LINK FROM PAGE1900 - FIND "remarkable letter"

HMS JASON

[32-gun Frigate]

1813

In February 1813 James was appointed to H.M.S. Jason. The ship, which was commanded by Captain Hon.James King [PAGE1610], was based at The Downs and operated during the final year of the Napoleonic War in the North Sea between England and Holland. After the Allies had entered Paris in March 1814 Jason was used as a dispatch vessel to carry important visitors across the Channel.

1814

HELVOET SLUYS TO SHEERNESS - DUCHESS OF OLDENBERG, DAUGHTER OF TSAR

March 28th

The weather proving very fair and wind easterly, Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, the Prince Alexander her son, 3½ years old - Princess Wolkonsky, Madame Aledinsky, Maids of Honour - Prince Gagarine, and Colonel Alsineff, Chamberlains of the Court - a Governess, and Nurse - the Misses Ivanowa Vetter - Kreger - and Holubeff, ladies of the Bed Chamber - Dr. Bach, and a numerous retinue came on board at 2 o'clock; the remainder of the Suite and Luggage being embarked on board a Transport, we hoisted a Russian Flag at the Fore, Union Jack at the Main, and Dutch at the Mizen, Batteries and Ships saluting, and yards manned - H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence [PAGE1620] attended Her Imperial Highness, the barge being steered by the 3rd Lieutenant. We got under weigh and soon crossed the Bar, but touched the ground twice. A Packet passed us; all the passengers cheered us.

[The party took up a great deal of room on board. The Duke of Clarence gave up his cabin to the visitors, and slept in the Gun-Room, for "the honour of the country" as he put it.]

March 29th

At 4 o'clock, the illustrious Visitors and suite quitted the Ship and landed at the Dockyard, every testimony of joy being exhibited by double Royal Salutes - Manning Yards - Cheering &c. When the Grand Duchess came on board we were all much struck by her elegant gait. She was dressed in black velvet, a long lace veil, and high hat and feathers la mode par gaise - She has rather a flat face, and nose, with large mouth and lips; her eyes are large and blue. Her pronunciation is clear and sweet - Her manners &c. are entirely like a Princess which more than compensates for any deficiency of beauty. She speaks and writes correctly the English, Italian, Russian, German and French languages. She is about 25 years of age. At the Treaty of Tilsit, Bonaparte requested her in marriage of the Emperor Alexander, but she refused and gave her hand to the Duke of Oldenburg - Her affability and elegant manners captivated all our hearts. The Duke of Clarence paid most assiduous attention to the Grand Duchess, who received his polite attention with a pleasing, but proper reservedness. I have no doubt but he wishes to pay his addresses to her, but should she receive his future attentions in no warmer a manner than those I witnessed, the Duke will make but little progress in her affections. The two Ladies of Honour were very plain.

[The Duke of Oldenburg had died during the Retreat from Moscow.]

His young widow every 2nd day is attacked with nervous paroxysms, and remaining insensible for several minutes.

She never allows the sound of Music to reach her ear - I conceive it is owing to this, her melancholy, that she travels in order to dissipate, if possible, the sorrow to which she is a prey.

March 31st

At 7 o'clock this morning the Grand Duchess and suite, attended by the Russian Ambassador and his Lady and the Prince Regent's Aide-de-Camp, who arrived yesterday from London, left Sheerness and proceeded to London, forming a numerous cavalcade including 60 horses. Previous to the Grand Duchess leaving the Commissioners, she sent Her Chamberlain a most gracious request to Captain King, begging him to accept for himself and six Gun Room Officers a Ring each; £260 for the Petty Officers and Seamen; and to everyone of the Sailor's wives a very rich brooch was sent - the Captain's is of an oval form, contains a purple enamel on which is formed by small diamonds the letter E, the initial of her name, Ekaterina - above that a small Imperial Crown, and the whole circumference of the ring quickly beset by large diamonds. My ring is of a large size, contains a very fine Amethyst with three rows of small diamonds - and very handsome.

HELVOET SLUYS TO THE NORE- QUEEN OF WURTTEMBERG

April 10th

At last the long expected order has arrived - we are to proceed to Helvoet Sluys to convey to England the Queen of Wurttemberg.

April 20th

The Ship's company last week were paid Prize Money, and this week, their wages - to-day at noon we got under weigh from the Little Nore - every requisite interval preparation has been made to honour the Union: the Mouldings of the men's berths, the Trucks of the masts and figurehead have been gilded - as well as various other things - the orders of His Royal Highness the Admiral of the Fleet, are, that the Captain and Officers wear full dress, with gold laced hats, white sword belts, gold tassels and lace to the Half-Boots, &c, &c.

