DUCKWORTH (Sir John Thomas, 1748-1817, K.B., Admiral, from 1813 1st Bart.)

Autograph Letter Signed to his Agent, saying that "Notwithstanding the neglect ... for these last 8 months in never writing the confidence I have in your honor and integrity has induced me not to be precipitate in removing my business into other Hands", and accordingly he sends two orders ('Seconds') on the Victualling Board and another on the Commissioners of the Navy, totalling "£2406 01s 00d Sterling which you will lay out as before directed ... but should you continue Obdurate in not regular communication with me, and giving me Statements ... I shall appoint another Agent", ending "Your Very humble Servant", 1 side folio, Martinique, February 24th small piece in blank margin caught on opening seal

Duckworth went to sea at 11 during the Seven Years' War and, though unemployed for several years, was still working at the Admiralty when he died. In February 1797 he was made Rear-Admiral in his own ship, a compliment to his bold and often successful service. In 1801 he was sent straight from the Mediterranean as Governor and C-in-C of the Leeward Islands. Here he is at their southern tip on the French Colony of Martinique, which the British had held since 1793. Duckworth missed Trafalgar but rounded off that campaign in February 1806 when he helped defeat a French force off San Domingo. Among his later services were an expedition through the Dardanelles and as Governor and C-in-C of Newfoundland, 1810-1813.
The agent is to send the relevant documents to "Mrs Wallis", probably a relative of his first wife Anne Wallis.

Item Date:  1801

Stock No:  32661      £325

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