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Edward Bayntun Yescombe (1765 -1803)
Captain Yescombe (1765-1803) 
Capt. Edward Bayntun Yescombe's parents were, Edward Yescombe (1740-1772) of Bristol and Lucy Bayntun (1747-1765).
She was the daughter of Sir Edward Bayntun of Spye Park, Chippenham, Wilts. Sir Edward was MP for Chippenham and was Surveyor-General to the Duchy of Cornwall 1751-1793
Edward's mother died just a month after he was born, and his father died when he was only 7 years old.
[An account of his upbringing and early career in, or leading to the packet service would be very interesting....]
The King George packet had been commanded by George Wauchope (1733-1793) a Flushing resident (of Scottish descent) who retired in 1787, after 19 years in the packet service.
Feb. 1787: On the recommendation of Sir Edward Bayntun* to one of the then Postmasters-General, Edward Yescombe [aged but 22-years!] was appointed commander of the "King George" packet ship on the favoured Lisbon route. This vessel was built on the River [Thames] in 1786. " Edward Yescombe had a share in her ownership, who the other owners were is not known."
[*Sir Edward Bayntun was Edward's uncle]
[** Earl of Clarendon or Lord Walsingham]
July 1794: King George, Capt Edward Yescombe was captured by the French frigate Unite off Ushant, taken into Brest and then to the naval prison at Quimper. He was allowed out on parole, to lodge at the house of a lady related to the prison governor, and early in 1795 - having, as he always maintained, handed back his parole - he escaped across the Channel to England.
April 1795, temporary packet George was hired pending the construction of a replacement for the King George
8 November, 1796, the new King George arrived in Falmouth [constructed in and] from Plymouth, under her Master, Bell.
27 November, 1796. The new vessel sailed for Lisbon under Bell.
"Yescombe wanted to remain ashore* rather than risk capture, following his escape from France in 1795, while (the French said) he was under parole, living outside the Naval prison in Quimper. He gained the wrath of the Post Office for not sailing with his ship."
[* A. H. Norway]
KING GEORGE (1796)
Capt. Edward Bayntun Yescombe, 27/10/1796 (Lisbon)
In Action, Died of wounds during his return voyage 11 August, 1803. Buried Mylor (aged 38)
Built: Plymouth 1796
In Packet service 1796 - 1803 Captured & Sold In Vigo (renamed Reprisaille privateer 16 guns)
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SM 01/4/1799: Falmouth March 28.
Since my last arrived the Grantham packet boat, with the mail from Jamaica, the Westmoreland packet from the Windward Islands, and the KING GEORGE packet from Lisbon.
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SM 23/9/1799: Falmouth Sept. 20th.
Since my last arrived the KING GEORGE packet from Lisbon.. The Lady Harriet (sic) packet from hence was safe arrived at Lisbon prior to the King George sailing from thence.
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SM Monday November 18th 1799
Falmouth November 14th
The King George packet came in from Torbay on Sunday last [10th] and on the preceding day the Princess packet came in from Plymouth. They had both been driven up Channel by the tempestuousness of the weather. The mails were forwarded to London from the places of arrival. [Brixham? Plymouth?]
A boat with 5 men on board, belonging to Messrs. G. C. Fox and Sons of this town, overset on Tuesday last [12th] by which accident 2 men were drowned both of whom have left widows and a large family.
The Prince of Wales packet from hence was not arrived when the Prince Adolphus left Lisbon; among the passengers is a nephew to Admiral Massaredo, now at Brest.
SM Monday December 2nd 1799
Falmouth November 28th.
The fleets for Lisbon, Oporto. and the Mediterranean, past this port on Friday last[22nd].
They were joined by several vessels, which waited their arrival here.
The Prince of Wales packet which arrived on Monday[25th] from Lisbon, brought accounts of the arrival there, of a large French privateer, prize to the Flora frigate.
