties, be so respectably introduced. The Advertiser, who is of the Church, and of undoubted character, as will be known, means to apply this only to a young person of some income of his own; or whose friends would add an allowance to his pay, so as to place him upon a more equal footing with his brother Officers, and superior rank. On a proper behaviour, there is no doubt but that he would soon have a Lieutenant's Commission, and it is to be considered that at the end of the War, he will be entitled to half pay, the same as the line. It is apprehended, too, that it might still more peculiarly suit one who may mean to ultimately go into the regulars, and would prefer having his first steps in the Militia. The Advertiser, not residing in London, a letter at Messrs. Wilson and Wright's, Walker's Court, Soho, for A. P., will be duly honoured in the course of 2 or 3 days, provided it is signed with real name, and address, without which it cannot be noticed.
"Marines.—A young man of respectable connections, and of the best morals, is very anxious to be in the service of his King, and Country, in these momentous times, and therefore ardently intreats the patronage of any Lady or Gentleman, who has the interest to procure him, or the power to bestow upon him, a Lieutenancy of Marines. He does not mean to offer the insult of any pecuniary recompence; but he will assure a greatly more pleasing return to a benevolent mind, that of everlasting gratitude, and the most unimpeachable conduct. The honor of a line to F. G.," &c.
"A company in the Guards has lately been sold for the enormous sum of 8000 guineas."—(Times, April 26th, 1796.)
Commissions in the army were notoriously sold, but one would imagine that a line would be drawn at Chaplains.
Advt.—"TO BE DISPOSED OF, A CHAPLAINCY, in a new Regiment of Dragoons, and a Quarter-Master's Warrant, in a Regiment of Dragoon Guards. Apply to Mr. Hawkes, No. 17 Piccadilly."—(Times, June 9, 1795.)
"MILITIA INSURANCE.
Advt.—"Such persons as wish not to venture the risk of finding a substitute, by being drawn for the Old Militia, Supplementary Militia, and Tower Hamlets, may be secured on the following Terms, viz. Old Militia—7s. 6d. or 10s. per annum; Supplementary Militia £1 1s. or £1 11s. 6d.; Ditto, together, £1, 7s. 6d., or £2 per annum; Tower Hamlets £1, or £1 10s., per annum; by Mr. Cox, Junr., No. 36 Holborn."—(Times, Feb. 7, 1798.)
"The trial of Capt. F. Arthur of the Yeoman Artillery, commenced on Saturday, at Limerick, and terminated, on Monday, the 25th, when he was sentenced by the Court-Martial, to be transported for life, and to pay a fine to the King of £5000."—(Times, July 2, 1798.)
"Some accounts of our present Volunteer Associations will, no doubt, when read a few years hence, excite no small degree of surprise. Of this class are the following paragraphs. 'The Reverend Doctor F—— gave the word of command.'—'Counsellor G—— led his detachment to the charge with uncommon spirit and vigour.'—'An Anthem was sung by Captain-Lieutenant Sale,' &c."—(Times, Sept. 5, 1798.)
"Lewes.—Last week the Volunteers for regular Service from the Derby, Westminster, North Gloucester, and Surrey regiments of Militia, marched into this town, from their respective stations, on their routes to the grand depot, at Horsham. The large bounties which these men have received, enable them to keep up a scene of drunkenness, and insubordination, which it is very difficult to restrain. After parade here, on Saturday evening, Sir Joseph Mawbey, and other Officers, commanding the Surrey Volunteers, were compelled to have recourse to their drawn swords, to enforce order, and maintain their command, which was for some time powerfully resisted, on their ordering a man to the guard-house. And, on dismissing the parade, yesterday evening, a similar disturbance took place. No swords were then drawn, but the clamour demanded the interference of General Hulse, who, in consequence, ordered out a piquet guard of infantry, and a patrole of horse, by which tranquillity was restored, and preserved. Others who have passed through this town, in their drunken frolics, distinguished themselves by swallowing Bank-notes between slices of bread and butter, and lighting their pipes with them, to the no small advantage of the Bankers."—(Times, July 31, 1799.)