Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 158

(x) Archive of interesting assorted documents relating to misbehaviour, court martials, prisoners and desertion in the Royal Navy

Autograph letter addressed to Rear Admiral Sir George Home, which bemoans the conduct of the son of W. Cochrane, noting “From Capt. Pickenare[?]’s report of him, I fear he is almost incorrigible - whether by making him champ the bit for a year or two in a foreign climate might induce an amend…”, sent from Portsmouth, dated 8 April 1801, paper loss from seal, minor pinholes at folds, does not obscure text;

Autograph letter addressed to Captain Littlehales, Plymouth, discussing his sons misbehaviour in the Navy, remarking “I really believe that his misbehaviour originated in a fear of when returned to the ship that he should have been severely flogged…”, written and signed by Sir Robert Baker at Upper Dunstable House, dated 25 November 1803, creasing and some edge tears, significant paper loss to reverse to final page, but all text clear and legible;

Autograph letter relating to a Court Martial for the trial of Gunner Joseph Crawly, “who was sentenced to receive 100 lashes for improper conduct on Board His Majesty’s Ship Tartarus”, sent by a Captain of the Royal Artillery, dated 17 July 1804, ageing and minor edge wear, otherwise very fine condition;

Memo signed by Benjamin Hallowell addressed to Lieutenant Boxer aboard H.M.S. Tigre discussing prisoners and Turkish soldiers, dated 2 April 1807, pinholes along folds, minor paper loss, foxing, edge wear and tear, otherwise text is legible;

Letter addressed to Captain Thomas Hardy aboard H.M.S. Barfleur from J. Neil, a British seaman who deserted the French Army in Spain and was imprisoned at the Belem Depot prison, arguing for his release and asking to join Hardy’s crew, some aging and stains, minor edge wear, otherwise in good condition with clear and legible text;

Together with a letter from Colonel Warren Peacocke to Admiral Berkely referring to Neil’s imprisonment, dated 16 April 1811, pinholes along folds, contemporary stains, in otherwise good condition (6)

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£80 to £120

Starting price
£60