The King George packet sailed on Monday last [November 25th] for Lisbon.
SM Monday January 13th 1800
Extract of a letter from Falmouth January 9th
The King George and Prince Adolphus packets arrived since my last from my last.
The King George was 24 days on her passage. The Prince of Wales packet has since arrived from Lisbon, after a passage of only 4 days.
A few days previous to the Prince of Wales sailing from Lisbon, the homeward bound fleets from thence sailed , under convoy of the Arethosa frigate.
The King of Denmark Danish East India ship, arrived here on Sunday last [5th], after a passage of 9 months 24 days from China. She is laden with teas, China etc.
Advert: Lemons and Oranges
Just imported, a cargo of the best quality, and in prime order, the vessel having had a passage of 8 days only from Lisbon. Not less than 4 boxes will be sold, and the price, per box, 24s. Apply to W. Drew and Co. Exeter January 10th 1800.
Advert: Oranges to be old at private contract 162 chests and 74 half chests of China oranges, now landing in prime order from the brig Hero, Captain Stevens, from Lisbon. Apply to William Carkeet Falmouth January 10th 1800.
SM Monday January 20th, 1800
Extract of a letter from Falmouth 16th
The following squadron under the command of Sir Edward Pellew, sailed Monday last for the coast of France with it is said, fresh succours for the Chouans; L'Impeteaux 74 guns, Adventure 44, Cambria 38, La Tamise 32 guns, Shannon 32.
The Prince Adolphus and King George packets sailed for Lisbon on Monday last [13th] and on Tuesday the Earl of Leicester sailed for the windward islands.
The Lord Auckland packet is just arrived from Tortola, after a passage of 28 days; the Adelphi packet had sailed from that island 3 weeks before her, but is not yet arrived, consequently some apprehensions are entertained for her safety.
Tuesday arrived the termagant sloop of war, in 23 days from Halifax; learn by her the safe arrival of the Grantham and Princess Charlotte packets at New York.
This day arrived Lady Arabella, Captain Robarts, (sic) and the Princess Amelia packet, Captain Johns, from Dartmouth, both new packets for the foreign station.
SM Monday April 28th 1800
An extract from a letter from Falmouth April 24th
Sailed this day the Mary packet, Thompson, with the mails of this month for the Leeward islands. The KING GEORGE, Yescombe, with the mails of the 1st and 8th instant [April], and the Prince Ernest, Petre, with the mail of the 15th for Lisbon. The Princess Charlotte, Captain Kerr, with the mails for America, is detained until further orders. The Harlequin packet from America, and the Walsingham from Lisbon are hourly expected.
SM Monday May 19th 1800
An extract from a letter from Falmouth May 15th
Arrived the King George packet in 10 days from Lisbon; she left there the Prince Ernest packet.
The Prince Adolphus packet, Boulderson, was going in over the bar as the King George came out.
Among the passengers per the King George, our Lord Somerville and Dr. Pitcairne.
The Marquis of Kildare sailed from Lisbon of the 26th ult. [April] 7 days before the King George packet [i.e. King George sailed 03 May] and is not yet arrived; doubts are entertained for her safety.
SM Monday June 2nd 1800
An extract from a letter from Falmouth May 29th
The Prince Adolphus packet has arrived from Lisbon.
The Walsingham and King George packets sailed on Tuesday last [27th May] for Lisbon; and the Jane packet sailed at the same time for Halifax and New York.
SM Monday July 21st 1800
An extract from a letter from Falmouth July 17th
The Walsingham packet, which had sailed on Thursday last [20th], and put back the same day, sailed, together with the King George packet, for Lisbon, on Saturday last. [22nd] The Grantham packet sailed yesterday, for Jamaica.
Arrived the Lady Frances ( a new temporary packet) for the foreign station.)
Captain Hall, of 14-guns and 35 men, from Liverpool; she will take out the Jamaican mail the next month. The Princess Charlotte packet, (lately recaptured with the mails for America,) from Ireland.
