Falmouth Packet Archives 1688-1850 | home
Flushing
In the 17th century, Nankersey, as the hamlet was known, had little to offer but a supply of fresh water, from the Kersey stream, until Francis Trefusis employed Dutch engineers to build dry-stone sea walls and a quay on his estate. Then, Little Falmouth was the site of buildings in which pilchards were pressed, or salted for export in wooden barrels. It was known as "Lobbs Palace"
Flushing was the Post Office Packet Agent's base from 1705-1724
Samuel Trefusis, Member of Parliament for Penryn, who, in 1702, had married Alice, daughter & heiress of Sir Robert Cotton, Postmaster General (1691-1708), succeeded in moving the packet agency from Falmouth to Flushing - "the port that his family were endeavouring to create" His father-in-law was responsible for instructing the Plymouth postmaster to establish the enquiry which resulted in the dismissal of Daniel Gwin over irregularities. [Alice died, and, in 1719, Samuel Trefusis married again, in St. Paul's Cathedral, to Margaret Craggs, daughter of another Postmaster-General, James Craggs, who died in 1720. (PMG 1715-1720). [qf. Philbrick]
The transfer of the agency to Flushing followed the death, in 1704, of the last of the Killigrew family, who had done so much to make Falmouth into a prosperous port (much to the annoyance of Penryn). The Killigrew estate passed to the Wodehouse family of Kimberley, in East Anglia.
The quays at Flushing had already been built, and leashold houses were being built. Samuel Trefusis created a warehouse to store packet equipment and accommodate their crews. By May 1709, the 4-storey building, backed into the cliff behind the main quay, on what is now called Trefusis Street. The warehouse comprised cellars and and store houses, with accommodation above that could be let to seamen. The building was divided into two tenements, one of which Zachary Rogers obtained for the Post Office, at £30 a year.
"It is possible that Trefusis hoped to let the other half to Edmund Dummer. [who, as an independent contractor operated his service from Falmouth to the West Indies, until 1711]. In addition to his annual rent, Samuel Trefusis received £611. 17s. 4d. from the Post Office for his 'expenses and charges in building a storehouse for the use of the packets at Flushing.'
Residents of Flushing:
Name Command Owner Route Dates
John Binney, Lt. R.N. Star Admiralty N. America 1845-36 - Drowned in Gale, (see account)
Henry Blight Princess of Brunswick Corunna 1795 Taken 17 Sept. by Adventure to Bordeaux
Halifax W. Indies 1799 Taken 28 Oct. by Vengeance, to Bordeaux
Phoenix (Temporary packet) N. America 1800 Taken by Psyche, retaken by Naiad
Lord Chesterfield Blight W. Indies 1801 Taken in 1805, 3 killed 9 wounded.
Nocton Blight W. Indies 1807 1810 Blight died on passage home
John Bull
Richard Dodd Marquis of Kildare W. Indies & Lisbon 1800-1808
RCG Sat 19/10/1805: We are sorry to hear that Captain Dodd of the Townshend packet fell down in the street on Thursday last at Flushing, and fractured his leg so violently, that it has been found necessary to amputate it. He had arrived back from Lisbon on 9th October with dispatches from Lord Nelson.
[Admiral Lord Nelson, was then on Victory, off Cape Trafalgar, waiting for the French fleet to break out of Vigo ... see Battle of Trafalgar.]
RCG Sat 27/9/1806: The Merchants of Falmouth engaged in the Lisbon trade, being expose(d) to a very great and serious risk, by not having been able to effect their insurances on the Townshend packet, in consequence of the false report of her capture; have adopted measures to detect the imposition by which their interests have been materially affected, and are determined to punish the author with utmost severity. They have solicited the Committee at Lloyds, as the Underwriters are also injured by the orders for Insurance not being completed, to join them in their intended prosecution.
PHIL A/2/1: Townnshend was sailed 1 year under the command of James Cock, her sailing master.
