28.a Anthony and Hannah Isaacson - Their daughter Hannah married William King and Cousins at Waterloo

At this point the stories are about Hannah King's sons, and the finding of another remarkable story.

Firstly Captain Anthony Isaacson

Resarching for Hannah Isaacson's brother Anthony Isaacson, has taken almost forever.

Initially information from the records from Newcastle gave his details as being a Captain and the son of our Anthony, and marrying twice.

However, a long way into the searching, I couldn't work out how he could have remarried and his son's birth certificate showing his first wife as his mother!

Do you have any idea just how many Anthony Isaacsons' there are??

Captain Anthony Isaacson is the son of John Isaacson, the uncle of our current Anthony Isaacson who married Hannah Lawson.

The story is very interesting, and we visited Brecon and the Military Museum

Captain Anthony Harvest Isaacson was the son of Captain Anthony Isaacson, and grandson of John Isaacson, Esq., recorder of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Anthony Isaacson was a captain in the 41st Foot, and subsequently in the Royal Veteran or Invalid Battalion for a period of some 40 years, between 1745 and 1785.

He was one of the committee of officers selected by the Government of the day and sent over to Prussia to view and report on the system of Infantry drill which had been brought to such a state of perfection by Frederick the Great, the author and inventor of marching in step, which is the basis of all precision of movement on parade, and of what soldiers understand by the term '* drill."

Captain Isaacson was Deputy Lieutenant-Governor of Elizabeth Castle, St. Helier, Jersey, when that Island was invaded by the French in 1781.

His son, the above mentioned Anthony Harvest Isaacson, entered the 34th Regiment in March, 1783, and subsequently on the 25th September, 1787, exchanged into the 2nd (Queen's) Regiment,

He joined the 41st on the 24th December, 1787, and remained in it till the month of February, 1792, when he was appointed Adjutant of the Brecknock Militia. In 1798 he became captain by brevet in his regiment. _ He was also the adjutant of the Monmouth and Brecon Militia till the 27th August, 1802, when he went on half pay.

W hen the Monmouth was consolidated with the Brecon and embodied in 1803, he became Lieut, and Quarter- Master but resigned the appointment and went on half pay 24th October, 1805. Un the 24th September 1808 he was appointed Adjutant of the West Monmouth Local Militia, and so remained until that force was " suspended" by the Act of 1816.

 He then went on half pay again, and finally retired in 1826. He had served 25 years and 3 months on full pay, and 1 8 years and 4 months on half pay, making a total service of 43 years and 7 months.

Anthony Allett Isaacson was the eldest son of Captain Anthony Harvest Isaacson. He was educated at Charter-house School and joined the Monmouth and Brecon Militia as an Ensign, on the 25th June, 1812, and was promoted Lieutenant 25th March, 1813. He accompanied the Regiment to Ireland and remained with it until its return to England. He continued to serve in the Regiment until it was disembodied on the 6th January 1816. He then left the Regiment and went to Oxford, and afterwards took Holy Orders and became Vicar of Newport and Malpas, Monmouthshire, and so continued till the time of his death in 1843,

108 RECORDS OF THE R.M.E.M.

Egerton Charles Harvest Isaacson was the second son of Captain A. H. Isaacson and brother of the above A.A.Isaacson, He was appointed Ensign in the Monmouth and Brecon on the 25th
June, 1812, and remained in it till appointed ensign in the 51th Kegiment on the 31st December, 1812, where he served till the 24:th June, 1819, a period of six years and 176 days

. He then went on half pay till 25th June, 1820, a period of one year, when he joined the 47th Foot, and served in that Eegiment till the Cth July, 1823, a period of three years and 12 days, and was then appointed Captain and Adjutant of the Brecknock Militia, in which post he remained till the 7th
February, 1846, being a period of 22 years and 40 days and a total of 33 years and 221 days Army and Militia service,

This  officer served in the 51st Regiment in the battles of the Pyrenees, Nivelle, the Nive, the attack on the heights of St, Pe, the passage of the Biddasoa and the battle of Orthes ; also in the campaign
of 1815, when he was present at the battle of Waterloo (where the 51st Eegiment was in rear of the celebrated Hougomont Farm), the capture of Cambrai and capitulation of Paris, and in the
army of occupation. He afterwards served in India and Australia with the 47tk Foot. He received for his services the Peninsula medal with several clasps and the Waterloo medal.

The total Army service and service in the Monmouth and Brecon Militia of the Isaacson family amounts to a period of more than 120 years, and their connection with Monmouth and Brecon
from 1792 to 1846 a period of 54 years.

Mrs. Isaacson, wife of the above Captain Anthony Harvest Isaacson, Adjutant of the Monmouth and Brecon, and authoress of the interesting diary which is the foundation of the history of the Regiment from 1793 to 1801, was before her marriage Miss Eliza Jane Egerton Leigh, daughter of the Reverend Egerton Leigh, rector of Murston, near Sittingbourne, in Kent, son of the Reverend Thomas Leigh, who had been rector before him, and also of St. Margaret's, Canterbury, and grandson of the Reverend Peter Leigh, rector of Whitchurch, in Shropshire, and of West
Hall, High Leigh, Cheshire.

Mrs. Isaacson's paternal great grandmother was Elizabeth, daughter of the Honourable Thomas
Egerton, of Tatton, Cheshire, third son of John, Earl of Bridge water, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Newcastle, and she was also through her mother nearly related to the Scudamore family, and through them to the then late Duchesses  of Norfolk and Beaufort. Mrs. Isaacson therefore had had the  advantage of moving in good society, which explains how it was that she came to be on intimate terms with the persons of high station mentioned in her diary.

The following extracts are taken from the memoranda and memoirs of Mrs. Isaacson, wife of Captain Anthony H. Isaacon, adjutant of the Regiment from 1792 to 1802. Mrs. Isaacson was before her marriage a Miss Leigh and a member of the ancient and noble family of Leigh-Egerton and Scudamore, and from her family connections was thrown amongst the persons of position mentioned by her in her narrative. The entire memoir is dated in January, 1829. It comprehends her life and reminiscences from her sixth year, and is addressed to her daughter.