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RCG 16/5/1801: Sailed Princess Ameila packet, Stephens, for New York, King George, Yescombe, for Lisbon and Duke of York, Servante, for Jamaica
RCG 5/9/1801:Wed. 2 Sept., arrived King George packet, Yescombe from Lisbon in 7 days. She left on 26 Aug. in company with H.M.S. Phaeton frigate who convoyed her as far as Cape Finnisterre. - (brought news that) The Harlequin packet, Captain Gray, that sailed from here 9 Aug, arrived at Lisbon 22nd.
RCG 5/9/1801: By King George. (we learn details of) Treaty of Peace between Spain & Portugal, signed at Badajol 6 June 1801.
Art.1. There shall be peace by land & sea and that all prizes taken after this date shall be returned.
Art.2. That Portugal shall shut all her ports against British shipping.
Art.5. That Portugal shall immediately satisfy Spain for damage caused by British vessels, or Portuguese subjects, during the war, and in the same manner, that Spain restore all prizes taken before the war
We do not pledge ourselves, however, that the above copy is genuine [it proved so to be] - it is understood persons & property of British merchants residing in Portugal will be respected, and they will continue to trade with this country through the medium of neutral shipping.
RCG 19/9/1801: Saturday 19 Sept., sailed King George, Yescombe, for Lisbon and:-
RCG 26/9/1801: Monday 21 Sept., sailed King George, Bell, for Lisbon.
[Put back (for weather) and sailed again under her Master, Bell?]
RCG 3/10/1801: By Adolphus packet, a copy of the Treaty of Peace, (which) is as we printed earlier (5 September) " It seems extraordinary that ports declared shut (in Portugal) remain open. The Harlequin packet sailed for Lisbon Wednesday last, the last day of September.
[ was this reference in anticipation of her being refused entry upon arrival at Lisbon?]
Yescombe & King George (1796) were attacked 30/7/1803, resulting in injuries for him & Master (St. Aubyn). they surrendered to 14 gun 98 crew privateer & taken to Vigo. Yescombe died of his wounds, a musket ball in the thigh, during his return to Falmouth on a chartered Swedish ship.
RCG TRURO, SATURDAY, AUG.27 [1803]
It is with sincere regret we announce the capture of the King George packet, and the death of her gallant and highly-respected commander, Capt. Yescombe. The Auckland packet, from Lisbon, which arrived at Falmouth on Thursday last, fell in with a Swedish galliot on the 12th instant (in lat. 43.11. long. 12.17) which had been hired by the officers and crew of the King George to bring them to England. From them it is learnt that on the 30th ult, in her passage from Lisbon, the King George fell in with the French schooner privateer, La Reprisal, of 14 guns and 100 men. The packet had but 6 guns and 28 men. They engaged about fifty minutes; when the Frenchman finding he could make but little impression on the packet by cannonading, ran along side, and poured upwards of 50 men on board her, great part of which were blacks. The brave packet's-men, thus overpowered by numbers, were compelled to strike their colours. Capt. Yescombe was mortally wounded in the thigh, by a musket bullet, and died on the 11th instant, on board the galliot. Mr. John St. Aubyn, chief mate (son of Francis St. Aubyn, Esq. of Plymouth-dock) and three seamen were wounded, but not dangerously. The packet was carried into Vigo.
[Above cutting courtesy of Edward Yescombe (4Aug2000), a descendant of Captain Yescombe (1765-1803) of the "King George" Lisbon packet, who has (over 35 years) gathered a great deal of information about his career, and the packet service in general.]
RCG 11/7/1803; Captain Yescombe died of wounds following attack by French Privateer
RCG 3/9/1803: The Dogger with crew of the King George packet, is not yet in.
RCG 10/9/1803:(Sat) Duke of Cumberland packet, Capt. Lawrance, arrived off Lands-end on Thursday evening, after a passage of 20 days from Lisbon, and landed her mail in the Mounts-bay, from where it was forwarded to Falmouth.
