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George Anson letters, 1789-1795

26 items

This collection is made up of 26 letters (59 pages) from George Anson to William Lee, while the men served in the British Army between 1789 and 1795. Anson largely wrote while serving as an officer in the 16th Light Dragoons and 20th Jamaica Light Dragoons. He wrote primarily from Shugborough in Staffordshire, England, and Spanish Town, Jamaica (1792-1794). His letters pertain to recruiting for dragoon regiments, the dangerous climate of Jamaica, the jarring death of a friend from fever, horses in military service, promotions, jocular banter, and the movement of troops to Santo Domingo as part of British involvement in the Haitian Revolution. He wrote candidly and crudely about sexual activity, London prostitution and brothels, prostitution at Spanish Town, Black women in Jamaica, and the sexual and alcohol-related exploits of his recipient and friends also serving in dragoon regiments. Two letters reference Elizabeth Weldon and Viscount Dungarvan in early 1791.

This collection is made up of 26 letters (59 pages) from George Anson to William Lee, while the men served in the British Army between 1789 and 1795. Anson largely wrote while serving as an officer in the 16th Light Dragoons and 20th Jamaica Light Dragoons. He wrote primarily from Shugborough in Staffordshire, England, and Spanish Town, Jamaica (1792-1794). His letters pertain to recruiting for dragoon regiments, the dangerous climate of Jamaica, the jarring death of a friend from fever, horses in military service, promotions, jocular banter, and the movement of troops to Santo Domingo as part of British involvement in the Haitian Revolution. He wrote candidly and crudely about sexual activity, London prostitution and brothels, prostitution at Spanish Town, Black women in Jamaica, and the sexual and alcohol-related exploits of his recipient and friends also serving in dragoon regiments. Two letters reference Elizabeth Weldon and Viscount Dungarvan in early 1791.

Please see the box and folder listing for descriptions and details about each letter in the collection.

Container

1789 November 3 . G[eorge] Anson ALS to [William] Lee; Shugborough, [Staffordshire, England].

2 pages

Box 69, Small Collections, Folders 5-10
Anson's brother [Thomas Anson] is in the upcoming election. Hopes William Lee takes care of the Duke's hounds seriously and that they will be found in good order. P___ wishes for Anson to apply to Hammersley for £5000 for him. Looks forward to Lee's counsel on how to proceed.
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1790 January 29 . G[eorge] Anson ALS to [William] Lee; Lewes, [England].

3 pages

Box 69, Small Collections, Folders 5-10
On Lee going to visit Hawker at Hastings (with a remark about fear of creditors). Mutton chop, egg wine, and gin. Dining with Lord Pelham and Shiffner. Saw "old Shelly" at the assembly, who apologized extensively before Anson interrupted and told him that he had been in Lewes for weeks without "sleeping out." Lady Pelham introduced Anson to a number of men and women. With postal cover present, addressed to Cornet Lee of the Queens Light Dragoons at Chichester. Free frank, Howell.
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1790 November 6 . G[eorge] Anson ALS to [William] Lee; Shugborough, [Staffordshire, England].Wonders about what horse he will take.

2 pages

Box 69, Small Collections, Folders 5-10
Unable to send recruits as he has not secured any because of their high price. Impossible to send one or two as they will go through Boyse (without him informing the General). Heard Lee enlisted "Pickle" from Maidstone. Wants to know how many he has secured; they will settle the bet whenever they meet. Lord Talbot had a good run, "almost all Meynets hunt was out. Hopes to meet with Lee before Lee's trip to the West Indies.
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1791 January 15 . G[eorge] Anson ALS to [William] Lee; Shugborough, [Staffordshire, England].

2 pages

Box 69, Small Collections, Folders 5-10
Had a terrible journey, missed his "damn-d vehicle" and was forced to follow it in a hackney. Brother will not be making town on his way to Norfolk; sorry because he will be so near joining. Has been out hunting three times since visiting. "Let me know how the General has succeeded, with the Warlike beast."