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910900

Title
Series 02: John Septimus Roe letters, apprenticeship: the Napoleonic Wars and the first years of peace 14 June 1813 – 13 February 1817
Call number
SAFE/MLMSS 7964/vol. 2 (Safe 1/465)
Level of description
series
Date

1813-1817
Type of material
Textual Records
Reference code
910900
Issue Copy
Digitised
Scope and Content
A series of 60 letters, 24 written while serving on HMS Rippon, 36 while serving on HMS Horatio, the great majority to his father, but also including one letter received from Reverend Roe as well as a handful of others received by John Septimus Roe.

ITEM 076: 24 June 1813. To Father, HMS Pyramus. Has not yet joined the Rippon, which he had thought would have been accomplished sooner. Has news of Charles. Describes life on board a ship. Has been ashore. “I have been very sea sick.”

ITEM 077: 15 July 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Basque Roads. Has got on board and met Sir Christopher. Has got to Plymouth via Captain Nash of the Salvador and then sailed on the Hannibal to Brest, and thence on the Pyramus to Plymouth. Has shown his book of drawings. His mess made of sons of men of fortune, and he eats well, including a hot roll every morning and “butter whenever we want it.” Very detailed account of his first experience of being properly enlisted on a naval vessel. Dwells on their mess, including his pleasure at having had fresh pork. The water, however, “stinks”. Was sea-sick on the Pyramus but gently treated. Admires the men’s gunning training. “Going aloft for the first time, my hat caught between 2 ropes and endeavouring to loosen it, it fell into the Sea, but I got it again with a boat, which the 1st Lieut. was good enough to have lowered down on purpose.” Went to a play called “Hit or Miss” on board the accompanying Bulwark: “though acted by some of the common men, I can assure you it was worth seeing.” Into action against the French squadron and Batteries. Has had the first day of his “young pupils come to school in the Gun Room.” Talks of possible prizes. Describes the sailors in detail, including long description of their dancing.

ITEM 078: 8 August 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon anchored at Basque Roads. Long discussion of their possible closing with the French, including his recounting of what Captain Cole had thought on the subject. Account of a “gallant skirmish” and another of the taking of a sloop.

ITEM 079: 16 August 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Basque Roads. The squadron missed a French frigate. Account of the various cruises of the ships in their squadron. Have been painting the Rippon. Talked to the Briton, which has taken many American prizes.

ITEM 080: 23 September 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Cawsand Bay [Plymouth]. Should be there three weeks. Needs to buy a Glass as his is broken, and many other items.

ITEM 081: 30 September 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Cawsand Bay, Plymouth. Delighted to have news from home. Having a few problems with his Pupils who are keen to spend time with “bad women.” Many of their men have run away while on leave. On his rambles on shore “I have got a few shells for Sophy.”

ITEM 082: 14 October 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Cawsand Bay, Plymouth. Has been on shore, poor weather, visited the Taylors. Has been reprimanded by Captain Cole after going ashore for a few days with the permission of the First Lieutenant, but Cole not aware of the situation. Relationship not affected, and Cole has advanced Roe £5.

ITEM 083: 22 October 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Falmouth Harbour. They have anchored with a captured French frigate in tow: “fine fun this for my 2nd Cruise!” Account of the capture of the Weser, 44 Guns, “and the most beautiful frigate I ever saw.” Disparaging about the Dutch Captain and crew.

ITEM 084: 31 October 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, Cawsand Bay. They hope today to get rid of “our unwelcome and stinking visitants, the Dutchmen.” The captured crew lousy. Should get about £20 in seven or eight months for the French frigate. “Captn. and I are as good friends as ever.”

ITEM 085: 3 December 1813. To Father, HMS Rippon, cruising off Brest. Came off two French frigates, but lost some of their rigging and repairs took some time. Crew mortified at their loss. Good account of cruising off the French coast. Has heard reports of Prince of Orange being sent to Holland with 15,000 men, which Roe hopes is true, “for it will spoil Boney’s dancing entirely.”

ITEM 086: 15 January 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, near Brest. Hopes to return soon to Portsmouth, where he would like to see Sir Richard Keats, and has hopes of a visit to Newbury. “I have had the honour and happiness of pleasing Sir C. very much with 2 drawings of Brest Harbour, which I sketched, when we reconnoitred lately. Captain Cole will give one drawing to Sir H.B. Neale in the Ville de Paris, who commands the squadron. “Captn. Cole intends to try Captn. Bremer of the Royalist for his rascally conduct about the Weser.”