It was reported in Lisbon, on the day the packet sailed, that the French Ambassador, General Lasnes, was to leave the next day. (For what reason was not [then] known.) Portugal is calling up troops for war, and have banned marriage under [age] 45.
Sixteen of the crew of King George packet are arrived in the Cumberland
RCG 17/9/1803: Friday 16th Sept., arrived Providence, revenue cutter, Worsell from Scilly, and has brought over the body of Capt. Yescombe, the remainder of the crew of the late King George packet, also came from Scilly in this cutter, the dogger in which they took their passage from Vigo - arriving Scilly Tuesday last. (13/9/1803)
RCG 24/9/1803: King George packet, Capt. Yescombe.
We have been favoured with an account of the loss of King George packet, viz.:
Sailed from Lisbon 23rd July 1803. On [July] 30th at 4 P.M., a schooner was observed in the South East standing towards her. Captain Yescombe took in steering -sails and hauled his wind to the North West and thick fog coming in soon after lost the schooner. The wind shifted to the southward, packet tacked to the Westward; when fog clearing up, the schooner was seen again half a mile off and appeared to be a privateer. Another fog came on, she disappeared again and the packet crowding sail, now stood before the wind. It cleared again about 10, when the schooner was discovered in full chase and gaining fast upon the packet. It was impossible to out-sail her, therefore it became our duty (says our informant) to defend the ship like Englishmen. We shortened sail and prepared for action.
We had but six 12 pound carronades and 28 men. The enemy as it appeared afterwards, had 14 guns and 98 men, but the firm spirit, skill and animating address of our brave commander, diffused a cheerful confidence through our little vessel.
We got up our boarding nettings, and stood to quarters, until Four in the morning; the schooner keeping just without gun-shot. She now hoisted a red flag at the fore; and at half past four, being within gun-shot, we gave her our broadside. She then hoisted French colours and returned it. The action now commenced, and was continued for fifty minutes, at close quarters.
Our colours were twice shot away, and our decks ploughed up with shot of which more than 200 passed through out topsail. It is astonishing, with the heavy fire of musquetry they kept up, in addition to their great guns, that they left a man of us alive, as we stood exposed to their view, without anything to defend us above breast-high. They attempted several times to board us, which we evaded. At last they ran alongside, their yards filled with men, and under a heavy fire of musquetry, threw above fifty (men - many of whom were blacks) into our rigging.
It was useless to resist any longer. Our brave Capt. Yescombe was mortally wounded, his second, Mr. St. Aubyn, shot in the leg. We struck our colours and we were carried into Spain. In addition, John Rees and Alexander Hill were much hurt, but none dangerous except the Captain, who survived until the 11th inst.. (**) when he died on board a neutral vessel he had hired to bring him to England.
[The aforementioned dogger, to Scilly]
- END of account of loss.
Never was a man more universally beloved or sincerely lamented than Captain Yescombe. His highly polished manners which would have adorned a court, were the emanation of an elegant and accomplished mind, warmed by the most expansive benevolence, and confirmed by courage and honour. His remains were interred in a vault at Milor [Mylor] church yard, on Thursday last, with peculiar solemnity.
The packets in harbour fired minute guns: All the Captains of the packets in harbour attended, with most of the crews, and a vast concourse of people, composed of nearly all the respectable inhabitants of Falmouth & Flushing and the neighbourhood, to whom his memory will be long dear.
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Notes: From a letter to Miss Philbrick dated 15/10/1994, from Edward R Yescombe
June 1803: In King George (1796), he was attacked off the coast of Spain by the French privateer REPRISAILLE, and was captured after a desperate fight. Capt. Yescombe was mortally wounded, he and his crew set on shore in Spain, and he died on 12th August* during his voyage home. Buried Mylor 27/9/1803 and a memorial to him and his widow, is still to be seen inside the church.