[From study of the Captain's Log it would appear that this journey did not take place.]

DOVER TO CALAIS - ESCORT TO LOUIS XVIII

April 22nd

Yesterday evening we arrived in the Downs and found the Duke of Clarence's flag flying on board the Colossus. At daylight we hoisted the Union. At eleven o'clock all the Men-of-War manned yards, and the Duke came on board accompanied by Captain the Hon. Henry Blackwood, Captain of the Fleet, Lord Fitzroy - Captain in the Royal Navy and Equerry to the Admiral of the Fleet, and 2 Secretaries. All the Men-of-War fired a salute of seventeen Guns - the Royal Sovereign, Yacht, accompanied us, and has now gone on to Dover.

April 24th

Yesterday morning we got under way and anchored with our Squadron in these Roads [i.e. the anchorage off Dover]. Repeated salutes were fired yesterday; in the afternoon the Prince Regent arrived in the Town, preceded by the Lords of the Admiralty and Cabinet Ministers - the Admiralty flag was hoisted on board the Yacht. All the Captains and Commanders were presented to the Prince, and had the honour of kissing his hand. Admiral Crown kissed his hand as a British Subject. A short time after the Princes arrived, the French King entered, and immediately went on board the Yacht with his family; the scene was very grand and affecting; every military pomp possible was put into practice. In the evening the town was illuminated. A very large party dined on board the Yacht; the Prince Regent expressed to my worthy Captain King, his pleasure at being introduced to him. The Admiral of the Fleet and Captains left the shore at 11 o'clock at night, but did not reach the ship till 5 this morning; immediately after breakfast he (Duke of Clarence.) went ashore to take leave of the Prince Regent - he returned at 11 o'clock, wearing beside the Orders of the Garter and Thistle, the Order and riband of St. Esprit, with which Louis XVIII had just invested him.

As soon as the Royal Sovereign, Yacht, cleared Dover Pier, the Admiralty Flag was struck and the French Royal Standard hoisted - to each of which movements a Royal Salute was fired. We being under our courses - all the Ships did the same as well as the Batteries; the Yacht with Louis XVIII went ahead, accompanied by us, and the Squadron followed in two lines - Several of the Cabinet Ministers accompanied the Squadron in a Yacht; after a passage of two hours and minutes, we approached to within 2½ miles of Calais. All the Heights were crowded with people, flags of different nations were flying in all parts of the town. We now shortened sail, manned the rigging, passed under the Yacht's stern and gave the French King twice three cheers; this was immediately followed by a Royal Salute from all the Squadron - each ship shortening sail and bearing in succession astern of us - the Yacht manned their rigging and returned our cheers. We then reefed top sails for signal - made sail towards the Downs. His Royal Highness immediately took the White Cockade from his hat and threw it on the deck-exclaiming "Damn and blast the French. I have done my duty in bringing over your King - now you may all go to Hell." We all instantly threw down our cockades - the Duke then ordered the following to be telegraphed to the Squadron "Annul white cockades" the signal for the Newcastle, frigate, to proceed to Portsmouth was then made - we soon witnessed the salutes of all the French batteries at Calais and along the Coast immediately followed by the roaring of the Cannon at Dover and other places. The Duke has invited all the officers of the Gun Room to Dinner.

Thus has ended one of the most grand performances ever recorded. France, the eternal rival of England, sees her King, her lawful Sovereign, cherished for many years, and finally brought triumphant over to his country, by a people whose maritime greatness, they have long in vain assailed; this day perfects the glory of the British name, and completes the glory of the British Navy - His Royal Highness did me the honour to promise me this morning a letter of recommendation to the Emperor of Russia. During dinner His Royal Highness, invited me alone to join him in a Bumper of Champagne to the health of the Emperor of Russia.

April 29th

H.R.H. has sent the names of many officers whom he has recommended for Promotion to the Admiralty. H.R.H.'s manners are gentlemanly - his countenance dignified and open. His temper mild, but sometimes hurried away by the rapidity of his thoughts - he is extremely active, takes much exercise, and but little sleep; eats heartily, for the most part plain dishes, and drinks freely, but not immoderately.

May 26th

What few French families I have had the opportunity of conversing with convince me more than enough that Napoleon is still Emperor in their hearts; they secretly purchase and conceal engravings and any pictures of him, although these things are prohibited; they believe that Bonaparte saved France from the dangers that accompanied and followed the Revolution. They say that he deserved well of the French, who can only blame him for having been too ambitious. On many occasions the Military have exclaimed - 'Vive l'Empereur,' and I have been assured by Captain King that a day or two ago, when the Duke of Clarence was leaving the shore and the guard was drawn up, the French officers desired the men to cry 'Vive le Duc de Clarence,' they all refused, and the officers alone were heard. 'Vive l'Empereur' was heard from the men.

BOULOGNE TO DOVER - FIELD MARSHALL BLÜCHER

June 6th

The renowned Warrior Field-Marshal Blücher, just created by His Sovereign, Prince of Wolstad, accompanied by his veteran companions the Generals Yorck and Bülow, with their staff, and the English Major-General Low, embarked on board this ship, to the great joy of every soul on board. The hardy Veteran and his companions were received with every honour that it was in the power of the Service to afford. With joyful pride every officer, and seaman took off his hat and gave the illustrious Chieftain three loud and very hearty cheers - the Band immediately struck up, See the Conquering Hero Comes the Hero was dressed in the full uniform of a Marshal - A Blue coat faced with red - a red collar embroidered in gold, silver Aiguillettes on the right shoulder, white silver lace sash, white pantaloons, boots and spurs, a cocked-hat with large white feathers - Over his left shoulder, but under his coat, he wore a broad orange coloured riband - on his coat he had 8 stars of various sizes, placed in two perpendicular rows over the left breast, round his neck were suspended several crosses; these were the different illustrious orders of Knighthood which he had received from his Master the King of Prussia, the Emperors of Russia and Austria, and King of Sweden, &c as rewards for the many glorious and bloody battles which his unrivalled genius and bravery had gained in the late memorable campaign, which have so happily terminated in the destruction of the most unbounded ambition and gigantic power that ever threatened the repose of the whole earth.

On the loins of our Hero Blücher was suspended a sword worth 3,000 guineas, the hilt being studded with diamonds, given him by His Majesty the King of Prussia after the battle Birenne, which name is engraved on the sword - Generals Yorck and Bülow were each veteran-like men in their appearance, and their Aide-de-Camps were fine looking soldiers; every one had several stars or crosses - tokens of their well known bravery. Blücher is about 5 feet 9 in height - stoops, and although not stout, he appears to have been a bulky, but strong man - he has the appearance of a man whose bodily powers have felt the effects of fatigue - his countenance is extremely heroic, and when he fixes his eyes his look is full of fire and penetration - his voice is firm and warlike - his temper apparently mild - his locks are few in number, and grey - his dark moustaches are long and curl downwards; these he is in the habit of twisting, when leading his men into Battle, or engaged in anything which excites his ardour.

I had the great honour of taking the Vice-President's chair at dinner, and dining with the noble soldier; the first toast was given by the Captain; the King of Prussia, with three times three - next the King of England was given by Blücher with loud and repeated Hurrahs - then Admiral of the Fleet the Duke of Clarence, by the Captain, with cheers. Captain K. then resigned his chair to General Low when the hardy Chief Blücher gave a bumper with nine cheers, to Captain King. At 6 o'clock the fleet anchored in Dover Roads, when the Allied Sovereign and illustrious Warriors disembarked with a repetition of the ceremonies which had taken place at noon.

DOVER TO CALAIS - COUNT PLATOFF, COSSACK CHIEFTAIN

June 24th

We have been waiting several days for Count Platoff, who arrived at Dover this afternoon, and embarked on board this ship under a Salute of 17 Guns. He is accompanied by 3 English females, ladies of pleasure, one of whom is named Davis; she has so far won this Cossack Chieftain's affections, that she expects that he will marry her, and make her Princess of the Don. She has a fine appearance and majestic walk, but is rather stout, and not a beauty - the Count is dressed in a frock coat of a blue colour, a red collar and cuffs, a leather cap with a feather at the back part, boots and gold spurs; he is of middling stature, round face and ruddy complexion, and without whiskers or hair upon the lip. He appears about 60 years old, and has a constitution apparently hardy. He takes much raw liquor, and for breakfast prefers a mixture of eggs and rum to tea or coffee.

July 25th

This forenoon at 10 o'clock we anchored off Calais, when the renowned Cossack and his female friends left us. I found the Count very affable; he wears three stars on his breast, three orders suspended to his neck; on his left breast, attached by a blue ribbon, is worn a miniature of H.R.H. the Prince Regent, surrounded by diamonds and exactly like the one worn by Prince Blücher. When Count Platoff learnt that I spoke the Russian language and had been in the Imperial Service, he desired an interview - As he found me agreeable to go to the Don, he made me an offer of one thousand roubles a year, a house, horses, carriages, servants &c. if I would be his Chief Surgeon of the Cossack forces and his private Surgeon; I was not to be under the command of anyone but himself. He also assured me of obtaining for me a good private practice; and on my accepting the conditions, and telling him that I would go to Russia next year, and that I should consider him to be my future Master, he took hold of my hand and said he would perform all he had promised me, and desired me on my arrival at Petersburg to write to him when he would send a Cossack to conduct me to the Don. Thus happened in the most, fortuitous way an event which may most seriously affect my future affairs.

