MARRIAGE

In June 1809 James Hall married Mary Anne Miller. She was the sister of Lieutenant John Francis Miller, James' Commanding Officer in Pegase. The following extracts from his Diaries give one a brief description of his courtship and evidence of his linguistic abilities.

April 1st

Oggi o bacciato una bellissima signora, e con questo atto, fatto all improviso il mio futuro e stabilito. Dio accordami la tua benedizione.

[Today I kissed a very lovely girl. My fate is settled by this act, done on the spur of the moment. O God give me your blessing.]

April 12th

Amo & Sono Amato!

[I love and am loved.]

May 30th

Oggi o compiuto tutte le cose che sono assolutamente necessario per la mia felicita!

[Today I finished all the arrangements which are absolutely necessary for my happiness.]

June 5th Oggi sono maritato alla mia carissima Maria!

[Today I married my darling Mary.]

[Editors note: The June 5th date of the wedding is given in Sea Saga, and therefore originally came from James' diaries, which are no longer available. The Parish records give a date of 30th May. This difference of 7 days would not be significant, if it were not for the next event to be described.]

DEATH OF JOHN FRANCIS MILLER

Very shortly after the wedding of James and Mary Ann, the Captain's Log of Pegase contained the following entry for Friday 9th June:

'AM fresh breezes and squally, at 10, Lieut F Miller, Commander departed this life.'

An extract from the next edition of the Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle elaborated on this tragic event. Its report was as follows: 'Died suddenly, Lt Miller of the Pegase, prison ship, in consequence of a blow in the breast, which he had received a few days before from the boom of his boat when upset in this harbour. He was an affectionate husband, a sincere friend, good officer and much regretted by his family and the officers and ships company.'

As will be seen from the dates given above, if the wedding was held on the 5th June, John Francis' accident would have occurred on the day after the wedding or perhaps even on the wedding day itself.

Return to QUICK START - [PAGE100]