After describing her early life and many interesting circumstances connected with the society in which she moved, her first acquaintance and her subsequent marriage with Captain Isaacson, on the

2l8t September, 1792, she says:

" On this day I left dear Southampton for Brecon, South M^ales. ** * * . * * * * 

On our arrival the bells rang merrily for the Captain and his bride."

Descriptions follow of the country and the weather, with regrets at being obliged to live in a place so distant from Kent, the home of her childhood. She goes on to say : — " Our lodgings were op-

posite the Market Place, where the "Welsh people meet, the women dressed in cloth gowns and men in light blue coats with buttons as large as saucers. A scene like this I never saw before, and talking

Welsh made such a noise. Then came donkeys in numbers loaded with coals and poor miserable souls driving them." Further on she writes . — " t'n the rumour of war my heart beat with joy in

hopes that the Regiment would be called out, and ihe 12th January, 1793, they were embodied."

Details of the organisation seem to have disappeared, but it is on record that his Grace the oth Duke of Beaufort became

Colonel of the Monmouth and Brecon on the 1st February, 1793.

Mrs. Isaacson goes on to say : — " The Town then appeared more lively and the Captain found full employ whilst I looked out of a window against a stone wall. The Marquis of Worcester

coming to take command, I was honoured twice with his company to supper. To my great joy the Regiment Wft? ordered to Kewbury in Berkshire.

EECOEDS OF THE R.M.E.M. 23

1^93. On the 4th of March, 1793, I took my final leave of Brecon and arrived with my servaut in a chaise at Abergavenny in time for dinner.

On the 5th I began my journey to Monmoutlh, dragging uphill and down dale, until I reached the Beaufort Arms, where we stayed two nights. On my rising the first morning after my arrival I thought the view of Chippenham beautiful and Monmouth seemed cheerful. I saw everything here with delight. On the 7th the Regiment continued its route and marched into the small but pleasant little town of Newnham. After a tedious ride up hill and down, over dreadful roads, I arrived in good time to join the party for dinner.

On the 8th we crossed the Severn, much to my delight. Now, thought I, we are near at home. We had a bitter cold ride over the downs of Tetbury. Captain G Wynne, of the Regiment, found

the cold so severe that he asked that I would take him in my chaise. I could not refuse him. As soon as he was seated, turning to me, he said, " Will you have a little brandy, madam V " No, I

thank you, Sir." '• Then I will," said he, and put the bottle to his mouth. We arrived at Tetbury in good time for dinner and I may say with a good appetite for it.

On the 9th of March we left Tetbury on our route through Malmesbury to- Chippenham, a very neat, healthy-looking place, with most beautiful roads and fertile country. There Captain Gwynne insisted on playing the drum after dinner, to the great annoyance of the corps. They took him into another room, where he and others played in concert till late at night.

On the 10th our next day's march was to Devizes, a severe cold place, being nearly surrounded by Salisbury Plain and Marlborough Downs.

On the 11th, from Devizes, we continued our route to Marlborough, making our headquarters at the Castle Inn, a most spacious building and everything being in good style. I believe it belonged to the noble Duke of Marlborough. The gardens are much worth notice, in particular the mounts. The weather being cold and myself more ready for a dinner than a walk I did not see much of them. The master of this house, thinking the Duke of Beaufort was with his Regiment, set out a most beautiful set of china and plate for the dinner, but on learning his Grace was not present, ordered all this finery to be set aside and other very handsome, but more common, put in its stead.

On the 12th, about 2 o'clock, I overtook the Regiment on its march to Hungerford, and well I might, though it had started early, for I had a pair of blood horses with a knowing driver that took

me at the rate of over 10 miles an hour. It was useless to speak ;he could not obey, for the creatures were not to be governed.

However, I arrived safe at the dirty little town of Hungerford in good time and not quite frightened to death.

On the 13th my next and last day's journey was to Newbury and Speenhamland in the county of Berks, where the Monmouth and Brecon Eegiment met, commanded by his Grace the Duke of

Beaufort, the Earl of Abergavenny and the Marquis of Worcester, and there were about 20 more most respectable officers, none more so than my own dear Captain.

24 RECORDS OF THE R.M.E.M.

1793. Finding ourselves not more than 40 miles from Southampton,

the Captain got leave of absence for one month. Our stay at

Newbury was not long. The Kegiment soon after my return re-

ceived their route to march into Wells, Somersetshire, where they

remained some months receiving the greatest civility from the in-

habitants of Wells, more particularly the Clergy of the Cathedral

and the family of the Honorable Mr. Austruther, whose concerts

were delightful. Our being introduced by the Earl of Abergavenny

was to us a great advantage."

Mrs. Isaacson, after some domestic recollections, among them

the birth of her eldest son, Anthony Allett, afterwards an officer

in the Regiment, and regrets at leaving Wells, continues : — " On

1794. the — day of May, 1794, the Regiment received its route for

encampment on Roborough Downs, seven miles from Plymouth.

I did not go with them, but returned to Southampton, there to

leave my Itttle nursery under the care of his Grandmama and my

good Aunt, whilst I went campaigning. A friend going to Exeter

took me in his carriage, where I was met by the Captain and imme-

diately set off for Roborough. We arrived just in time for him

to change his dress and mount his charger. It being the King's

Birthday all the Regiments were under arms, bands playing and

colours flying. At one o'clock the Royal salute was fired by five

thousand men. When all was over I returned to my lodgings, a

very short distance from the camp, to dress, as we were to dine

with the General (Morrice) and his family. There I met my old

acquaintance Captain Skinner, who was Brigade Major to the

General and brother to Lady Nugent, with whom I was very inti-

mate. Also Mrs. Wynot, my old schoolfellow, both recognising

me at the same time. Her husband was Major in the Worcester,

then in camp on the same ground with us, together with the South

Devon, West York and Northampton. Being accustomed to take

my ride on a little grey, we one morning joined a large party of

our corps going to Plymouth, when our old friend, Mr. Wright,

whose horse was frightened at the noise of the cannon from the

forts, was thrown. into a ditch, to the great amusement, I am sorry

to say, of all the party. I spent my time very pleasantly here and

was very glad to find winter coming on.

