Collections - Letters
Letters of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bevan, 1804-1811.
Letter Number 21
Dated: 12 August 1809 from CB Jersette, South Beveland.
Addressed to Mrs C Bevan
I yesterday, my dearest Mary received your two letters of the 3rd and
7th Inst. by which I learn for the first time with very great concern
that you are unwell, you mention this as having in some previous letter
told me the nature of your indisposition, which I have not however
received – I thank God that you are in good hands and where you will be
taken good care of – Pray follow Mr ?illeg? ‘s advice and do not for
God’s sake fatigue yourself by too much exercise – I hope in a day or
two’s to have better accounts as you talk of writing soon at the same I
should be really glad to hear better accounts of your Mother. I hope you
have by this time received the few lines I sent to you, but I think it
is more then probably it has not yet left Walcheren – When that will go
I have no idea, but I shall endeavour to smuggle it by Mr Le Geyt Adm
Keates’ Secretary, if it fails through this means I fear it will not go
as the letters of the Army have certainly not such good opportunity – We
have been perfectly idle in the Fighting way but constantly moving and
daily expecting to move to attack Antwerp, on the way to which there is
a strong fort called Lillo to be taken. They have had too much time to
prepare themselves & as to any news of the Austrians we are as much in
the dark as the people of the Antipodes – Flushing is I fancy a tougher
job than was expected & until that is taken our Fleet cannot enter the
Scheldt.
I enclose you a little plan of the Islands marking the different
Division’s stations – I am very well for me – I have almost left off
wine & certainly am much the better for it; therefore if I ever entirely
recover my health I shall owe that happening as well as many others to
my good little fellow. I intend to give it up entirely. I am now come to
two glasses. It certainly cannot to Dr Baillies prescribing altogether
as I have nothing on shore to take of his & no baggage except what is on
my back, this lies still on board the Lavinia – Ld W Stuart was every
thing that was kind & hospitable – I hope you meet Miss Maude
frequently. You will I trust my dearest dearest Mary take the best care
of yourself for my sake & for our little Boys – Remember we may be
comfortable I think we shall see England again very shortly and I hope
to find you quite well. I am going to hear how Mrs Shaw continues ?illeg?
I hope as the weather improves she will get better. Lady Williams is a
sad sufferer, I know not if death is not to be wish for in so wretched
state instead of being treated. I hardly know what will be the fate of
this ?illeg? for we have no communications with the headquarters of the
Army & therefore it is for the publick Pray say anything that is
affectionate for me to give your family & to my own I will to Mrs Bevan
? whenever I have more writing time or anything to say of the Campaign.
I hardly know what to think.
(In the typed collection the following appears as a separate letter)
I hope you will be able to understand my plan of the scene of action. I
have copied it from a very good chart against the window – I will write
to you again in a day or two and take the chance of my letter being
forwarded – We have hitherto been in tolerable Quarters and always under
cover – The Division at Walcheren have had several affairs with the
Enemy’s riflemen, and Gen Graham’s Brigade drove back a considerable
body which had made a sortie. This happened several days ago – I believe
that you know better in England what we are all doing than we do
ourselves. I have seen no Newspaper or even Book since we have been
here. God Bless you my dearest Mary – I hope soon to hear better
accounts of you & your family – Kiss our dear Children for me and
believe me
Most affectionately & truly yours
C.B.
Ld W. Stuart has most likely had opportunities of writing & you will
hear from Miss M tidings of me.
NOTES BY TRANSCRIBER
i) South Beveland – The Reserve, incl 28th Ft landed on S. Beveland
north and East of Walcheren – the defenders of various forts withdrew or
surrendered. The major fort – Fort Batz gave in similarly
ii) Le Geyt unid; Rear Admiral Sir Richard Keats commanded a squadron &
was responsible for conducting and landing Gen Hope’s Reserve on S.
Beveland. He later achieved Vice Admiral and commanded the fleet at the
Cadiz landings
iii) Lillo – important Fort on the Scheldt covering Antwerp – from which
a boom blocked the river. A formidable obstacle never attacked although
Chatham moved his HQ to Fort Batz in order to oversee this – shortly
before he ordered withdrawal
iv) Flushing – main town on Walcheren – withstood siege until 15 August
by when intensive bombardment had badly damaged most main buildings
v) Captain Lord William Stuart commanded HMS Lavinia; later he was one
of 14 naval officers who were MPs – he sat for Cardiff Miss Maude was
evidently a friend or relative of his and known to Mary Bevan
vi) Mrs Shaw – cousin of CB owning a large house in Berkshire –
eventually bequeathed to CB’s children
vii) Lady William’s unidentified
viii) Major En Graham commanded a Brigade of the Right Wing involved in
the siege of Flushing (1st 5th 35th – elements of 95th 68th)
Annexe to Letter 21
Dated: 12 August 1809 from CB Jersette, South Beveland.
Addressed to: Mrs C Bevan
(The single sheet with plan on one side and following note is badly
tattered)
The Island of Walcheren is occupied by the Left Wing of the Army under
Sir Eyre Coote. Divisions of Lord Paget –Frazer -Grosvenor – Lord
Chatham also there –
The Town of Veer was secured with little or no opposition
- - - Middlebourg by Capitulation
- - - Flushing may appear inclined to defend
The Island of South Beveland occupied by the Reserve under Sir John Hope
in the first instance, when the Enemy held Fort Batz and some smaller
forts in the Island, all of which they evacuated without resistance –
They have since attacked Fort B. with Gun Boats.
The Divisions of Lord Rosslyn & Marquis of Huntley have since landed in
S. Beveland
The Island of Schoenen had no troops
“ Molenland occupied by the French
Louis Buonaparte is at Bergen Op Zoom – It is said that they have 16,000
men between that place and Antwerp, but not regular troops. These
Batteries are well manned by the crews of the ships – It was intended to
have occupied Cadsand by Lord Huntley’s Division but from various
circumstances could not be effected, which leaves the communication
between Flushing and the Continent open -
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