CONTINUATION OF THE MEMOIR, UNTIL THE DEATH OF MR. SHIPP.
The military career, traced in the preceding pages, has probably never
been surpassed either in homely, affecting narrative, or in thrilling
scenes of war and strife, by that of any soldier of modern times. That
Shipp did not rise more rapidly to the dizzy heights of a hero's
ambition, in a much shorter time, may reasonably be attributed to the
age in which he served, as well as to the peculiar regulations of our
service, than to any deficiency of fitness, ability, courage, or even
notoriety on his part. In the English army, all the avenues to
preferment are generally so crowded by aspirants of merit and influence,
and so jealously guarded by the legislature, that the best and most
valuable soldiers--men whose services acquire a very early
distinction--scarcely ever rise from the ranks to the elevation which
Shipp twice attained by his gallantry and soldiership. And it was the
consciousness of this fact, and the marked departure from the rigid
rules of the service, in the instance of his individual promotion, that
rendered him so resigned and submissive, under the heavy blow which his
own temerity subsequently inflicted upon him. Had his destiny enabled
him to steer past the siren pleasures that too often interrupt the path
of men possessing power, distinction, and popularity, it is more than
probable that, instead of being permitted to retire without any public
brand of disgrace upon his brow, into the obscurity of a private
station, he would have attained the highest rank in the British army,
and have been conspicuous, like Collingwood, not only for winning
victories more gloriously, but for describing them to his countrymen
more perspicuously than any military man of the age he lived in. It is
not in this little autobiography, written in so terse, agreeable, and
piquant a manner, that the brilliant exploits of Shipp would have been
sought for: the brightness of that page of history which recorded them,
would alone have secured the publicity of his renown. Few ever
possessed, more eminently, all the elements essential to success as a
soldier. Unimpeachable bravery, unwavering perseverance, cool fortitude,
and determined steadiness of purpose, were amongst the most conspicuous
of his attributes; and to these we may add an inexhaustible energy of
mind. Endowments of this nature are not often combined with clearness of
judgment, or with that discretion which cautiously avoids the precipice.
But if Shipp had not always his judgment entirely at command--which
frequently results from a habit of decision and promptitude, mistaken by
many for impetuosity--he was always fertile in resources, quick in
expedients, and any errors arising from his first impulses were amply
amended by the energy and skill with which he ultimately fulfilled every
tittle of the duty intrusted to him.
When John Shipp stood upon the parade at Chatham, in the October of
1825, he was, as he has himself informed us, performing the last of his
military duties. We have already seen with what feelings he bade adieu
to "the plumed troop and the big war"--to the profession which had been
the choice of his childhood and the pride of his riper years--amid which
he had grown and flourished; and, when he had resigned his command to
the officer of Fort Pitt Barrack, he wandered forth into the world a
melancholy man, because no longer a soldier. His military career was
thus finished, as he truly foreboded, for ever. That eventful and not
inglorious campaign of his existence, of which he has given so vivid an
account, was at an end, and he was now alone in the world, destitute of
occupation, and without immediate aim or object. Hitherto, his life had
been a romance, the various vicissitudes whereof forcibly verify the
adage, that "truth is stranger than fiction." Though the reader will
have henceforth to regard him as a mere civilian, his movements confined
to his native island, where stirring incidents and dashing adventures
are not rife, yet the details of his remaining years are not entirely
destitute of interest and instruction.
Although the first and natural feeling of the gallant ex-lieutenant, at
the contemplation of his position, was one of deep despondency, yet the
manliness of his nature forbid a tame submission to vain and bootless
melancholy. He had before risen superior to the oppression of that
gloomy goddess. His energies soon rallied, and the innate fortitude of
his character came to his aid. He was furnished with excellent
credentials from those officers with whom he had served; and, having
taken up his residence in the metropolis, he set himself sedulously to
work to procure employment. At first he was elated with hope, from the
numerous promises which he received, and the kindness and urbanity with
which his pretensions were entertained. He soon found, however, that
there was a difference between professions and practice--between
hospitality and active benevolence.
