A significant collection of correspondence and autograph letters signed by Captain John Brand Umfreville, spanning from 1799 to 1820. These letters, primarily addressed to his sister Margaret and occasionally her husband, Reverend Robert Greenwood, offer a personal perspective on the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. Additional letters from notable figures such as the 2nd Duke of Northumberland and Sir George Keith Elphinstone further enhance the collection.
Umfreville’s Letters from Various Ships:
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HMS Impétueux (formerly the French ship America)
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Torbay, September 22, 1799
Umfreville reflects on a letter from the Duke of Northumberland, describing it as “so fine a letter, full of advice,” which he sent to his mother. He recounts the fleet's salute on the anniversary of King George III's accession and discusses the rumours of a French Admiral preparing to engage. Despite their superior numbers, Umfreville confidently writes, “Hearts of bark are our ships and jolly mates are we, although they may be a superior force to us, we will take them instead of them taking us.”
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Torbay, 1799 (likely September)
Addressing his sister's fears, he mentions, “I should not like to be in a French two-decker when she came alongside of us, for I believe we should soon make her sheet off, as we have as heavy a broadside as the Royal George does.”
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HMS Tonnant
- Cawsand Bay, September 21, 1803
Writing after a four-month cruise off the coast of Spain, Umfreville reports the capture of four prizes, including an East Indiaman. He humorously adds, “Buonaparte is not so fond of smelling English powder and shot as many people suppose, for I think he would sooner be contented eating apple pies in his own drawing room than face us English on their own ground.”
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HM Brig Childers
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New Providence, May 26, 1814
Now in command of Childers, Umfreville writes of his hopes for capturing American vessels: “I am in great hopes of taking some prisoner particularly as the Americans have taken off the embargo... They soon began to feel the effects of their waging war.”
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March 3, 1815
Reporting on the aftermath of the failed expedition to New Orleans, he writes, “we had 1,946 men killed and wounded, a great loss... They have gone to attack Mobile, which I hope will fall before they can hear of [President] Madison ratifying the treaty.”
Other vessels mentioned include HMS Frisgard (Plymouth Sound, 1802) and HMS Ethalion (1812-1813), with references to convoys and the Russian fleet.
Additional Correspondence: The collection features other letters of military interest, including an ALS from Rear-Admiral Peter Rainier to Sir George Keith Elphinstone, dated 24 October 1796. Rainier discusses the complex relations between the King and the East India Company, expressing confidence in Elphinstone’s ability to prevent “confusion or injustice to the officers & seamen" regarding the question of the huge booty taken by Rainier's squadron at the capture of Amboyna and Banda Neira earlier in the year. Also included are ALS from the 2nd Duke of Northumberland, dated 17 December 1798, commenting on Umfreville's promising start in the navy.
Historical Notes: The 2nd Duke of Northumberland took a personal interest in Umfreville’s career, sponsoring his entry into the Navy at age 14. Umfreville rose to the rank of Captain, serving under Lord Exmouth and commanding HMS Childers from 1813 to 1815. He took part in the attack on Fort Bowyer in 1814. Following his naval service, he became a Freeman of Newcastle in 1815. He died at age 36 and was buried in Hexham, in the tomb of the Umfrevilles, Earls of Angus.
This collection offers a rich insight into Umfreville’s naval career and personal life, set against the backdrop of significant historical events.