She sailed from Falmouth 18/11/1807 for Lisbon, and, like Walsingham, was turned back unable to land mails as the French had captured Portugal. Townshend returned on 19/12/1807 with the news and that the Prince Regent had gone to the Brazils. [qf. Howat]
By 1810 there bwas established a monthly Falmouth-Rio de Janeiro service, 18 weeks round trip.
"Single letter postage @ 3/8d & in that proportion for double/triple letters plus postage charged at destination by the Portuguese."
RCG: Sat. 5/8/1809: DIED last Saturday (29 July) at Flushing, Capt. Dodd, late of the Townnshend packet, on the Falmouth Station.
RCG 13/5/1809: Flushing: For Sale by private contract on 99 year terms - all that genteel and commodious Dwelling House and convenient premises, most advantageously situtated in the village of Flushing, now in the occupation of Captain Dodd. - 2 parlours, Drawing-room and 7 Bed-rooms, which are handsome dimensions, Kitchen, Wine Cellars, Pantries and other convenience, with large Cellars, Lofts, Courtelage and Walled Garden adjoining. Commanding a fine view of Falmouth harbour, Pendennis Castle etc., Also a Suited Gig Horse and handsome one-horse chaise with top, on Curricle Springs and Harness complete.
For particulars, apply on the premises or to Wm. Croggon, Falmouth, April 20, 1809.
William Dorset Fellowes Lady Hobart Halifax 1799-1803 Vessel lost after striking an iceberg in June 1803.
RCG 16/7/1803: For Sale - House in Flushing - on 18th July, by public auction at the Ship Inn, village of Flushing. In (the) new road leading to Tregew and now in occupation of Captain William Dorset Fellows (sic). Newly built, very commodious, extensive garden behind, and a courtlage in front and commands a beautiful view of the town and harbour of Falmouth. Apply M.r Tresidder, Attorney at Law
[NOTE: As his house was advertised for sale whilst he was away from Falmouth, it suggests he was intending either moving to another house in Flushing or Falmouth - or, transferring to the Holyhead service. (see later notes)]
By 1851, another Inn which was given up was the Lady Hobart near Fish Cross, Flushing; William Tregidgo, a Greenwich Pensioner, had named it after a packet, on which he had sailed and had been wrecked "on an Island of Ice" in 1803. [qf. Philbrick]
William Kempthorne Grenville West Indies 1776 Wounded
Antelope John Goodridge? 1793 Action (see report)
"Captain Niven"
RCG 17/3/1804: Died at Flushing on Sunday, (11th), Captain Niven. This Gentleman had contracted to build a packet at Falmouth and to be employed on that station. (Duke of Manchester ?)
"Edward & Susan Pellew lived in a house on the new road to Tregew, adjoining the one occupied by Captain William Kempthorne of the packet Antelope. The two men were great friends, and in order that they could more easily communicate, a door was broken through between the two houses. Edward Pellew had joined the Navy in 1770. The French Revolution commenced in 1789, and in 1793 the French King and his Family were murdered, and soon, England was at war with France. Edward Pellew was appointed to command Nymphe, 36- guns, picked his own crew, a dozen seamen, 80 Cornish miners and a mere handful of men-of-war's men. He sailed from Falmouth, taking his brother, Captain Israel Pellew, captured La Cleopatre and invaluable documents, after which he and Israel were presented to the King by Lord Chatham at a levee in which the King offered Edward a knighthood, he demurred, pleading poverty, the King insisted and bestowed on Susan an annuity of £150 a year.
SM Monday January 20, 1800. [Extract of a letter from Falmouth]
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;[Keywords, Breton Brittany] L'Impeteaux 74 guns, Adventure 44, Cambria 38, La Tamise 32 guns, Shannon 32.
Zachary Rogers Prince Post Office Corunna 1689 -1701
Prince Lisbon 1701 -1703 (route changed due to war with Spain)
Falmouth Parish register lists 25/9/1694, Married, Zacharias ROGERS to Mrs Anne PENDER [of Falmouth]
[Q. In 1713, Peter Pender was Mayor of Falmouth.. same family? ]
Packet Agent (in Flushing) 1705 - 1713
On Aug 9th 1705, Zachary Rogers became the Packet Agent, replacing Daniel Gwin (disgraced) and Francis Jones the first (dismissed) packet agents in Falmouth, and moved to reside in Flushing.