Amongst the first applications which he made, was one to the Court of
Directors of the East India Company, setting forth his services in
India, the wounds which he had received, and his other claims on their
favourable consideration. This application was successful; for, though
the Directors were unable to confer on him any appointment, they
generously granted him a pension of fifty pounds a year, for life,
commencing from the preceding Christmas. This honourable allowance was
sufficient to keep him above actual want; but, with the habits which he
had imbibed in a land where extravagance and luxury are almost regarded
as virtues, it was insufficient to keep him out of difficulties. He was
himself well aware, and willing to allow on all occasions, that his
chief failing was improvidence. Nor was he really extravagant; but he
possessed little knowledge of the value of money, and was as prodigal of
that essential commodity as if his supplies had been unlimited. His
generosity was so unbounded, that he has often been known to recompense
moderate services with a liberality wholly beyond his rank or means. The
resources derived from the India House soon failing, he renewed his
exertions to obtain employment, but still without success. Remembering
that the story of his life was full of interest, and having determined
upon telling it to the public, he turned himself with great perseverance
to his new occupation, and in a short time became fired with all the
ambition of an expectant author. As he was, however, naturally doubtful
of his own powers, he submitted his manuscripts to the revision of a
gentleman every way well qualified for the task, and who performed it
with equal judgment, good taste, and ability. This sanguine temperament
now led him to indulge in many a golden dream of the profits of
authorship; an error that occasioned more profuse expenditure than he
would, even with his acknowledged lack of worldly prudence, have deemed
excusable.
It was while he was under the delusion of this phantom--the expectation
of competent means from literary labours solely--that he thought of
submitting a second time to the bonds of Hymen; and the interesting and
amiable object of his affections has shown sufficiently the wisdom of
his choice, by her exemplary conduct and virtuous life, when placed in
circumstances painful, difficult, and trying. The only available means
of support under the increased expenditure that attended his married
state, was his pension from the India House--his chief prospective
supply, the result of his publications. As an author he displayed
invention and quickness; and the rapidity with which his works of
fiction appeared, was not less extraordinary than the imagination which
they displayed. In 1826 he published "The Shepherdess of Arranville; or,
Father and Daughter;" a pathetic tale in three acts; and, in 1829, "The
Maniac of the Pyrenees; or, the Heroic Soldier's Wife;" a melodrama in
two acts, printed at Brentford. The success of these light works,
however, was inferior to that of his Memoirs, which soon became
extensively popular, and have continued to gather favour with each added
year. This reputation resulted, not more from the exciting nature of the
details, than the freshness, rapidity, and air of candour, that pervades
the whole. Shipp certainly derived advantage from the advice and
assistance of an experienced and talented literary friend; but the
vigour, playfulness, and peculiarity of style which characterize all his
writings, were not infused by the pen of the ripe and ready writer--they
were original qualities of the composition. Encouraged by the reception
of his Memoirs, and urged by pinching poverty to constant efforts for
the improvement of his circumstances, he took advantage of his literary
popularity, and sent into the world his "Military Bijou," and a pamphlet
on military flogging. The latter, dedicated to Sir Francis Burdett,
produced a decided sensation, and was so much approved of by the
patriotic senator with whose name it was associated, that he generously
presented the author with a cheque for sixty pounds. Such precarious
supplies, however, could afford no permanent ease to a mind so
energetic, so unbroken by reverses, so incapable of yielding to any
untoward pressure of Providence: he applied himself, therefore,
resolutely to the obtainment of an employment attended with a certain
income, without regard to the amount of compensation, degree of
humility, or difficulty of position. Confident of his powers, physical
and intellectual; relying on the education derived from boundless
experience of men and manners, and being a perfect master of the art of
discipline, he very naturally concluded that his qualifications for the
situation of a metropolitan police officer were unequalled. He had
calculated rightly. Without a moment's hesitation--in fact accompanied
by an expression of regret that no more lucrative or suitable
appointment was vacant--the office of Inspector was stated to be at his
service, and to await his acceptance.
