Archive collection of papers of Captain Edward Thornbrough Parker (1778-1801), comprising of ten documents and a small portrait of Parker, who died of wounds received in Nelson’s attack on the French invasion flotilla, Boulogne, 4 August 1801.
The first letter, dated 7 March 1800, is the only one in Parker’s own hand, concerning a missed appointment in London with his sister Maria.
The second item is Parker’s personal calling card with Parker’s armorial seal in black wax.
The third letter, dated 20 September 1801, is to Parker from Thomas Masterman Hardy, commiserating with Parker on the amputation of his leg and evincing the concern of his fellow officers.
The fourth item is a touching letter to Parker’s sister from his father dated 25 September 1801, describing Edward’s illness as he rages with a fever due to the amputation of his leg.
The fifth is another letter, dated 27 September 1801, by Parker’s father, confirming Edward’s death to his sister. It also mentions Lord Nelson who is inconsolable at the loss of Edward who died at 9am in the morning.
The sixth item is an application to the Governors of the Chatham Chest for relief of hurt and wounded seamen, anticipating Parker’s recovery; this seems to have been ‘fast tracked’.
The seventh and eighth items, dating from the 1820s, are: a list of Parker’s effects and a summary of his service record and.
The nineth and tenth items are accounts of prize money owing at the time of his death.
The last items are small portrait of Parker, made by his sister.