WORTHING TO CUXHAVEN - CAROLINE, PRINCESS OF WALES

August 5th

Today we received orders to proceed to Worthing and receive the commands of Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales whom we are to convey, to the opposite coast, or wherever she may please.

The Princess of Wales' desire to leave England was largely caused by the complete breakdown of her marriage and the disrespectful manner with which she was treated by other members of the Royal family. She had not been able to visit her family in Brunswick for many years because of the war and no doubt felt she would have a more enjoyable time in their company.

At about the same time as he received these instructions Captain King received, while eating his breakfast with James Hall, a remarkable letter. This letter came from the Duke of Clarence.

The surviving diaries of James Hall do not mention this letter and it was over eighty five years before Herbert King-Hall, one of James' grandsons discovered a reference to it in a reprint of a rare book entitled 'Secret History of the Court of England. During the reigns of George III and George IV', which had first been published in 1832. It was then a further ninety years before the editor of this website, one of James' great great grandsons discovered the connection between this letter and two well known events in history, the imprisonment of Napoleon on the island of St Helena and the trial and divorce of Queen Caroline in 1820. The contents of the Duke of Clarence's letter can be found in [PAGE 1640].

However if the reader is strong minded and would like to learn what happened in chronological order he should continue to read these dairies where he will find further developments of this story in the section covering James' visit to St Helena in HMS Favorite [PAGE1800] and finally the section entitled James Hall and Queen Caroline in 1820 [PAGE1900].

August 9th

Embarkation of the Princess. of Wales. For the last few days the wind has blown strong from the N.W. and occasioned much swell; we therefore did not expect that the Princess would embark at this place; at least we didn't imagine that we should see her to-day. This afternoon she insisted on embarking and sent her carriage and luggage before. At 6 o'clock or rather later, she quitted the shore of Old England and stepped into the Barge, which was steered by a Lieutenant. The ship manned yards and hoisted the Royal Standard as soon as the Princess came on the deck. She was accompanied by her two Chamberlains Sir W. Gell and Mr. St. Leger - Physician, Dr. Holland - Ladies, E. Forbes and A. Lindsay, Steward, Sicard, some Pages, Maids of the Bed Chamber and Footmen. Whether from the emotions caused by her quitting England, or that the swell of the sea had caused some sea-sickness, I cannot decidedly say, but no sooner had the Princess entered on the Deck, than she fainted; she afterwards was evidently seasick and so were her females. We did not salute nor cheer the Princess in consequence of her indisposition. Her appearance greatly disappointed the whole of us who had not before seen her. We got under way with a fair wind and proceeded with all sail towards our destined Port.

By desire of Her Royal Highness there was a Ball in the afternoon and dancing continued till a late hour; the Princess did not dance more than a few figures. On passing Dover Castle and the Downs we hoisted the Standard which was saluted by the Forts and Ships - We have a fair wind, and so little motion has the ship had that the Princess has daily dined on deck. She is in very good spirits and appears in good health. Her person will not bear description. It is sufficient to say that of all the women I have ever seen she the most ill-shapen. Her dress is indecent and little adapted to conceal her defects of beauty. She appears to be of an indolent and voluptuous disposition - all the day she reclines in a large easy chair with her Chamberlain, Sir W. Gell, by her side. Her dress is rich and she seems fond of wearing feathers in her headdress. She is much pleased with this Ship, and greatly enjoys the festivities of the crew. She has with her a boy about 10 years old; his name is Austen and is the same concerning whom so much has been said. She has also a girl about 15, delicately made; her maiden name is Kent; They have both been adopted since infancy by the Princess; they consider and call her Mother, and as her own children does she treat them; neither of these resemble the Princess in their features.

August 14th

To-day being Sunday, Divine Service was performed on the Quarterdeck by Captain King. I officiated as Clerk - Her Royal Highness and all her suite attended. She paid great attention to the service, and was so far affected that a tear was observed to fall from her eyes. She expressed her approbation to Captain K. and said that should she become Queen of England she would present him with a Bishopric. We came to anchor to-day at the mouth of the River Elbe.

