Part 8

"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._)

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(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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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."

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_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.

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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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_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._)

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"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._)

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"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._)

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