wayward_shadows (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wayward_shadows) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
hm_jollies2012-03-02 04:05 pm
wayward_shadows) wrote in hm_jollies2012-03-02 04:05 pm
Letters of Lieutenant George, Pt. 1
From The Letters of Lieutenant John George, RM.
Excerpt from a letter to the Reverend Mister Cleaveland, Haverfordwest, dated January 23rd 1799:
‘I yesterday executed a Power of Attorney to Mr Coombe to act for me as an Agent, he being an Agent for most of the Marine Officers. My pay is 4s.8d. per day and his charge for Agency is 6d. in the Pound; after I had appointed the Agent I delivered Mr Sykes’ letter to him who upon looking at it said it is a long story on the same subject and without reading it put the letter in his pocket, he being seemingly very busy with some Gentlemen and I took no further notice of the contents but walked off very deliberately after wishing him the Good Morning. I also yesterday purchased my accoutrements, being accompanied by one of the Clerks in the Admiralty, which cost me £12.19.6, the particulars is: for the Sword £4.4.0, Plate £1.7.0, Gorget £1.3.0, Belt 12s.6d, Sash £2.12.6, Sword Knot 10s.6d, and the Epaulets £2.10.0, which in the whole is £12.19s.6d. I shall purchase nothing else till I join the Regiment which Mr Coombe tells me he expects to forward the Commission and Official Letter in the course of a wek at farthest under cover to Captain Weir who bears an excellent character at the Admiralty.’
Excerpt from a letter to Mister Stephen George, Haverfordwest, dated January 28th 1799.
‘After a long and fatiguing Journey I arrived safe here and got every thing settled as much as I can do at present as you see by Mr Cleaveland’s letter. Had I known as much as I does now I think I should not have joined the Marines being so expensive. I thought by Mr Powell’s discourse that a mere trifle would fit one out but I see it much now to the contrary, however, I will endeavour to make it do without any further assistance. My clothes will be ready by Wednesday evening there being no lace to it only the two Epaulets. I mean by clothes, Coat, kerseymere Waistcoat & Breeches and several other little things such as Stock and roses for the Gorget and Hat. The Bed, Bedding, &c. I shall see about in the course of a few days being obliged to get them but shall consult first with Capt. Weir.
I find it quite lonesome in a strange place and all strangers but hopes in a few days to pick acquaintance with some of the Officers.
I paid from Exeter to Plymouth per Heavy coach 17s.0d. and the carriage of my trunk I paid in London for all the way. The Mess is not at all extravagant. Dinner is only 1s.8d. with the beer along with it and you may drink wine or anything as you please or might rise immediately after dinner and drink nothing. Cold meat for supper is only 4d. besides drinking. Breakfast is charged as in other Inns; the Lodging I know not what as yet.’
.
Excerpt from a letter to the Reverend Mister Cleaveland, Haverfordwest, dated January 23rd 1799:
‘I yesterday executed a Power of Attorney to Mr Coombe to act for me as an Agent, he being an Agent for most of the Marine Officers. My pay is 4s.8d. per day and his charge for Agency is 6d. in the Pound; after I had appointed the Agent I delivered Mr Sykes’ letter to him who upon looking at it said it is a long story on the same subject and without reading it put the letter in his pocket, he being seemingly very busy with some Gentlemen and I took no further notice of the contents but walked off very deliberately after wishing him the Good Morning. I also yesterday purchased my accoutrements, being accompanied by one of the Clerks in the Admiralty, which cost me £12.19.6, the particulars is: for the Sword £4.4.0, Plate £1.7.0, Gorget £1.3.0, Belt 12s.6d, Sash £2.12.6, Sword Knot 10s.6d, and the Epaulets £2.10.0, which in the whole is £12.19s.6d. I shall purchase nothing else till I join the Regiment which Mr Coombe tells me he expects to forward the Commission and Official Letter in the course of a wek at farthest under cover to Captain Weir who bears an excellent character at the Admiralty.’
Excerpt from a letter to Mister Stephen George, Haverfordwest, dated January 28th 1799.
‘After a long and fatiguing Journey I arrived safe here and got every thing settled as much as I can do at present as you see by Mr Cleaveland’s letter. Had I known as much as I does now I think I should not have joined the Marines being so expensive. I thought by Mr Powell’s discourse that a mere trifle would fit one out but I see it much now to the contrary, however, I will endeavour to make it do without any further assistance. My clothes will be ready by Wednesday evening there being no lace to it only the two Epaulets. I mean by clothes, Coat, kerseymere Waistcoat & Breeches and several other little things such as Stock and roses for the Gorget and Hat. The Bed, Bedding, &c. I shall see about in the course of a few days being obliged to get them but shall consult first with Capt. Weir.
I find it quite lonesome in a strange place and all strangers but hopes in a few days to pick acquaintance with some of the Officers.
I paid from Exeter to Plymouth per Heavy coach 17s.0d. and the carriage of my trunk I paid in London for all the way. The Mess is not at all extravagant. Dinner is only 1s.8d. with the beer along with it and you may drink wine or anything as you please or might rise immediately after dinner and drink nothing. Cold meat for supper is only 4d. besides drinking. Breakfast is charged as in other Inns; the Lodging I know not what as yet.’
.
Miss Mary George, Blue Boar, Haverfordwest.
Stone House Barracks
Jany 29th 1799
Dear Sister,
I wrote to my Father by yesterday’s Post which I suppose is received, and
since falling in discourse with some of the Officers about their Linen I under-
stand that they call it but a very small stock to have 2 dozen shirts and other
clothes in proportion: 2 pair of Kerseymere Breeches and Waistcoats and a pair
of Leather Breeches. I should be very glad if you would consult with my
Mother about it and also with Mr Cleaveland and let me know by the first or
second post at farthest about their opinion. I find it very expensive and am almost
sorry I ever thought of it. I gave my measure for one suit of clothes and shall
be obliged to get a second dress when my first is made. I shall also be obliged
to get bed & bedding, towels, clothes brush, blacking brushes and in short a
great number of different things; tea things & tea kettle, plates, knives and forks,
&c., &c., &c., and a boot jack. It will not be so expensive when I am once
rigged out.
I beg you will not mention when I am going to say to any one, not even
Father or Mother, that I was necessitated to write to Uncle George in Bristol
for the loan of £10 being in immediate want of cash & shall remit it back in
the course of a few days, being told by him when at Bristol to send it to him
if I should want. Once more I beg you will not mention it as I am sure I shall
have my Father & Mother’s displeasure.
You’ll excuse me in stopping so short, the Post is just going out. Adieu
with love to all.
Your Affte Brother, John George.