ITEM 087: 1 February 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, near Brest. Blockade continues. Expecting a new pupil, his twelfth, and is anxious as he is reputed a “scamp” and known to be heir to immense property. They have beat every boat in the Fleet in rowing matches. Has been given the task of doing a plan of the Banda Islands in Indonesia.

ITEM 088: 10 March 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, off Brest. Has been in the sick bay. Have been “so fortunate as to recapture a Spanish Galleon, very valuable I understand”, and a Spanish Brig full of coffee and sugar. “I am sorry to say that I have nearly lost the sight of my right eye by a cold.” Has been given the promise of leave to visit Newbury.

ITEM 089: 26 March 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, off Brest. Squadron is very weak at the moment and they hope to be relieved. Unlucky to miss a prize. Has been politely reproved by his father “upon my conduct concerning the Weser.” His twelfth pupil, Campbell, has arrived. “I am sorry to say he is not one of the brightest.” Is nearing Plymouth Sound.

ITEM 090: 9 April 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, Plymouth Sound. Has evidently not been able to visit Newbury. Are expecting to go for a cruise off Bordeaux. Has been unwell and his eyesight continues “very bad.”

ITEM 091: 4 May 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, near Brest. The Admiral is on shore. Roe’s health improving.

ITEM 092: 9 May 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, Basque Roads. Have been very busy cruising. Is very busy working on a narrative of the taking of Banda, Roe thinks for Captain Cole’s “sweetheart, a Miss Talbot.” It is to be prepared in the highest style of penmanship, “and plenty of drawings in it.” Rumours that they will take troops to America. Ship’s crew to be reduced to 400, so Roe will lose four of his pupils. Have not received a single letter because Plymouth does not know where they are.

ITEM 093: 10 June 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, at sea. Have embarked 28th Regiment and are on their way to Cork. Roe rather impressed with the officers. Fears that he will not be able to visit Newbury. Had two balls on board, “which were attended by a great deal of the Beauty of Cork and Cove, and all together amounted to about 50 Persons.”

ITEM 094: 3 July 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, Spithead. 200 men of the Corps of Artillery on board en route for Plymouth. Will receive a total of £60 prize-money, with which he is very disappointed. “I think France a most beautiful country, and have seen no place in which I should like to live in better.” They have lost a man overboard, and the butcher has committed suicide: he was formerly a man of property, and had run away with a neighbour’s wife.

ITEM 095: 20 July 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, at sea. Has 900 of the 1st Regiment of the King’s German Legion on board. Is using the Captain’s cabin for a school room. Is working hard on Captain Cole’s chart. Has been given permission to return to Newbury for a week, but Captain Cole did not tell the First Lieutenant, so Roe is waiting on the Captain’s return to be allowed ashore. Rumours that they will be paid off.

ITEM 096: 27 July 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, Spithead. Has been kept on board because of a note from Captain Cole to First Lieutenant that they are to be paid off.

ITEM 097: 4 August 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon, St. Helens. Has heard of the death of his grandfather. They are now likely to sail again. Captain Cole’s brother, Doctor Cole, Vice Chancellor of Oxford, has come on board and spoken to Roe. Knows Roe’s father and Sir Richard Keats. Dr. Cole told Sir Christopher Cole that Keats “had an eye towards me, and wished to get me on at a future time.”

ITEM 098: 13 August 1814. To Father, HMS Rippon. Sir Christopher Cole has got Roe a position on the Horatio, Captain Dillon. Has bought things ashore “on account of cloaths being so very dear on the coast of America.” Asks his father to write a letter thanking Sir Christopher Cole.

ITEM 099: 18 August 1814. To Father, HMS Horatio, Plymouth Sound. Will sail to Cork, and then Newfoundland. There are 19 midshipmen on board, and their room should only fit 14. Roe is now rated midshipman, and the school will begin “as soon as the Captain’s cabin is dry of paint.” He will also keep Captain’s Log. Does not expect he will be as comfortable in this ship as it is so much smaller. Has parted from Sir Christopher Cole on very good terms, and Cole will try and get him back on his own ship in future. Does not look forward to their winter’s cruise with much enthusiasm.

ITEM 100: 21 August 1814. To Father, HMS Horatio, Cork. Still confident that Captain Dillon intends to rate him as a Midshipman. There is a chance that they will cross the line on their cruise, so promises a long account of the “shaving match” if that occurs.

