Autograph Letter Signed to his Agent, (Sir John Thomas, 1748-1817, K.B., Admiral, from 1813 1st Bart.)

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. (Transcription) Martinique February 24th 1801 Sir ! Notwithstanding the neglect with which you have treated me for these last 8 months in never writing the con- fidence I have in your honor and integrity has induced me not to be precipitate in removing my business into other Hand, therefore I send you two Seconds on the Victualling Board, one for £1200 : 0s: 0d the other for £400. 0s: 0d: also another on the Commissioners of the Navy for 553: 15: 3: amounting to £2406: 01s: 00d Sterling which you will lay out as before directed sending the proper Documents to Mrs.Wallis, but should you continue Obdurate in not regular communication with me, and giving me Statements of my Receipts and Disbursements, I shall appoint another Agent as above alluded too. I am Sir ! Your Very humble Servant J.T. Duckworth