In the month of October the route came to proceed to Honiton

in Devonshire. On the third November the Regiment marched to

Modbury. I began my journey in a chaise from the Downs.

Modbury is a very old town situated on a hill, so steep that seldom

a carriage ventured to the top.

On the 4th, from hence we proceeded to Newton Bushell,

where the Regiment halted for one day. There I remember, it

being the 5th of November, the boys were busy firing off squibs,

to the great danger of the town, the market place having hundreds

of pounds of cartridge powder belonging to the Regimental store

there. From this place I was persuaded to take a journey of

about five miles to view the Channel fleets, consisting of more than

a hundred sail riding in Tor Bay. We were within a short dis-

tance when the Captain sai<l, " I shall be too late for parade," and

we returned home. I must ovvn I was greatly disappointed. Lord

and Lady Worcester continuing their ride with many of our corps.

EECORDS OF THE E.M.E.M. 26

On November 6th we began our March to Totnes, a small town

1794. seated near the River Dart.

On the 7th we continued our route through Ashburton and Chud-

leigh to Exeter, when I found myself heartily tired of riding a post

chaise and on leaving Exeter the next morning (the 8 th) for Honi-

ton, the last 18 miles I rode my little grey in company with my

Captain and others of the corps. We arrived at Honiton in time

to dress for dinner and truly happy our march was completed.

We soon got a pleasant lodging opposite headquarters at Mr.

Aberdeen's, the famous lace manufacturer, where I was shewn the

lace veil and scarf made by Mr. Aberdeen as a present to the

Princess of Wales and which cost him 700 guineas. In Honiton

we found a few acquaintances who were polite to us during our

stay. It was not long, the Earl of Abergavenny, our Lieut-

Colonel, giving the Captain leave of absence for the winter."

After mentioning the loss of her mother-in-law (Mrs. Isaacson,

senior) at Southampton, Mrs. Isaacson continues : — "The month of

1795. April, 1795, I took my leave of my father-in-law (Captain

Isaacson), and returned with my babe to Honiton. In May, 1795,

the Regiment had orders to encamp in the same ground as before.

As soon as my little hut was ready I left Honiton, taking my child

Anthony and the servant and went to the prettiest cottage I ever

saw. We had constant amusement, and being near the camp

could see everyone, but no one us. The view from my cottage

was beautiful. I could see Hamoaze and the ships riding in the

Sound, and could hear every gun from the batteries at Plymouth.

The evening gun at our Camp was opposite my little paradise. I

never started when it was fired at sunset as many others would

have done ; in fact I was afc last a complete soldier's wife. Every-

thing was convenient, everything pleased me. I thought it no

hardship to rise early, or late take rest. Indeed I never spent a

more happy time than when I was with the Regiment.

We had elegant bails in the Monmouth Reading Room, where

Lord and Lady Worcester attended. I went with the General's

lady and her niece. Miss Urquhart. In September, the weather

now getting cold for camp, I took my Anthony and servant to

Plymouth Dock, now called Devonport, where we remained until

the Regiment moved into winter quarters. They were in Novem-

ber ordered to Devizes, in Wiltshire, a miserably cold place. Here

we experienced great civility from some few families. Lady Aber-

gavenny being with us, took me to a ball which was given to the

officers of the regiment. She sent me in her carriage both there

and home. Our stay was short in Devizes, as Lord Abergavenny

did not like the situation for his Lady, and the Regiment was re-

moved to Lymington in Hampshire, where I soon followed with

my little family. We had good lodgings here and a charming

little town it is. We had many troops near — Welsh, Dutch,

French, Scotch and a Hulan Regiment, composed of all nations,

people and languages,

1796. On the 1st March, 1796, commonly called by the Welsh, Taflfy's

Day, there was a riot between these " Tower of Babel " regiments

and languages, neither understanding each other. The oiScers of

the respective Eegiments were called to their corps to suppress this

26 KECORDS OF THE R.M.E.M.

1796. unpleasant business. The Scotch fell on the Welsh and the French

were very violent, and our guard marching down Lymington

Street they followed them. The French adjutant reported that

Lieutenant Kawlings, of the Monmouth, had pushed him uncivilly

in the crowd ; and in consequence a duel was expected. The

French officer calling out Lieutenant Eawlings he declared that he

did not push Monsieur the French Adjutant, but was ready to

meet him for all that. My Captain, who is all goodness, accom-

panied Lieutenant Rawlings to the spot. There explanations took

place, when Monsieur shook hands with Lieutenant Eawlings, to

the great joy of all our Regiment, and thus the business ended .

In Lymington I met with Lady Oxford, my young acquaintance,

and her mother, Mrs. Scott, of Southampton. Their stay was

short. Lady Oxford going to London for the winter. My good

Lady Abergavenny did not lessen her kindness to me.- I drank

tea with her very often and called on her in the mornings, when

she was well enough to see me. She was in a deep decline, but so

fond of dancing that she used to have the band of the Regiment to

make up a dance, if only a few couple were present. I remember

one evening at Christmas her having the band. There stood six

couples. Captain Gwynne, of whom I have spoken, wished to

dance. There was no partner for him ; ladies were scarce. To

the great amusement of the company. Lord Abergavenny made

his bow, danced the dance with his partner. Miss Fanny Gwynne,

and then with her brother. This gentleman is a native of South

Wales and lives at Neath in Glamorganshire. He was very kind

to the poor soldiers and their families, and on a march would pro-

vide them a dinner at his own expense. He was much liked by

the officers and as much laughed at. I must now continue my story of

Lady Abergavenny, who asked me if I should like to see her lord's

picture. 1 was happy to say yes, when she took me to her room

and rang the bell. " Maria, shew Mrs Isaacson my lord's picture."

" Madam, it is packed up ! " *' Never mind that, unpack it."