ITEM 101: 3 September 1814. To Father, HMS Horatio, Cork. About to get under weigh with a convoy of 109 sail. Fully intends to have the money sent to his father as “justly your due.” They have had a ball on board. Some of the crew performed the play “All the World’s a Stage.” Play on the main deck, and ball on the quarterdeck. Expect to winter in St Johns, Newfoundland.

ITEM 102: 9 October 1814. To Father, HMS Horatio, at sea. Saw his brother Charles’s ship the Alpheus at a distance, but unable to go on board. Watched the vessel as long as he could through his glass, “I really thought I saw him once look over the gangway, with a piece of black crape round his arm, but am not certain it was him.” Very rough passage. Expect to be on the banks of Newfoundland tomorrow and begin cod fishing. Has become friends with the Captain’s clerk. Recalls the ball at Cork. Talk of giving another ball for Sir Richard Keats in St Johns. Keats’ vessel the Bellerophon not in St Johns as it “gone round to Placentia Bay to administer justice.” Has not written to Sir Richard Keats, who is at his house on shore, especially as “he had been abusing Captn. Dillon very much for losing the convoy, which I judge it improper to say more about at present.” Description of the port and the ships at anchor. Has taken his “Book, Drawing Medal and Watch” to Sir Richard Keats’ house, and he seemed “very much pleased.” Keats fears that with the peace, and his own age, he may not be able to help Roe as much as he would like to, but would like to help in future. Keats recommends he stay in the Horatio as he will get more experience and more chance of prizes. Keats also asked about his transfer out of the Rippon and is pleased with how it went. Roe tells him that he would like to have a career as a commissioned officer. Roe describes the letter he sent to Sir Richard. Invited to dinner, but suspects they will not be in port for long enough to accept. Recounts a bear hunt.

ITEM 103: 10 February 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Have just arrived via Gibraltar, and are in quarantine for a few days. Another rough trans-Atlantic passage. Hopes to be allowed to visit Newbury.

ITEM 104: 17 February 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Boat is stripped of its rigging, which is condemned. Reports of victories against the Yankees have just reached port.

ITEM 105: 26 February 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Has returned safely to his ship after his stay in Newbury.

ITEM 106: 5 March 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. All of the shipwrights have been discharged, and so they expect to sail soon. New First Lieutenant is Mackenzie, who has been a prisoner in France for seven years. Round of promotions in the ship. Is short of money.

ITEM 107: 7 March 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Ordered to the Nore.

ITEM 108: 19 March 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, beating into St Helen’s. Rumours that they will take Sir Richard Keats out to Newfoundland.

ITEM 109: 24 March 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio. Has heard that Louis XVIII and his court have landed at Dover incognito. Expecting to be asked to take troops out to the Netherlands.

ITEM 110: 30 March 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Have sailed, but forced back to anchor by bad weather. Dillon has told the crew that he expects they will soon be at war with France again. Explains in some detail how to make a letter-seal.

ITEM 111: 7 April 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Guernsey. Waiting to see if the expected war with France occurs. The midshipmen are allowed ashore in St Pierre every evening, which Roe finds a very pretty place.

ITEM 112: 25 April 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Guernsey. Reverend Roe is sorry about the departure of William for Liverpool. Sorry to hear “of dear Sophy’s misfortune.” Will endeavour to follow up the recommendation of Sir Richard Keats that he learn French.

ITEM 113: 10 May 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Portsmouth Harbour. Struck on Russell Rock while attempting to clear Guernsey Roads. They were stuck for about two minutes, but fortunately the tide was running and washed them off. Pumps set going, distress signal hoisted. All hands took turns at the pumps for two days, but are now safe.

ITEM 114: 16 May 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Portsmouth Harbour. Likely to resume service off Guernsey Harbour. Friend Price has got some preserves from home, and Roe has been given some as well. “Shall be heartily glad when we quit this hulk for we are almost devoured by rats. The boys catch them with traps, gins and fish hooks.”

ITEM 115: 31 May 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Hauled off from the Perseverance Hulk yesterday. The Salisbury is waiting for Sir Richard Keats to return to Newfoundland. Friend Cole saw Dr Cole yesterday, who said that Sir Christopher Cole was at the Isle of Wight. Short of money. Their old prize the Weser is here, being fitted out as a troop ship.

ITEM 116: 13 June 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Sir Richard Keats has not yet arrived. The harbour very busy. Has witnessed for the first time – and he hopes last – the punishment of a man belonging to the Euryale frigate. Received 100 lashes for attempting to desert. Scribbles the rather mysterious postscript: “The Captain of the Horatio has recently begun to wear a brown scratch!”

