THREE LETTERS, NAVAL INTEREST Admiral Richard Darton Thomas ...

Hammer

£40

THREE LETTERS, NAVAL INTEREST Admiral Richard Darton Thomas (1777-1857) British Royal Navy Officer who served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, later Commander-in-Chief of Pacific Station. A personal, contemporary copy of a letter to the Duke of Northumberland, 30th November 1852, outlining Thomas’ statement of services and seeking the duke’s patronage for the Admiral’s Good Service Pension and Command of Devenport. Sold together with a copy of the Duke of Northumberland’s reply, again in Thomas’ hand, 2nd December 1852. Pages 13.5cm x 8.5cm, five sides total (2 letters) Richard Darton Thomas joined the Royal Navy in 1790, was appointed Rear Admiral in 1837, and served as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet from the 5th of May 1841 to December 1844, rising to the rank of Admiral of the White. He saw action at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797. In February 1811, he was appointed Commander of the Frigate Undaunted, then engaged in operations off the coast of Catalonia and the blockade of Marseilles and Toulon. He was invalided home in February 1813. Captain John Brand Umfreville (1784-1820) ALS to his sister, dated 4th July 1813, discussing a forthcoming expedition to Norway or Sweden and apologising for not having time to see her when he was in England. Contemporary events are discussed, such as Wellington’s defeat of the French at Vittoria, 9cm x 22cm, 3 sides with external integral address leaf (to his sister’s husband) (hole partially affecting text) John's father died when he was aged 5, and he was cared for by his godfather, the historian John Brand, whom he may well have been named after as there are no other Johns amongst the family. John became a Lieutenant in the Navy at age 22 in 1806 and finally a Commander in December 1813. He is listed as in command of HMS Childers 1813-15 and was involved in the unsuccessful 1814 attack on Fort Bowyer. He must have retired soon after, as in 1815, he took up freedom of the city of Newcastle. John died at Broomhaugh (Near Riding Mill) at the age of 36 in the parish of St Andrews, Bywell, and was buried at Hexham, the resting place of Gilbert Earl of Angus. His sister, Margaret, outlived him by five years.