Maria did not much like this, but, however, she unpacked the

picture and most elegant it is, being set round with diamonds

transparent, turning on a diamond swivel, so that the picture was

always to be seen. At last I was obliged to part with my good

friend Lady Abergavenny, as she found herself well enough to un-

dertake her journey. She drove past my door a little way, then

stopped and sent her servant to say she desired her kind love to

me. I now found this lady far gone. Her weak frame could

stand no longer. She arrived at Clifton after a tedious journey of

many days and did not long survive. In the bloom of life, in the

possession of an immense fortune, with a family of six children,

she left her Lord to deplore her loss. She looked not for admira-

tion Qer delight was to please. May your fate never be like

hers.

May, 1796. Wishing to »ee my sister, she came on a visit

during our stay in Lymington, She was highly delighted with

the cheerful appearance of this sweet place and as my sister was a

very sensible and, may I say, pretty young woman, you may be sure

we were well attended by the officers of our corps, and I believe

she almost lost her heart and was truly sorry we must «oon leave

Lymington,

RECORDS OF THE R.M.E.M. 27

1796 The route for the Regiment having come to encamp on Basham

Downs near Canterbury, my sister, self and children took our leave

of this place and I returned with her to Chertscy, where I re-

mained until the Captain came for me ; when I sent your brother

Egertou out to nurse. (ThisAvas the second son, Egertcn Charles

Harvest Isaacson. He was afterwards an officer in the regiment

and served with distinction in the 51st Regiment in the Peninsula

and at Waterloo ; also in the 47th Regiment, till appointed Adju-

tant of the Brecon Militia in 1820. See appendix 111).

Mrs. Isaacon relates an adventure with a highwayman on the way,

and goes on to speak of her revisiting Murston, a family living where

she had passed her earliest years, as her father, the Reverend Eger-

ton Leigh, and her grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Leigh, had both

been Rectors of that parish, which is near Sittingbourne in Kent,

and continues : " We arrived at Basham at the time appointed by

the Duke. I never passed so miserable a summer in ray life.

About the latter end of October the Regiment received their

route for winter quarters. Lewes in Sussex was our destination.

My heart now beat with joy to think I had once more a chance of

visiting my native home. On my arrival at the top of the hill, I

bade the driver stop and asked him several questions with regard

to the present Rector of Murston. I could not drive thiough the

grounds, for I had no excuse to make, but knowing I should re-

main in Sittingbourne till the next day I contented myself with

exploring that well-known place to me, one quarter of a mile only

from Murston Parsonage. I arrived at the •' Rose Inn " before the

Regiment and again looked about me to see if I could remember

the face of an old acquaintance, and I .called on two of my

mother's most intimate friends.

Returning to the Inn, his Grace the late Duke of Beaufort

asked me to dinner. I accepted his invitation. In the evening all

the officers excepting his Grace and my Captain went to the play.

I much wished to go, but as he did not, I could not.

The next morning the Regiment continued its route to Maid-

stone and as it was gone I took my child and servant, and though

it rained, began my walk to Murston Parsonage."

After describing her rather sad visit, Mrs. Isaacson continues :

" When the chaise was ready, I continued my journey to Maid-

stone and arrived in time to dine with his Grace the Duke and the

gentlemen of the Regiment. The next morning at 12 o'clock a

man was put in the pillory for thieving. His Grace called me

into his balcony that I might see the better. I must confess it

was not a sight for a lady. However he seemed much amused

and, I suppose, thought me the same. In the evening it was

reported that Lieut-Colonel Montreseur was lying dead in Maid-

stone jail. I felt much grieved. My father had been well

acquainted with him. He having a place abroad, I believe Sur-

veyor of the roads and some works in America, had spent £20,000

more than the Government allowed, the claim for which for many

years lay dormant, nor did he think it would ever be called for

again, as it was not expended on his own account, but on those

works I have now mentioned. It was said he died of fever, but, a»

28 RECORDS OF THE R.M.E.M.

1796. my good mother used to say, a leaden one, for he shot himself on

the day I now mentioned. I will not say I am correct as to the

crime, but such was the report.

From Maidstone we continued our route to Tunbridge and Tun-

bridge Wells. Knowing these places I went on to the Wells and

was there much amused looking at the ware for which they are so

famous. I sat down in a toy shop and bought little Anthony a

gun. Talking with the woman, " Madam," said she, "Does the

regiment stop here to-night ] I hope not. Soldiers, indeed ! We

don't want their company," " No," said I, " but they are your

guards." " That may be," said she, " but we want people of for-

tune." " Well, don't abuse the military," said I, " for I belong to

them, and here they come ; do you not hear the band f " Oh yes,

Madam, very prttty, and how long will you stay here madam ?"

" Not long, so good morning to you."

The next day we went to Cuckfield and on to Lewes in Sussex,

where I soon got lodgings by no means expensive, in very good

society, with persons of family and fortune. There was a grand

ball given by the Earl of Abergavenny in Lewes barracks, to the

principal inhabitants of Lewes and the officers of the regiment. I

think it was in compliment to the three celebrated Miss Thrales, of

Brighton, the first ladies I ever saw with their bosoms — I won't vsay

what. They were very handsome young women, their hair dressed

very close, not a curl to be seen. Mr. Shelby and all the most

fashionable families in and near Lewes were present. My good

friend Mrs. Comber sent me with her daughter Fanny in their

carriage. The supper was elegant, the band excellent, and dancing

kept up till a late hour. You may be well assured I was one of the

party, as I loved dancing to my heart. There were four rooms

open, one for tea, one for cards, one for dancing and one for

supper.