A pension was awarded to his widow, and the Patriotic Society at Lloyd's also gave her a silver cup in recognition of his gallantry. This cup is now in the possession of Mr. James Garisch Yescombe BALDWIN, of Durban, South Africa.
(all other family papers were destroyed by enemy bombing in Bath in 1940)
The above writer (Edward R Yescombe) adds; Morris Charles Yescombe was my great-great-grandfather and, that his first child, a son born 5/8/1976, has been named Edward Bayntun Yescombe.
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RCG 15/10/1803: Arrived 11/10/1803, Auckland packet, Parsons, 9 days from Lisbon
- brings account of the capture of Duke of York packet, Deake, on 18th ult. by Le Dinant privateer of 10 guns and 65 men, off Cape Finnisterre and carried into Vigo , where they found the King George late packet, fitted out as a privateer by the French and mounting 16 guns.
RCG 12/11/1803: Plymouth, came in Wednesday 9th November, Swedish Brig Venus, Capt. Roberts, from Tenerife with wine etc., for Plymouth. Spoke to a French schooner privateer (Reprisal ?) off the coast of Spain and (was informed) she had captured 11 British vessels besides the King George packet.
[RCG 25/8/1804: HM Ship Bittern off Cape Passaro, on 3/5/1804, after a chase of 36 hours, 60 miles rowing, captured L'Hirondelle cutter from Cette 14 guns, 80 men, copper bottomed, just launched - which on the 27th April had taken, after an action, KING GEORGE, "Malta Government brig" was this the same King George following her sale in Vigo? ]
- unlikely, see following;
RCG 8/12/1804: ... there can be little doubt that a war with Spain is inevitable.
La Poulette sloop of war at Falmouth from Oporto, has brought over 2 captured West Indiamen captured by Le Braave French privateer (Late the King George packet) and carried into Vigo.
Sources
Commanders Appointed By The General Post Office
Packet Captains Of Flushing - M E Philbrick (p.31)
Letter to Miss Philbrick from Edward R. Yescombe dated 15/10/1984
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A.H. Norway : The Post-Office Packet Service
Macmillan & Co (1895)
Chapter VII - The Second French War [extracts, pp.120-122]
The Falmouth service entered on a new and better period, it is in fact to the years now opening that Falmouth men look back with pride and satisfaction - whilst the officers and crews of every Packet seemed to vie with each other in courage and devotion to their duties. (p.120)
Lord Auckland and Mr. Freeling [Postmasters General] plied the reformer's broom with zeal - the ingenious system by which the absenteeism of the commanders was checked, a system of mulcts was established by which commanders sacrificed a proportion of the profits which he would have made upon the voyage. At the same time, the sting was taken out of the money fines, by pooling them into a fund, the interest of which was devoted to pensioning the widows and orphans of captains and masters who were left in distressed circumstances. The amount of the penalty was enough to induce some hesitation before incurring it, but no exceptions were granted, even for reasonable business, and proved to be of the greatest benefit to the Service. (p.121)
Among the captains who by this salutary new rule were tempted back to their own quarter-decks, was Captain Yescombe, who had been allowed to perform his duties by substitute, on the plea of having received a strong hint that (he would suffer at the hands of the French) if he were a second time made prisoner. On his first voyage after the war broke out again, his forebodings were verified, and his ruin compassed by a French vessel named Reprisal. (p.122)
King George set sail from Lisbon on July 23rd, 1803, fought the privateer of fourteen 4-pounders and 100 men on the 30th. After a cannonade lasting over an hour, the French poured 50 men, chiefly blacks, upon her decks. Captain Yescombe fell, shot through the thigh. Mr. St. Aubyn, the mate, and 3 seamen were wounded. The French carried their prize into Vigo, and the Cornishmen hired the (Swedish) galliot in which they were sailing when the Auckland packet met them on August 12th.