ITEM 117: 20 June 1815. To brother William, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Very long and detailed account of his daily life and recent events on the Horatio. Particularly good account of their recent grounding off Guernsey, and the role of Captain Dillon and the pilot. Tells of their fruitless search for a man overboard.

ITEM 118: 28 June 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Ordered to sea.

ITEM 119: 3 July 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Have been near Cherbourg to reconnoitre. Sail past one of the forts within “about Gun shot and a half”, the French and English officers looking at each other through their glasses. Lost sight of a vessel in fog. Rumours that Bonaparte has escaped on an American vessel.

ITEM 120: 6 July 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. They are to sail for China. Taking out specie belonging to the East India Company.

ITEM 121: 15 July 1815. To brother William, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Sailing for China. They have £200,000 sterling on board. Worries that they may be detained in the east for three or four years. Captain Dillon gave “a grand dinner and kick up” to Admiral Thornbrough and some other officers. If they do sail for India will hope to see his brothers, although “I do not think I should know them after so long a separation.”

ITEM 122: [14 or 21] July 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Cannot sail because of bad winds. Also mentions the dinner and the £200,000 sterling. Similar letter to previous.

ITEM 123: 11 September 1815. To Father, HMS Horatio, off Rio de Janeiro. Unsuccessfully chased a vessel in tandem with the Tiber. Good account of the details of their voyage. Very taken with the flying fish which he describes in some detail, and hopes to get his hands on one as “they would be a very great curiosity in England.” Long account of the crossing of the line with which ceremony he is evidently delighted. Neptune presented Captain Dillon with a “dolphin (at the same time presenting a stuffed fish).” Roe is shaved and runs the gauntlet of men with buckets of water: “we had as glorious a piece of fun, heaving water at one another, as ever I could wish to enjoy.” Three men hid and did not endure the ceremony. Gallons of rum dispensed, and “not a dozen sober men in the ship.” Two days of singing and carousing. Expects to be a “black fellow” by the time he arrives. Saw several whales.

ITEM 124: 13 January 1816. To Father, HMS Horatio, Macao Roads, China. Has spent the last fortnight with brother Charles, his ship the Alpheus being the first British ship they saw. Called at St Paul’s. One man has fallen from the rigging and died. First, uneasy, encounters with natives while anchored off the town of “Bally” near the Straits of Allass. Some of the sailors attempt to trade for native daggers. Captain Dillon has an interview with General Pardoo. Roe is one of about thirty whose feet have swelled amazingly because of the hot sun. Was involved in going ashore for water, and was consequently laid up with a “violent griping in the bowels.” Was working in the captain’s cabin on a chart of the Straits of Macassar when they had an alarming lightning strike.

ITEM 125: 7 December 1816. To Father, HMS Horatio, Spithead. Has arrived safely home in league with brother Charles on the Alpheus, which they met by chance about 1300 miles to the east of the Cape of Good Hope. Roe does not doubt that he will be paid off: “I almost despair of being able to get into another ship at present.” Had to draw a bill on his father for £10 while at Cape of Good Hope. Has been hard at work on two charts for the Captain “as large as the large one you have at home of Newfoundland.” One has his track from England, the other their track from the Cape to China. Captain promises to show them at the Admiralty when he goes there. “I have almost entirely lost the sight of my right eye for some years back, which makes the strain fall doubly severe on the other.” Sorry not to have been able to being back many curiosities from the East.

ITEM 126: 19 December 1816. To Father, HMS Horatio, River Thames. Admiralty has been advised that it will cost £5000 and take three months to fix and refit the ship. Have had some very severe weather. Asks for Sir Richard Keats’ address, as Captain Dillon intends to write to him. Sorry to hear of the death of his aunt Tarn, who looked after him while he was at school in London. Just missed his chance to sit the Lieutenant’s examination in navigation at the Portsmouth Academy.

ITEM 127: 30 December 1816. To Father, HMS Horatio, Deptford. Now looks certain to be paid off. Is sending a letter from Captain Dillon (not present). “It would not be amiss if you was to remind Sir Richard of my being out of employment.” Roe apprehends great difficulty in being appointed to a vessel as he has not passed his Lieutenant’s examination. Hopes that his father will write and thank Captain Dillon for his kindness.