1797. The regiment remained here till June, 1797, when it was

ordered to Brighton, a distance of eight miles. Our stay in this

place was during the summer, when I had an opportunity of seeing

the Prince of Wales. Before I was accustomed to his appearance

I was one day returning from the Steine Parade, when a fine hand-

some young man passed me by on the kerbstone of the pavement,

and gently bowed. I could not imagine who this could be. Upon

enquiring I found I had passed the Prince. Conceive my confusion

when I recollected what I had done. This taught me to keep my

eyes upon those I was likely to meet in such a place as Brighton,

which at that time was filled with nobility. A ball being given to

the Prince, Lady Worcester (now the Duchess of Beaufort) sent us

tickets. I wished not to accept, as, being a stranger, I could make

no party, and also I thought it would bring on mc for one night

only on such an occasion, a heavy expense I did not wish to incur ;

but I had to go. I had constant amusement walking on the

Steine, and hearing the bands every morning and evening on the

parade. Walking by the seaside with my dear little Anthony was

sufficient for me.

The Kegiment with four others having been reviewed by the

Prijice on one occasion, wpre on their rpturn home, when, to their

RECORDS OF THE E.M.E.M. 2^''

1797 astonishment, a waterspout burst over them, They were com-

pletely wet through. All their finery was nearly spoilt. Many an

officer had to buy a new coat, as their's were really turned purple,

What became of those who went to see the review I cannot say,

but they must have been wet to the skin, it was supposed that,

as it was looking like rain at the time, the cannon firing broke the

cloud. This place was very expensive to us, it being during the

season, but soldiers must go where they are ordered.

I must say the Regiment during their stay here did once behave

very unlike themselves. On the mutiny at the Nore, when the

sailors were all in riot, our men caught this alarming complaint and

would not allow their bread or meat to be found them. The money

they would have and buy for themselves. Sir William Meadows,

an old officer, and the General of the district, soon taught them

better behaviour. After 15 of them had felt the smart of the lash

ordered by a court-martial the rest soon conducted themselves in a

soldier-like order.

I was not sorry to find about the end of October, 1797, that the

Regiment was or<lered to Eastbourne, one day's march. In the

evening of that day I arrived with my little boy and servants,"

Mrs. Isaacson then describes the hospitality which she received

from many of the principal inhabitants of Eastbourne and goes on

to say ; •' Considering the few families that reside in Eastbourne we

had a very good ball at Christmas. I first dined with Lord Aber-

gavenny and the gentlemen of our corps and then retired home to

dress. I accompanied Mrs. Lushington and her sister Mrs. Gilbert

to the rooms, and to the great delight of these my friends I danced

the whole of the evening.

During our stay here we were much noticed by Lord and Lady

Worcester, often taking tea and supper wich them at their beautiful

residence near Eastbourne, the elegant seat of Lord George

Cavendish, in the grounds of which the Regiment used to hold

their field days.

I remember hearing my Captain one morning say that as the

orderly sergeant wan standing a little way from the Regiment he

was suddenly alarmed by a hive of bees from the garden of Lord

George's mansion being attracted by the band or the cymbles

playing, when they left Jtheir hive and settled on the soldier's arm,

which became so loaded that props were obliged to be brought for

V his assistance. He never spoke nor moved and not a bee stung

him. The gardener, being sent for, brought a hive and the man

was soon relieved from his distressing situation.

The Regiment was one night seriously alarmed at the firing of a

cannon, and fearing the French were not far off were soon under

arms. They were commanded by Lieut-Colonel the Earl of Aber-

gavenny, I was up most part of the night waiting the result, as

the Regiment was privately given to understand that Eastbourne

was to be the alarm post in case of invasion. On my returning to

rest I actually went to sleep in my bonnet. A ship in distress

was the cause of this-confusion. Two only of the crew were lost ;

the rest got safe into Hastings Bay. The next morning several of

our men swam out to get what they could from the wreck, in saving

which they thought to claim salvage.

30 EECOEDS OF THE E.M.E.Mi

I was sorry to quit Eastbourne, where I had rec eived so great

civility. From this place the regiment was ordered to Worthing.

I took my leave of Mrs. Lushington and her sister, Mrs. Gilbert,

and proceeded to visit my mother and sister at Chertsey, thinking

it more prudent than to remain in such an expensive place as

Worthing in the season. After being at Chertsey some time the

nurse brought my little Egerton home. Of all the little beauties I

ever saw he far surpassed them.

In the month of November, 1797, I left Chertsey for Worthing.

We arrived safe at Worthing after a most tedious journey, almost

starved with cold and hunger. There we got lodgings cheaply for

the winter, the fine folks being gone, and many civilities we received

from Sir Samuel and Lady Fludyer, who lived next door to us. At

Worthing the Princess Amelia remained for some time, for which

reason the Kegiment was sent, as also a frigate in the channel, as her

guard on this coast. I cannot say I liked Worthing. It was

miserably cold and dull, far from Church, and hardly anyone left to

speak to when Sir Samuel and Lady Fludyer were gone.

Residing near me was Lady Firly Long, who was in Worthing

for the benefit of her health. She was very polite to me, and took

me and my little Anthony in her coach and four to the review of the

regiments on Highdown Hill.

Here I must relate the circumstance of Sir Francis Baring's son

and his friend Mr. Dalton. Being on an excursion round the coast

they came to Worthing late at night. They were strangers to the

persons who kept the inn and were questioned by the commanding

officer of ©ur corps as to their names, etc., to which they would not

answer. A guard was immediately set on their apartment and

seals on their luggage. Still persisting in not giving their names,

they were next morning conveyed in a chaise guarded by an officer

(Lieut. Brown) to Brighton, there to be examined by Lord Charles

Somerset, the General of that district. You may easily conceive

the surprise of Lord Charles when he recognised the son of Sir

Francis Baring and his friend Mr. Dalton. 1 should have thought

the gentlemen must have felt themselves not a little hurt and

uncomfortable in carrying their joke so far to be thus treated. It

was reported that such was their delight (the Princess being at

Worthing) to frighten the people.

