DUCKWORTH

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 1801Sir !Notwithstanding the neglect with which you havetreated me for these last 8 months in never writing the con-fidence I have in your honor and integrity has induced menot to be precipitate in removing my business into other Hand,therefore I send you two Seconds on the Victualling Board, onefor £1200 : 0s: 0d the other for £400. 0s: 0d:also another on the Commissioners ofthe Navy for 553: 15: 3: amountingto £2406: 01s: 00d Sterling which youwill lay out as before directedsending the proper Documents to Mrs.Wallis, but shouldyou continue Obdurate in not regular communicationwith me, and giving me Statements of my Receipts andDisbursements, I shall appoint another Agent as abovealluded too. I am Sir !Your Very humble ServantJ.T. Duckworth