ITEM 128: 6 January 1817. “Dear Sir,” Durrant, Bideford (marked “copy”). Addressed to Mr. John Septimus Roe at Mr Nicholls’ 2 Chatham Place, London. One of only two letters received from Roe’s father extant in the collection (see no. 138). The correspondent, Sir Richard Keats (but copied by Reverend Roe), writes to thank the Reverend Roe for his letter and that of Captain Dillon, “who writes me very favourably of your son’s conduct and abilities, particularly as a navigator.” Is concerned that finding a position will be difficult. “There was a time not distant when young men capable of being usefully employed in Maritime Surveying were much wanted. I have wrote to enquire of Captain Hurd – the Head of the Hydrographic Office at the Admiralty – whether there is any Situation vacant in which if Mr Roe’s abilities are equal he could be employed and in which his time as Midshipman would be allowed to go on, and I think you had better desire him on every convenient opportunity to call on Capt. Hurd (using my name) with any Specimens of his own work in the branch of Surveying – Drawing – or Delineations.” The pay in such a situation likely to be better than that of a simple Midshipman. Reverend Roe continues the letter with a note exhorting Roe to try and find an opportunity to pass his Lieutenant’s examination. Once that is done, Roe is to please come and visit Newbury. Reminds him to be sure and visit Captain Hurd, but also to try and find Dr Latham to consult about his eyes. Letter also includes a note from brother William. Mother desires Roe to pay his respects at Christ’s Hospital. Also a note from brother Charles.

ITEM 129: 16 January 1817. To Father, King’s Ward, Christ’s Hospital. Unable to sit his examination at present because there is no appropriate Master available. Encloses a letter from Captain Dillon (not present). Has not yet seen Captain Hurd at the Hydrographic Office, but today waited on Captain Dillon at his lodgings in Spring Garden’s Coffee House, Charing Cross, and he will accompany Roe to visit Hurd, and give him “the strongest recommendation he can.” “I received a very flattering letter from Sir C. Cole, in answer to one, requesting a certificate necessary for passing this examination, which I will shew you when we meet.”

ITEM 130: 23 January 1817. “Dear Roe”, London. The correspondent, J. Barnes, is glad to hear of Roe’s appointment to the Shamrock “so early after being paid off from the Horatio.” Discusses the fate of Roe’s chest and goods.

ITEM 131: 24 January 1817. “Dear Roe”, London. Addressed to Roe at Newbury. More details of Roe’s goods, and also notes on bank post bills. “I have put Capt. Hurd’s letter in the 2nd post. Mrs Robinson tells me you do not look well.” Also notes that Wilby has kept the order from Sir Christopher Cole.

ITEM 132: 4 February 1817. To Father, on board Horatio. “I waited on Capt. Hurd yesterday morning, who introduced me to Lieut. King, and informed me that the Lloyds is the ship I must go out in (direct to Botany Bay with troops) which ship I have since learnt sails from this place about Monday next, touches at Portsmouth for the troops, where I am recommended by the Agent of Transports to join her.” Went on board the Lloyds yesterday, and tried to meet the Captain, who had told him his mess would be about £40 for the passage. Could not manage to actually meet the Captain. “Captn. H. informs me that the 2 Mids are to be rated Mates onboard the Guardship at Sheerness, and receive the pay as such (42 per year) and are to receive six months advance. When the service commences we are all to receive additional pay.”

ITEM 133: 12 February 1817. To Roe, Deptford. Letter from [Agent of Transports] Mr. [William] Young. Has been in contact with Transport Board and the owners of the Lloyds. “The Dick will therefore sail tomorrow for Cork. I had some difficulty in prevailing on the Master of the Lloyds, to accept of less than £100 or guineas for your mess, if he went to the Cape. It will now rest with you, and your friends, whether you accede to his terms viz seventy-five guineas. I rather regret you could not get ready in time for the Dick, to accompany Lieut. King.”

ITEM 134: 13 February 1817. To Father, on board Horatio. Hurried note describing his first attempt to get on board the Dick. “I could plainly perceive her at anchor at Blackwell with her name, Dick, in a flag flying at the mast-head…” Sends his father twenty pounds.
Language
English
Access Conditions

Access via appointment
Copying Conditions
Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Description source

Hordern House : John Septimus Roe, Calendar of documents, 2009
General note

Digital order no:Album ID : 985705
Creator/Author/Artist
Roe, James
Name
Rippon (ship)
Horatio (ship)
Great Britain. Royal Navy
Dick (ship)
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