1798. In June, 1798, the regiment received their route for Bristol, and

every prospect of peace appearing, we thought we were on the way

home. This was not the case, as thoir stay in Bristol was three

years. His Grace the Duke of Beaufort gave his officers a sump-

tuous dinner at his house (Stoke, near Bristol) served on plate

most magnificent. Her Grace, with many of her noble family, sat

at table. Sir Samuel and Lady Fludyer were in Bristol during our

stay there. Lady Fludyer was exceedingly kind to me, took me to

the play in her carriage and brought me home. I once met Lord

and Lady Carberry at Sir Samuel's. Lady Carberry is a most beau-

tiful woman. Lord Carberry invited our officers to dine with him,

sailing down the Bristol river and partaking of a most elegant

entertainment at Possett Point. Your father did not seem inclined

to join the party ; however he went, and I have heard it said he

was 60 very gay as to return with one foot on one boat, the other

RECORDS OF THE R.M.E.Mi 31

on another. This I can never believe ; perhaps the reporter saw double, and if I were to guess the man it was Major Davis."

1799. From this point Mrs. Isaacson's diary is devoted to family matters which do not concern the regiment.

The strength was shortly afterwards i educed, from an average of 800 of all ranks to about 400, and as Captain Isaacson was in poor health he was a good deal away, his duties being carried on

by Mr, William Browne, the quarter-master.

At this period the Regiment consisted of eleven companies, of which one was commanded by the Colonel, one by the Lieutenant- Colonel, one by the Major, and the other eight by Captains. There

would be, if the numbers were complete, thirteen lieutenants, that is one to each company, with a second to each flank company, and nine ensigns, The staff officers were the adjutant, the quarter-

master and the surgeon. There were fifty sergeants, including staflF, twenty-four drummers, and seven hundred and thirty rank and file, making a total of 823 of all ranks.

Of the officers who served during this embodiment, probably no complete list can now be made, but the following names have come down : —

There is in the Priory Church at Brecon, a tablet to the memory of Edward Williams, Esq., who once commanded the Brecon Militia, and who died in 1799.

In 1791 his Grace the Duke of Beaufort was colonel, the Earl of Abergavenny was lieutenant-colonel, and the Marquis of Worcester was major. This was Henry, the fifth Duke of Beaufort,

who died on the 11th October, 1803. The Duchess was Elizabeth, daughter of the celebrated Admiral the Honble. Edward Boscawen.The Marquis of Worcester referred to was afterwards the sixth

duke and died 23rd November, 1835. The Earl of Abergavenny was the seconi earl.
Among the captains were the following :

Richard Morgan, Jacob Eudhall (there are many monuments in Koss Church, Herefordshire, to this family) ; Mathew Gwynn, Thomas Jones and Sir Samuel Fludyer, whose first commission

was in 1784. It may be noted that previously to 1793 the regiment was called the Brecon and Monmouthshire. In 1794 Lieutenant John Pearce and Surgeon William Price joined. In

1796 Captain Thomas Watkins Davis and Lieutenant William Ificbolsos.

These extracts are from the archives.  (Spelling remains)

Hannah and William King's sons

Admiral Sir Edward Durnford King KCH (1771 – 14 January 1862) was a Royal Navy officer. After taking part in the Glorious First of June he saw action at the blockade of Cadiz before going on to be Commander-in-Chief, Cape of Good Hope and Brazil in 1840 and then Commander-in-Chief, The Nore in 1845.

Naval career

Durnford King joined the Royal Navy in 1786. He took part in the action of the Glorious First of June in 1794 and, having become a lieutenant on HMS Dryad, took part in the capture of the French ship Prosperpine in 1796.Promoted to acting Captain in 1800, he commanded HMS Leviathan and, following his promotion to full Captain, he transferred to HMS Andromeda.

 In 1805 he was given command of HMS Endymion and took part in the blockade of Cadiz. He later commanded HMS Monmouth at the capture of Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) in India and was knighted in 1833.

He was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Cape of Good Hope and Brazil in 1840 and Commander-in-Chief, The Nore in 1845.

There are numerous mentions of Rear Admiral Sir Edward King,

British warships stationed on the coast of Brazil played a secondary role in the suppression of the Brazilian slave trade during the period after 1839, as they had done throughout the eighteen thirties.  When at the end of 1839 the navy' s anti-slave trade powers were first extended the bulk of the squadron on the east coast of the South American station (which was for a brief period 1840 -1 combined with the Cape station under Rear Admiral Sir Edward King.

As early as August 1841 Rear Admiral Sir Edward King had recommended that the navy concentrate all its efforts on the west African coast (King to Admiralty 7 Aug 1841)

Whilst in the Royal Navy he commanded the following ships:

Admiral

HMS Leviathan HMS Andromeda HMS Endymion HMS Monmouth Ranks held:       Cape of Good Hope and Brazil Nore Command Involved in the following Battles and Wars:

French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars And was awarded:

Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order

The Royal Guelphic Order (German: Guelphen-Orden), sometimes also referred to as the Hanoverian Guelphic Order, is a Hanoverian order of chivalry instituted on 28 April 1815 by the Prince Regent (later George IV).^[1] It has not been conferred by the British Crown since the death of King William IV in 1837, when the personal union of the United Kingdom and Hanover ended. It continued to be conferred by the Kingdom of Hanover as an independent state and subsequently, after the defeat and forced dissolution of the Kingdom of Hanover by the Kingdom of Prussia, the order continued as a house order to be awarded by the Royal House of Hanover. Today, its current chancellor is the Hanoverian head of the house, Ernst August, Prince of Hanover. The honour is named after the House of Guelph to which the Hanoverian kings belonged, and its insignia were based on the white horse of that kingdom's arms. In the United Kingdom it has always been regarded as a foreign order, and even before 1837 members of the order were not entitled to style themselves as "Sir" unless they were also created Knights Bachelor as many were.

Captain Edward Durnford King commissioned Monmouth again in March 1807. Rear-Admiral William O'Bryen Drury raised his flag in her on 7 September and then eight days later sailed her with a convoy of nine Indiamen to the East Indies, seven for the coast and two for Bombay.

During the voyage, on 25 January 1808 she captured the Danish ship Nancy.Then on 12 February she arrived off the Danish possession of Tranquebar just in time to observe the landing of troops of the 14th regiment of Foot and the Honourable East India Company's artillery by Russell. The British immediately went on to capture the settlement and fort, which capitulated without resistance.

