Royal Navy interest. Richard Hey (1745-1835) English academic, essayist and writer against gambling. Four autograph letters signed, six pages, April 1803, Camfield Place, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, three to Frederick Booth Esq, London (prominent naval solicitor) and one intended to be forwarded to the Honourable George Villiers.

The letters concern a complaint about not being appointed as Judge Advocate of the Fleet, with increasing concern regarding Royal Marines paymaster George Villiers' decision to put forward a man of Royal Marines background and a delay in making the appointment. Hey also expresses concerns about the rumoured potential resignation of First Lord of the Admiralty John Jervis, 1st Earl of St. Vincent, who had become unpopular due to his investigations into corruption. The letters state that his resignation would complicate matters if the Judge Advocate post had not already been filled and further reference some secrecy being impressed upon Hey about this position.

Excerpts include, (2nd April) 'If it be understood that Mr Geo. Vs has solicited the Appointment in question for Capt. K in preference to myself, this I decidedly think to be a mistake. Whether, after finding that I co' not be brought forward because not a naval or military man (or at least understanding so), he may have ment'd Capt. K., is a difference thing. But even this I much doubt. And, if the disposal of the appointment rests with Mr G.V. without restrictions, I only beg liberty to explain the affair to him; after which I flatter myself I may be confident to success .... I find it to be the opinion of some, that any person in the Marines is, of all person, the most improper for the office in question with respect to Courts Martial in the Marines: but, of this, we must least L' St. V. to form his own judgement.'

(12th April) 'It gives me great pleasure that Sir E__ N_ (Evan Nepean?) has conversed with Mr G.V on the subject you mention, as I rest assured that he would not find I had over-rated the kindness of Mr G.V's intention toward myself. After my bro'r Browne told me that you had showed him the note you wrote me on Saturday, I judged myself released (with regard to him) from the secrecy you laid upon me.... and an idea was started, that, if Ld St. V is really likely to quit, it seems on that account particularly desirable to endeavour to secure the object before such change takes place: lest afterwards it sho'd be removed entirely out of reach. If you sh'd be opinion that the necessity of my secrecy with Mr G.V. is now done away, I should be thankful to tell me so; as his kindness to me calls for every return of openness on my part, consistent with my honour to other parties.'

Notes: Richard Hey was a fellow of Magdalene College, received an M.A. and LLD from Sidney College Sussex and was called to the bar but ultimately retired without practice. His notable publications include 'Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty and Principles of Government' in 1796, his chief work 'Dissertation on the Pernicious Effects of Gaming' in 1783, 'Dissertation on Duelling' in 1784 and 'Dissertation on Suicide' in 1785. He married Martha Browne of Camfield Place in 1796. Despite his obvious interest, he does not appear to have been recruited as a Judge Advocate for the Admiralty.