Adoniah Schuyler Princess Royal Sheldon W. Indies 1793-95 Considered by Schuyler to be temporary Prince Ernest Schuyler 1795-
Christopher Smith Star Admiralty N. America 1836-41? Died 1845
FP 12/9/1840: Born Flushing 7/9/40, daughter to the Lady of Lt. C Smith, commander of HMPB Star.
Richard Stephens Princess Amelia Post Office W. Indies 1698- - In Action
[or Stevens]
RCG 6/2/1802: Arrived Saturday (30 Jan.) Princess Amelia, Capt. Stephens, from Tortola in 30 days, and in same edition; For Sale;
Dwelling House in Flushing - Modern built dwelling house, late in occupation of Captain Stevens (sic), on the street leading to the quay.
Two front parlours, two kitchens, six good bedrooms and garden behind, cellars & loft adjoining thereto.
Apply, Mrs Buckingham. [probably, Thomazine, wife of Captain Christopher Buckingham, mother of James Silk Buckingham. (close friends of Captains Kempthorne and Pellew (RN)]
13/1/1806, Adoniah Schuyler (Junior.) sailed as Master on Princess Ameila, while her Captain, Richard Stevens remained ashore, but he was forced back on the 16th by severe South Westerlies, and sailed again on the 27th. Having just married Sarah Roope Stevens at Mylor Church on 4/1/1806, - was Capt. Stevens then his brother-in-law?
Noel Tonkin Eagle (1722) Post Office Corunna 24/8/1730 - 24/2/1736
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Shipbuilding at Flushing
RCG Sat. 22/2/1806: On Thursday evening, a fine new brig packet was launched from the yard of Mr. Symonds (sic) of Little Falmouth. She was intended for Capt. Dennes, late of Duke of Kent. That Gentleman, who had been some time unwell, attended the launch, when he was taken extremely ill, and died the following morning. [Listed as died,at Falmouth, 20/2/1806)
CHECK - What vessel was this - Cornwallis, Duke of Montrose? Duke of Kent 2 ?
RCG Sat. 25/4/1807: On Thursday last the Nocton , a new packet, was launched from the yard of Mr. Blight near Flushing, in the harbour of Falmouth. [ Joseph Blight, shipwright and third son of Captain Henry Blight]. This is a fine vessel, and the launch was an excellent one. We should be glad to see the service filled with such vessels as this, and those that have lately been launched from the yards of the Messrs. Symonds of that port; instead of such crazy craft as the Diana, and some others that we could name, which are really a disgrace to the service, and those who employ them.
Parsons was acting Master on Auckland, when wrecked in Bay of Cadiz, and Adoniah Schuyler Jun. hired Diana as a temporary packet *under the command of John Parsons, (April 1809 - May 1810), while he supervised the building of another ship,(at Richard Symons' yard at Little Falmouth,Flushing), to be called Earl of Sandwich - one of six vessels taken to Plymouth 6 November,1810, following "ventures" mutiny on Prince Adolphus & Duke of Marlborough 2, & reading of the Riot act in Falmouth 24 October, 1810. Sandwich sailed from Plymouth 7 December 1810 for Rio, returning Falmouth 16 April,1811. In 1811, Diana sailed for Rio on 16 October, but remained windbound in plymouth until 27 October. Homeward she left Rio 15 February1812 and arrived at Falmouth on 10 May 1812.
* Philbrick. Dianah, hired 4/1809 - 5/1810, by Adoniah Schuyler Jr. for 3 voyages (W.Indies) under command of his Master, Parsons, while he arranged the new build of Sandwich in Flushing (Symons) with insurance from his Auckland.
