A letter from British Royal Navy Officer Philip Frowd, who served with the Channel Fleet aboard the HMS Boadicea. Falmouth, December, 1799. Four conjoined 4vo sides, two with correspondence plus an integral address leaf. No postal markings.

The letter, written to Lieutenant Taylor of Halifax (Nova Scotia), recounts Frowd's expedition to Quiberon Bay under Captain Richard Goodwin Keats's command, aiming to provide ammunition and funds to the French Royalists in Vendée. The letter also makes reference to Lords St. Vincent and Spencer, as well as Pellew.

The letter's contents pertain to the third British mission to provide weaponry and support to the Royalist Vendée movement, which sought to subdue an anti-peasant insurrection via the port of Quiberon. This campaign was the third such endeavour (1759, 1795, 1815, and 1832), with the most noteworthy being the Seven Years' War campaign of 1759 led by Lord Hawke, which ended in a British victory.

Philip Frowd, the letter's author, was an officer in the British Royal Navy. It is possible that he is the same individual recorded as having expired and been interred at Port Royal, Jamaica, in 1804. Furthermore, there exists a possibility that he is related to Sir Philip Frowd, a slave trader and member of the New Royal African Company at the conclusion of the 17th century.

"LIEUT. TAYLOR / HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP CLEOPATRA / HALIFAX / NOVA SCOTIA
Falmouth December 30th 1799

Dear Sir
I arrived in the Lynx after a very disagreeable Passage of only 18 days. I could not Pass my examination until this month. I was then discharged with L'Impetueux that as she is in the fleet. I requested to get on board a ship in a more active situation [and] was accord[ing]ly discharged into the Boadicea [with] Capt. Keats.

We have been employed at Quiberon Bay landing money and ammunition to the Royalists who are at the Present very strong in the Vendée. There is now a large Squadron of Frigates, those ships [are] fitting out for that Service. But Sir Edwd I hear is to be kept with the grand fleet, which Lord St. Vincent is expected every day to take the Command.

I was fortunate in meeting with Mr Pellew in Town, who took me to Mrs Braithwait[e]s. She and her family are all well and desires to be remembered to your self and her hopeful Son, who she wishes if she can spare time from Duty to write when ever an opportunity occurs. I am Sorry to Say that Lord Spencer is become extremely slow in making out Commissions but hope that the frequent applications of my friends will soon prevail.

Mr Pellew said all the family are well and desires their remembrances to the Capt. & your self. It is the General opinion at home that a Peace must soon take Place. Indeed, 'tis impossible they can hold out much loner. You may expect by every Packet to hear of Louis the 18th being on the throne of France.

I am Dear Sir wishing to be respectfully remembered to my late Capt. & officer & your obliged & humble Service,
Philip Frowd."

Condition Report

Torn hole to one page

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