Collections - Letters
Letters of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bevan, 1804-1811.
Letter Number 7
Dated: 2 Sept 1804 from CB at Sellinge Lees. Addressed
to: Miss Dacres (No address given)
You do not, my beloved Mary, require assurances to be convinced how very
grateful to my feelings are the affectionate expressions in your letter
of the 25th which regard my Mother and sisters. I have only to lament
that the present circumstances preclude the possibility that you should
have reason to esteem them as much for their own sakes as for mine, an
which I most earnestly hope will be the case when you become acquainted
with them – Oh! Mary, when, when that happy period arrives I assure you
the dread of its distance affords no addition to the very moderate share
of good spirits I at present possess, neither does the contemplation of
difficulties which are alas! too conspicuous in our path to by any means
tend to dissipate, afflictions which at present must assume but a
melancholy hue – I however strive and will resolutely strive to
contemplate the fairer side of this constantly thought on subject – and
now, Mary, I think I shall have your permission to be little gloomy,
when you hear that in the present state of affairs there is not a chance
of being able to obtain leave of absence from this district – indeed it
cannot be a matter of complaint that this is so considering the very
threatening appearance that the Boulogne Flotilla at present assumes –
and the relative situation of this Brigade which is with the exception
of General Moore’s the nearest to the coast – we hear a constant and
heavy cannonade. I am also informed that on a very clear day, it is
possible to distinguish, from a signal post about two miles from our
quarters, the French lines of Encampment – the coast is perfectly
visible - and in all these circumstances I do now know that I should
feel quite comfortable even at Wearde – a few weeks however must make a
material change, as it is utterly impossible that their vessels can
occupy the position in tempestuous weather in which they are now
anchored. I wish, and I believe it is unanimously wished, that they
would give us an opportunity of deciding this question- and one really
would suppose, from what is passing in Russia that the Emperor will be
compelled to make an attempt and that as soon as possible.
Since my arrival here I have accompanied Genl Paget to dinner parties at
Sir Edward Knatchbull’s, Lord Thanet’s and two or three Militia Fetes –
all these things are so much alike and so very uninteresting to a person
wishing himself elsewhere, that I have no doubt but that the good folks
I had the good fortune to sit near on these occasions thought me equally
as stupid as I certainly found them – Sir E Knatchbull is a very
pleasant man and his family appear to be as much so – he has a very
large one, and is now married to a third wife not many years older than
his eldest daughter. Lord Thanet lives very much in retirement since his
trial – a lady presides at his table, to whom it is whispered he is
married – she is German and has lived with him many years, when it was
perfectly certain they were not married – indeed I do believe the report
is not generally credited – You may perhaps not be acquainted with the
sentence that was pronounced on this nobleman – it was that his right
hand should be cut off – the confiscation of all his property – and
imprisonment in the Tower for twelve months – the latter was the only
part carried into execution and which confinement it is said has in some
measure brought him to his senses.
Will you my Mary, thank your mother for her kind invitation to Julia –
you do not know how much flattered and delighted she will be made by
this kindness. I cannot fancy that Mrs Walton will have any objection to
her accepting it – I shall leave her to fight her own battle on the
subject, and which no doubt will be as strong as her inclinations.
The letter Barrington mentions I have heard of but not yet received it
was forwarded with yours from Fermoy to Ipswich from whence they have
not yet found their way. Pray give my best love to him and tell him he
would not now be able to find time to read letters – he is much better
occupied – I am happy that your Father is well, though much concerned
that his expectations have been so greatly disappointed in regard to the
Commander in Chief – I believe his motto is Esperance I have for some
time made it mine and trust it will some of these days be fulfilled.
I hope to hear from you soon again, next to that of seeing you my only
happiness is that your letters give me, and you are much too good to
deprive me of that
My best love to all your family –
Farewell dear and beloved Mary,
For ever and ever yours
Chas Bevan
Sellinge Lees
2 September 1804
NOTES BY TRANSCRIBER
i) Sir E Knatchbull
ii) Lord Thanet – 9th Earl of Thanet 1767-1865; charged 1789 with riot
at the trial of O’Connor in Maidstone. Had an “alliance” with Hungarian
Anne de Bogamiewitz. Lived quietly in later years at Hothfield House,
Kent
iii) Barrington – Mary’s brother serving in RN
iv) Julia – CB’s sister
v) Fermoy – Ipswich; BB had followed Paget on his transfer first to a
brigade near Colchester, then to Infantry Brigade near Hythe
vi) Father’s disappointment – Evidently Admiral J R Dacres had hoped for
the C in C post probably from the new administration in 1804
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