Letter from Richard Jeffreys, 1841
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The original document can be found at Trent University Archives, Bata Library, Peterborough, Ont., K9J 7B8 as an appendix to the "Autobiographical Sketch" of Capt. Charles Rubidge. This is from a typewritten copy of the original. -Jeff Rubidge
LETTER FROM RICHARD JEFFREYS,
Lieut, Marine Artillery, on board Lord Gamier's ship
EXETER, June 17, 1841.
My Dear Rubidge:
So much for my own concerns; and now the the 'leading article' of your letter. In truth, I do think you have strong, aye, most strong, claims upon the Admiralty for your past services. Well do I remember the days of our servitude together at 'Basque Roads,' and fearlessly assert that for your skillful and gallant exertions in judiciously placing the 'Aetna' in the situation you did, (for with due respect to the gallantry of poor old Godfrey, who seemed to have delegated the chief management of the ship to you,) -- I do think you were entitled to the greatest praise. And I recollect Lord Cochrane's observations upon coming on board while we were throwing our shells, 'that the Aetna was placed in a capital position,' and he, I think, was no mean authority -- he was also pleased to express himself in terms of approbation at the manner in which the Old Bomb did her duty. The very circumstance of your being wounded in the leg surely ought in justice to entitle you to the small boon you crave, that of being an out pensioner of Greenwich. But these are sad stingy times, and by-gone services are too often shamefully neglected.
I am delighted to hear so good an account of yourself and family. May God ever bless you and then them with all possible prosperity is the wish of yours most sincerely,
RICHARD JEFFREYS.