Stanmer was a square sterned ship, 82 ft 9 ins x 24 ft 1 3/4 ins x 6 ft 3 3/4 ins between decks, 2 decks, 3 masts, Scroll figurehead, launched 7/10/1817. Owners, R.S.Sutton of Little Falmouth, "shipbuilder", and Susannah Schuyler (nee Shields, died July 1822, aged 74) of Flushing, Widow of Adoniah Schuyler (died Stonehouse, 22/6/1814, aged 68, buried Mylor) Late Captain of Swallow 2/1786-89, (ex Mercury 170 tons), Princess Royal 6/5/1793-4, Prince Ernest 1795-8, Jane 1798-9, Auckland 31.8/1799-1808, Retired aged 58.) and mother of Adoniah Schuyler Jun. Captain of Auckland 1808, of Diana (hired packet) while he built Earl of Sandwich (1) 180 tons, 12/3/1810 - 1832 (whence sold to Newman & Co in London - Africa sailings)
In 1825, Stanmer was listed as having 10 part-owners, and in 1836 she was still registered in London]
[Note: Dianah, temporary packet, was hired 4/1809 - 5/1810 by Adoniah Schuyler Jr. for 3 voyages (W.Indies) under command of his Master, Parsons, while he arranged new build Earl of Sandwich in Flushing ( Richard Symons) with insurance from his Auckland (lost Cadiz shoal by Parsons 10/11/1808)]
PHIL A/2/3: Quoting SL 19/1/1819:
Mr. Richard Symons of Little Falmouth is to build for Captain Baldock, Marquis of Salisbury" - "as Stanmer" 200 tons, copper sheathed, which he built for Captain Sutton of Flushing in 1817. [Robert Shuttleworth Sutton, Lt. RN]
PHIL A/2/3: Quoting from LOG /M/68 ("Greenwich Maritime Museum has the complete log of the MARQUIS OF SALISBURY and SWALLOW, but in very small handwriting, and difficult to read")
FP 9/2/1833. Married at Mylor, Lt. Downie, commander of Briseis to Miss Symons, daughter of R. Symons Esq. - of Little Falmouth, Flushing (shipbuilder)
[ Lt. Downie listed 4/1/34 on Plover ex Lisbon. Downie or Downey ? - both spellings used in Lake's Falmouth.Packet (newspaper)]
FP 24/9/1845: Died 17/7/45, {check!} Mary (Aged 34), wife of Mr. R Symons, shipwright late of Padstow.
[Did Richard Symons retire to Padstow - leaving his son Charles at the yard ? John Trethowan, shipwright of Br, Falmouth, did not take over Little Falmouth until 1851]
FP 13/6/1846: "Little Falmouth House" for sale by Auction
Residence of the late Richard Symons Esq., deceased (Long list of furnishings etc.)
Including Pleasure Boat, Lotus, 25 ft "replete with every necessary for a gentleman's pleasure yacht".
Local Events - Timeline
In January 1804, packets were detained at Falmouth by contrary winds and Lady Arabella was caught in an E.SE hurricane which blew on 18th. "at low water, the tide rose 8 feet in two or three minutes, recoiled and rose again three times" Arabella was driven on to Trefusis Point and badly damaged. Later, empty casks were lashed under the hull and she was pulled off the rocks, then towed to the Little Falmouth yard at Flushing to be repaired during the next three months.
The Arabella required repairs and new copper sheathing in 1820, and the work appears to have been done in the newly opened dry dock at the Symons Little Falmouth yard. While Porteous was on a tour of inspection, the staging gave way and he fell 16-18 ft, he was badly bruised, and when the packet sailed on September 29th, he requested permission to remain ashore without the usual loss of salary (Post 48), sailed under her Master, Bishop.[qf. "Around the Fal Part 3" by M. E. Philbrick (Re: James Porteous)]
FP Sat.24/3/1832: Tuesday last, a young man called Pearce belonging to HM brig Opossum, was found dead in a boat alongside Flushing quay. At 9 p.m. the previous evening, intending to go on board the packet, due to the boisterous state of the weather, he was unable to reach her, & having fallen asleep in the boat, death was the consequence.