August 15th

This morning early we got under way and at 6 o'clock came to an anchor about half a mile from the town of Cuxhaven - At 11 o'clock schuyts came alongside and received the luggage &c. and Her Royal Highness and friends embarked on board a Government Schooner belonging to the Master Attendant of Heligoland, and sailed up the River; they will land at Hamburg this evening, and to-morrow night will arrive at Brunswick. The yards were manned, band played God Save the King and all the officers in full dress received Her Royal Highness on the moment of her departure. She curtsied to us and was handed down the ship's side by the Captain who kissed her hand on bidding her Adieu. All hands then gave nine cheers, also exclaiming 'Long live the Princess of Wales' -this was followed by a Royal Salute. Her Royal Highness waved her hands repeatedly to us, and all her party cheered us in return - The Royal Standard was lowered, and we now only await a fair wind. Her Royal Highness is about five feet 3 inches in height, her features masculine - her eyes small, her countenance is cheerful - she has small feet, but her legs and body are of great size - Her accent is bad, inclining to the German. Her temper appears to be cheerful. She has declared to her friends that she had received so much pleasure from this voyage and has been so very happy in this ship, that she regrets leaving us. She has requested Captain K. will accept a piece of plate; to the crew she has left one hundred pounds, and to the band she has given thirty - On the whole this voyage has been very agreeable to all parties. Every day, excepting on Sunday, has there been dancing and singing - the Band has played at intervals the whole of each day.

August 22nd

Today we came to anchor in the Downs - and eagerly wait the arrival of fresh orders.

BRIGHTON

August 23rd

To-day this ship, denominated by the Public the vehicle of and favourite ship of Royalty, was visited by the Earl and Countess of Elgin &c.- we are now getting ready to proceed to Brighton to attend upon the Prince Regent.

August 27th

This day at noon we anchored off the town of Brighton, at the distance of 4 miles - a Royal Salute was fired - Lord Yarmouth soon came off, and Capt. R. Off Brighton, went ashore with and waited on the Prince Regent, who is at the Pavilion with the Duke of Clarence and a few friends - So soon as it was known among the visitors and inhabitants of this town that it was the notorious Jason that had arrived, numbers of well dressed ladies and gentlemen came on board. Two sloops of War are here.

August 28th

Weather is very fine - during this day the ship has been crowded with visitors of all ranks; it is supposed that at least 500 strangers have been on board, every boat belonging to Brighton has been in requisition. Amongst the visitors were the Duchess of Leeds and daughters, Sir Godfrey and Lady Webster, Lady Cranborne and many families of distinction. Today I had an interview with Count Levin - and also with the Duke of Clarence; to each I made known my future projects and received assurances of their patronage. The Prince Regent keeps himself very retired to the great mortification of the inhabitants of this place. Brighton is a very good town with respect to the view it affords of the Sea, above the surface of which it is considerably elevated. The town has many fine and good houses - and contains 10,000 inhabitants; in a full season it is supposed to receive at least 15,000 visitors - three furnished rooms cost at an average 4 guineas to 6 guineas per week. The country for a few miles inland is very naked of trees and affords no scenery till you arrive at the top of a range of hills where there is a broad and deep dyke, the remains of a Roman encampment; there the Valleys on the other side of these hills afford a very sudden and delightful prospect, it appears like the effect of enchantment.

August 30th

Yesterday at noon the Prince Regent and Duke of Clarence left this place on their return to London. The ship has been crowded from eleven in the forenoon till sunset with visitors of all descriptions. The Band has played and several of the ladies whom we had promised, danced on the quarterdeck. To-day at noon we got under way to return to the Downs, to the great regret of all the ladies of Brighton. Many boats filed with very fine women were alongside the ship at the time of our departure, and lamented their misfortune in having been too late to visit this favourite ship. With some difficulty the ship was cleared of those parties who were on board, as they suspected we were not going to sail. To myself; my brother officers and crew this has been a very pleasant duty, that of attending at Brighton. Lord Yarmouth gave a dinner to the crew of the barge, about 11 men in number; they dined at an Hotel in great style and at midnight their insensible bodies were carried in carriages and deposited in their boat.

November 12th

Yesterday my late ship the Jason, the once favourite ship of Royalty, was put Out of Commission. In the evening the officers gave a farewell dinner to their late worthy Captain King, my most generous and very sincere friend. I addressed him in the name of myself and brother officers, after the health of the Duke of Clarence, thanking him for his polite conduct towards us &c when all drank a Bumper for his health and happiness.

James spent the year of 1815 at Frankfurt, but he has left no record of why he was there.