TS 45/42 Claim by Admiral Sir Edward king for share in grant for destruction of Barracoons at Cabinda and Ambriz, Angola 1848 Public record office Kew

TS 45/42
Description:	Claim by Admiral Sir Edward King for share in grant for destruction of barracoons at Cabinda and Ambriz, Angola
Date:	1848
Held by:	The National Archives, Kew

the Barracoons, as the buildings are called in which the slaves are confined who ...... had obtained their cargoes at the Sherbro, at Ambriz, Cabinda or Loanda, ...

A copy of Memorandum of letters to and from Admiral Sir Edward King relating to china & french naval movements 1841 - 1842 PRO 30/12/36/17 Public record office Kew

From the Australian records on Trove, there are numerous accounts of his actions, including the fact that he in 1841 brought 148 Negros from the slave ship Ann and took them to Cape Town on the "Accord" and paid for the expenses, as he had no orders.

In 1857 it notes that they were sorry to hear of his "service indisposition"




From the Durnford Family website:

EDWARD DURNFORD KING

This officer is a son of the late William King, of Southampton, Esq., and a brother of Captain Andrew King, RN. He first went to sea in the Director of 64 guns, commanded by Captain Thomas West, in June 1789, and from that period served in various ships till 1794 when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, for his good conduct as a Midshipman on board the Barfleur, a second rate, bearing the Flag of Rear Admiral Bowyer, in the memorable actions between Earl Howe and M Villaret de Joveuse, an account of which will be found in our first volume.

 After serving for some time with the present Sir Edward Thornbrough, in the Robust 74, Mr. King joined the Dryad of 44 guns and 251 men, and he was the senior Lieutenant of that ship when she captured, after a spirited action,  Proserpine, a French frigate of 42 guns and 348 men. His behavior on that occasion procured him the official commendations of his Captain, Lord Ameluis Beauclerk, and he was in consequence advanced to the rank of Commander. but we have reason to believe, did not obtain an appointment as such till June 1798, when he was commissioned to the Gaite sloop of war, in which vessel he cruised with considerable success against the enemy's privateers and trade on the Leeward Lands station, until Sept 28, 1800, when he was promoted into the Leviathan 74, bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Duckworth. whom he served under at the reduction of the Swedish and Danish West India colonies, in March 1801. 

He subsequently removed into the Andromeda frigate, and continued to command her till the end of the war when he was obliged through ill health to return to England. In April, 1805 he was appointed acting Captain of the Endymion, during the absence of the Hon. Charles Paget and in that tine frigate, we find him employed off Cadiz under the gallant Collingwood.

A few days previous to the arrival of the combined French and Spanish fleets, Captain King was detached on a particular service, and when off Cape St. Mary fell in with the enemy, whose force consisted of twenty-six sail of the line, and nine frigates. Finding it impracticable to pass a-head of their line for the purpose of communicating with his Admiral, whom he had left in shore with only four line-of-battle ships, and after being chased by two sail of the line and a frigate, he took up a position in their rear, and by repeated signals let them to suppose that he was in communication with a fleet astern.  

This ruse de guerre had the desired effect and M Villeneuve, who commanded the combined force, put into Cadiz. where he was closely reconnoitered by Captain King, who lost no time in reposing what had occurred to his chief, whom he joined at the entrance of the Straits   The ability and zeal which Captain King had thus displayed, were fully testified by Vice Admiral Collingwood in his public dispatches

. Captain King continued in the Endymion till the latter end of 1806.  In the following spring he was appointed to the Monmouth of 64 guns, and ordered to the East Indies, from whence he convoyed home a valuable fleet of Indiamen. He subsequently commanded the Rodney 74, on the Mediterranean station, and in Nov 1814, was appointed to the Cornwallis, another third rate, fitting for the flag of Rear Admiral Buriton, but the bad state of his health at that period preventing him from undertaking a voyage to India, he resigned the command of' that ship previous to her quitting port, since which he has been on half pay.  (obit)


Captain Andrew King

From The War For All The Oceans: From Nelson at the Nile to Napoleon at Waterloo

By the end of September about 9300 out of seventeen thousand men were sick.  Because of the emergency, Dr James McGrigor, Inspector of Army Hospitals was requested to go there immediately.  In just a few hours he reached Deal, where there were four transports and the 74 gun Venerable warship of Sir Home Popham, then commanded by Acting Captain Andrew King.  The port admiral gae Captain King orders to convey Dr Mc Grigor and any other medical officers without delay to Walcheren, but the captain was furious at being used as a transport ship.  Despite the urgency, he was in no hurry to leave, as McGrigor reported, :After the vessel was under weigh, and had stood out to sea, and after repeated signals from the admiral on shore, she made no way on her passage, and intended as it appeared, to make little, till a lady came on board.  That lady was the wife of an officer at Walcheren, captain Codrington. She was at Canterbury (actualy Walmer) whither I was informed an express had been sent for her.

Mc Grigor's sudden arrial had obiously upset a prior arrangement to convey Codrington's wife to Walcheren, and although we got under weigh and so far as to get beyond the reach of the admiral's glasses, I soon found out that we were not making our passage.  In reality Captain King was waiting for Mrs Codrington, and it was not till late at night, or perhaps the following morning that she, with a lady her companion came on board.  The companion of Jane Codrington who was six months pregnant was Miss Mary Treacher.  At seven in the evening they reached the Stone Deep anchorage to the north wet of Walcheren, and Mary Treacher related that Captain King wished to remain for the tide had begun to ebb - we were still ten miles from the fleet, and there were symptoms of a coming storm, but he was overruled by the pilop who affirmed that he could take the ship in safety.  She had not however left the anchorage five minutes when she struck upon the sandbank.  The second shock she received carried away the rudder, and her ultimate fate then became very precarious Mc Grigor gave a graphic account of the ship in distress.

On reaching the deck, I found Captain King questioning the two Deal pilots, whose faces were the colour of ashes. 

The ship began taking water, and Captain King ordered the ladies below as he was to cut away the mainmast!

