Whitworth, James, Naval Seaman, Fl. 1776-1812.
The collection consists of twelve letters written by James Whitworth, an impressed seaman serving on the brig-sloop HMS PORTIA (1810) in the North Sea, to his wife Charlotte, between February 1812 and October 1812. There is one additional family letter.
Whitworth complains about many aspects of life on the PORTIA and expresses frustration in not being able to see his family, despite the ship making frequent visits to ports including Yarmouth and Chatham. He also provides advice for his wife in the running of their business. Whitworth got into trouble after attempting to desert from the ship in November 1812. This resulted in him being imprisoned in irons.
Administrative / biographical background
Whitworth was born around 1776 and originally from Lincolnshire. At the time when he was impressed in 1810, he lived with his wife and two daughters near the naval yard at Deptford, where it is thought they kept a shop.
Whitworth complains about many aspects of life on the PORTIA and expresses frustration in not being able to see his family, despite the ship making frequent visits to ports including Yarmouth and Chatham. He also provides advice for his wife in the running of their business. Whitworth got into trouble after attempting to desert from the ship in November 1812. This resulted in him being imprisoned in irons.
Administrative / biographical background
Whitworth was born around 1776 and originally from Lincolnshire. At the time when he was impressed in 1810, he lived with his wife and two daughters near the naval yard at Deptford, where it is thought they kept a shop.
Record Details
| Item reference: | WHW; GB 0064 |
|---|---|
| Catalogue Section: | Personal collections |
| Level: | COLLECTION |
| Extent: | 1 box |
| Date made: | 1812 |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |