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Copyright © 2008, Alison Pryce, all rights reserved.
This letter is from Francis Godolphin Bond to Lord St. Vincent. He is petitioning for his nephew, who at 12 years of age has been in the Navy for 4 years.
Cleve/ about the 26th. Dec. 1802
My Lord,
Notwithstanding the very eminent instance I lately experienced of your
patronage and favor, I am still induced to hope your Lordship will
extend that indulgence in admitting to the benefit of Portsmouth
Academy, on the late foundations for officers' sons, a nephew of mine,
who has already, though but 12 years of age, been actually at sea four
years, on board several of His Majesty's ships.
My elder brother, who has been a Lieutenant in the Navy twenty four
years, and was, I am credibly informed, the senior officer of that rank,
in the memorable attack of the 14th. of Feb. 1797, though subordinately
placed in a flag ship; obtained the honor of being actively present on
that glorious day; and has now to bring forward a family of four sons
with a very circumscribed income.
The oldest, the subject of my present application, is gone with his
father for a few months to France, to perfect his knowledge of the
French tongue; and as he promised one day to do credit to the honorable
profession for which he is destined, I am flattered, through your
Lordship's means to see him advantageously placed in a seminary which
has already produced so many distinguished officers.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordships very obedient Humble Servant F.G.Bond
To the Earl of St. Vincent K.B.
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