Never argue with the Captain

In Jan 1819 he commanded with Captain Sir Jason Alex Gordon and Andrew King the Active 46

He also served on an impressive number of ships

Service details

               

HMS Carysfort 5 December 1786 to 23 May 1790 Rank/rating: Lieutenant's Servant 

HMS Bellerophon 25 April 1793 to 9 May 1793 Rank/rating: Able Seaman

10 May 1793 to 27 December 1794 HMS Lively

 28 December 1794 to 15 October 1795 HMS Vengeance 

16 October 1795 to 19 February 1796 HMS St Albans 

19 February 1796 to 22 April 1797 HMS Andromeda 

23 April 1797 to 11 September 1800 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Desiree 

12 September 1800 to 17 July 1802 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Abergavenny

18 July 1802 to 2 September 1802 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Victory Ship's pay book number: (SB 27) 

15 April 1803 to 1 January 1806 (Was at Trafalgar) Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Ocean HMS Hebe 16 March 1806 HMS Waldemaan HMS Venerable 

10 August 1810 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Hannibal 

11 August 1810 to 27 April 1811 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Royal George 

16 April 1812 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Swiftsure 

7 May 1812 to 16 June 1812 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Rainbow 

20 June 1812 to 5 February 1813 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Iphigenia 

6 February 1813 to 31 May 1816 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Cornwallis 

1 June 1816 to 25 November 1816 Rank/rating: Post Captian HMS Active 24 December 1821

From the Archives:

Andrew King aged 31 born in St Andrew Holborn, London, England. Ship: HMS Victory Rank/Rating: Lieutenant
Personal details
	Born	4 January 1774
	Died	30 June 1835 Falmouth, Cornwall, aged 61, while superintendent of the Packet Establishment
	Family	Married: Mary Lewin, 4 March 1821, (born, died) Children: William King Hannah Bagshaw King Harriet Caroline King
	Father	William King
	Mother	Hannah King
Service details
	HMS Carysfort 5 December 1786 to 23 May 1790 Rank/rating: Lieutenant's Servant HMS Bellerophon 25 April 1793 to 9 May 1793 Rank/rating: Able Seaman 10 May 1793 to 27 December 1794 HMS Lively 28 December 1794 to 15 October 1795 HMS Vengeance 16 October 1795 to 19 February 1796 HMS St Albans 19 February 1796 to 22 April 1797 HMS Andromeda 23 April 1797 to 11 September 1800 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Desiree 12 September 1800 to 17 July 1802 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Abergavenny 18 July 1802 to 2 September 1802 Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Victory Ship's pay book number: (SB 27) 15 April 1803 to 1 January 1806 (Was at Trafalgar) Rank/rating: Lieutenant HMS Ocean HMS Hebe 16 March 1806 HMS Waldemaan HMS Venerable 10 August 1810 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Hannibal 11 August 1810 to 27 April 1811 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Royal George 16 April 1812 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Swiftsure 7 May 1812 to 16 June 1812 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Rainbow 20 June 1812 to 5 February 1813 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Iphigenia 6 February 1813 to 31 May 1816 Rank/rating: Post Captain HMS Cornwallis 1 June 1816 to 25 November 1816 Rank/rating: Post Captian HMS Active 24 December 1821
Sources used
	Catalogue reference: ADM 107/20 - pages 136-138 Catalogue reference: ADM 9/3 - page 419 Book reference: Mackenzie - page 12 Catalogue reference: IR 26/1394 - pages 551-552 Book reference: Marione Catalogue reference: PROB 11/1853 - LH 54 Catalogue reference: ADM 36/15900

From the Durnford Family website

ANDREW DURNFORD KING Is a brother to Captain Edward Durnford King, R.N., This officer served as a Midshipman on board the Bellenon 74, bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Pasley, in the battle of May 28 and 29, and the glorious battle of June 1, as   senior Lieutenant of the Andromeda frigate, commanded by Captain Henry Inman, when that officer attempted to destroy a French squadron in Dunkirk harbour,  1799, as first on la Desiree, under the same commander, at the defeat of the Danish line of defense before Copenhagen, April 2, 1801, (on which occasion he was commended), and as fourth Lieutenant of Nelson's flagship, in ever memorable conflict with the combined fleets near Cape Trafalgar, Oct 21, 1805.  His promotion to the rank of Commander took place Jan 22, 1806. Captain King commanded the Hebe hired armed ship, and was several times warmly engaged with the enemy' s batteries and flotilla, during the siege of Copenhagen in 1807. From thence he returned home in the Waldemaar, a Danish 80, the equipment of which ship was greatly expedited by his zealous exertions.  His post commission bears date Oct 13, 1807  In the summer of 1808, Captain King was appointed the Tempore, to the Venerable 74. and in her he assisted at the reduction of Flushing, August 15, 1809  We subsequently find him commanding the Hannibal 74, bearing the flag of Sir Thomas Williams, Royal Georue a first rate, Rainbow of 26 guns, and Iphigenia frigate, the three latter on the Mediterranean station.  The Iphigenia formed part of Sir Josias Rowley's squadron at the capture of Genoa in April 1814, and was afterwards ordered to conduct a fleet of transports from Gibraltar to Bermuda. In Oct 1815. We find her proceeding to the East Indies, from whence Captain King returned home in command of the Cornwallis 74.  His last appointment was Dec 28, 1821, to the Active 46, in which frigate he continued until about Sept 1824.  He married, Mar 5 1821, Mary, eldest daughter of Charles Lewin, of St. Albans. Co. Hens. Source:   John Marshall, Royal Naval Biography, (London : Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, (1823-1835), Volumes No. 9, p.257 - published 1827.  As extracted from the volume held in the Admiralty Library and provided courtesy of CPO Peter Lockyer - HMS Victory, Portsmouth Naval Base. For the names of the officers and ratings on the Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar - see the official crew Note: The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, 1660-1815, ed. David Syrett and R.L. DiNardo (Aldershot: Scolar press for the Navy Records Society, 1994)  would be a source for the likely 1835 death date of Capt. Andrew King.