Ranger packet - driven ashore
FP 17/3/1838: We regret to say Ranger Packet Brig which went ashore on 15/2/38 remains on the rocks notwithstanding the great & unremitting exertions which have this week been made to get her off again. We however anticipate on the next spring tides she will be hove off into deeper water.
FP 24/2/1838: Ranger hove off. Captain Plumridge (Astraea) aided by Mr Spiller and 30 shipwrights from Devonport DY, towed by RAMONA to Mylor ( pre Plymouth DY.)
FP 31/3/1838: It was not in our power last week to say more than that HM Brig Ranger. Lt J H Turner, had been got off the rocks. A beautiful brig of 350 tons burthen, built by contract in the summer of 1835 from the plans of Sir William Symonds (The Navy Architect) and has been sailing upwards of 2 years as a packet. On 2/3/38 Mr Spiller, Asst. Builder from Plymouth shipyard and 30 men, by means of the mechanical powers of screw & wedge, skilfully arranged the vessel was supported whereby she could sustain no injury, then, day by day, almost imperceptibly propelled at low water over the rocks the astonishing distance of 285 feet. On the 23rd, at high water, easily hauled off and taken alongside the Mylor Dockyard, on 27th towed to moorings in Carrick Roads and is now ready to proceed to Plymouth. Sir William Symonds may turn round on his host of envious maligners and point to Ranger, laying 36 days on sharp-pointed rocks, exposed to repeated gales and heavy seas and yet is at last dragged off with no great injury than 3 weeks of DY repair. The Ranger's superior construction alone saved her from going to pieces as such pointed rocks must have gone through a round-bottomed vessel.
FP 7/4/1838: Court Martial Ranger, Lt James Howard Turner.
Admiralty stated that it appeared to their Lordships that great neglect had been shown in the management of that ship. Lt. Turner was not aboard the ship when she went ashore and contented himself with stating this circumstance. Mr Henry Hunter, Acting Master, accused eight out of ten men on board of inattention to his orders and leaving the ship without his permission when she struck. Witness for the prosecution, Mr Faulkner, Gunner, Nicholas Perriton, John Pearson & Robert Cornish, able Seamen, on Wed 14/2/38, S.E. wind so hard, Mr. Faulkner and the watch, although the recall was hoisted, could not get off to the ship then moored in Carrick Roads. There was 58 fathom of chain on the small bower anchor and 26 fathom on the great anchor. It continued to blow all day and at 2 am of the 15th, the Master was told by the man of the watch that the vessel was driving. All hands were called, but no cable was veered on either anchor, but, attempts were made to strike the lower yards and topmast and to stock & bend a part of the lower bower chain to the sheet anchor. In doing this last great difficulty was experienced from the cold (it was blowing a snow storm) and not having the proper implements at hand. Before the anchor could be ready to be let go, the ship had driven on to shallow water as to render it impossible to veer enough cable to be of use. Towards morning, blue lights were burned, 15 guns were fired for assistance until 7.30 am when the vessel's stern struck and she swung broadside onto rocks. The second gig was lowered in the water to take a line ashore, but capsized and of four in her, one drowned, one was severely wounded and two with difficulty escaped a watery grave. John Moore, Boatswain's Mate, handed in a written defence of himself and that part of the crew who had been on board.
Result: Great blame on Mr Henry Hunter, Acting Master, for not taking proper precautions to prevent the ship going ashore, but no blame could be attributed to Lt. Turner or any other officer or men. Henry Hunter sentenced to be dismissed Her Majesty's service. Lt. Turner and men honourably acquitted.
FP 14/4/1838: Ranger, when decked, found to have received considerable damage. Her false keel gone, the after piece of the main keel, the whole of the keel indeed was found to be so much injured as to require shifting. Lower part of the stern post carried away with part of the deadwood. Timbers on the starboard side and some of the ceiling were also found to be broken. The Ranger was paid off in Plymouth.
FP 26/5/1838: Appointments Portsmouth, Lt. J H Turner to Ranger.
