Off to London to see the Queen

Fabulous 1845 OHMS entire (3 pages) for anyone with an interest in naval (postal) history.

From a young Cornish Lieutenant, Samuel Otway Wooldridge in JERSEY, to Captain Richard Dundas, later First Sea Lord, at true Admiralty in London.

Wooldridge is about to be recommissioned for a second stint in command of HMS Spy and is asking Dundas to put a word in with Haddington, Lord of the Admiralty, to organise an audience with the Queen at the forthcoming ‘levee’ in London. He has been left out of pocket from his first stint at the helm and is hoping he won’t have to shed out a lot more dosh second time around. Fascinating insights into the finances and mechanics of naval appointments, patronage etc.

Wooldridge had already distinguished himself as a young officer in the West Indies when helping to capture a Portuguese slave ship. During his second stint as commander of HMS Sky in 1845 he performed a life saving rescue in Sheerness, diving into the sea fully clothed to rescue a drowning sailor and was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal.

Transcript

St Helier, Jersey

March 7th 1845

Sir,

Being desirous of attending Her Majesty’s Levee on the 12th inst., if not against rule may I request the favour of being presented by Lord Haddington. As I cannot be in Town in time on Monday would you kindly permit my agent to receive the cards that he may lodge one at the Lord Chamberlain’s Office.

As H.M.S. Spy is likely to be brought forward for commission, I trust you will pardon my stating that I paid her off in August last, having commanded her only six months by Admiralty appointment.

The great expense of my fitting her out, and her being so soon paid off after my joining, has caused me to be nearly £200 out of pocket, on the prices which are now being advertised in my name, which I am sorry to say belong to my predecessor, and will I trust have its weight with Lord Haddington in considering me for recommissioning her.

Trusting you will accept my apologies for troubling you.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

W. T. Wooldridge

Lieut. R.N.

Captain the Honble

R. S. Dundas C.B.

&c &c

I am writing from Jersey but shall be at my agent’s on Monday,

Geo. Folkard Esq.

3 Lyons Inn

Strand

London