Entering with alacrity on the duties of his new appointment, he had the
good fortune to be introduced, by Colonel Rowan, to Lieutenant W.
Parlour, at that time superintendent of the Stepney division. This
employment was not only particularly agreeable to Mr. Shipp, from the
military rank of his superior in command, but laid the foundation of a
steady friendship, which terminated only with his death. Mr. Shipp's
talents and qualifications could not remain long unnoticed by the
commissioners; indeed, they had evinced their perfect knowledge of both,
and their desire to protect, encourage, and promote him, from the first
moment of his presenting himself, by their placing him under the command
of Lieutenant Parlour. A few months after Shipp's appointment,
Lieutenant Parlour was made superintendent of the Liverpool constabulary
force; and, on taking leave of his friend, assured him of his sincere
determination to assist in restoring him to a situation of independence
and respectful consideration. An opportunity soon presented itself. A
superintendent for the night watch at Liverpool being required, Parlour
sent an early communication to his friend Shipp, explaining all the
advantages, the amount of salary (L200 per annum), and the respectable
character of the employment; urging him to strain every nerve, turn
every stone, ply every engine, to obtain the vacant place. The very
conspicuous merits of Shipp soon distanced his numerous competitors, and
procured for him the object of his ambition.
As superintendent of the night watch at Liverpool, Mr. Shipp proved
himself a capable and efficient officer. By his intelligence, attention,
excellent management, and gentlemanly manners, he gained the confidence
and esteem, not only of the authorities, but of many individuals of
wealth and consideration in that opulent community.
We have alluded to the fondness for scribbling which had been evinced by
Mr. Shipp, from the period when he undertook the task of writing his
Memoirs. This propensity, so far from diminishing, seemed to gather
strength, till at length it became one of his favourite occupations. On
his first settlement in Liverpool, he contributed gratuitously, to
several of the local papers, tales illustrative of the manners of the
Hindoos. Shortly afterwards he published a rather ponderous volume,
entitled "The Eastern Story Teller:" but it is somewhat remarkable that
the real events of his own life surpassed in interest those which were
the offspring of his imagination.
His propensity for literary composition never interfered with his
responsible duties as an officer. Accustomed to command, and possessing,
from long experience, a thorough knowledge of character, he had the
force under his control in a state of admirable order and discipline.
Nor were there wanting several occasions for the display of that natural
intrepidity which was so striking a concomitant of his character. Though
he had command of a civil force, a military disposition was not
unfrequently required.
It was his duty to "set the watch" at a particular hour each
evening--the time, of course, varying according to the season. After
this it was his habit to take his round in the night, at some hour
casually selected, in order to keep the men alert and vigilant. He
resided in a district of the town called Toxteth Park, which was at that
period infested by gangs of ruffians known by the designation of Park
Bangers. Prior to the passing of the Municipal Act, Liverpool was not
protected by the efficient day and night police that has since been
established; and gangs of lawless individuals were in the habit of
attacking pedestrians, male and female, sometimes for wanton mischief,
and not unfrequently with the view of obtaining plunder. One winter's
morning, Mr. Shipp, having performed a portion of his round, was
returning home with the intention of taking a few hours' sleep, and then
resuming his duty: as he was passing along one of the streets of the
Park, his attention was attracted by a violent whirling of rattles, amid
which he heard the shrieks of a female. He rushed forward in the
direction of the sounds, and, on turning into a retired and respectable
suburban street, saw two of his men fleeing with all the speed that
their heavy habiliments would permit, before four fellows who brandished
heavy bludgeons. A little further on lay a watchman, apparently
insensible, while a couple of ruffians were kneeling over a prostrate
figure on the footwalk. Leaning against the rails for support was a
lady, whose shrieks had now subsided into heart-breaking sobs. Shipp saw
in one instant how matters stood, and he hesitated not for a moment what
course to take. Passing the fugitives and their pursuers, he rushed up
to the fellows who were rifling the man on the footwalk, and, with the
heavy stick which he always carried during his nocturnal perambulations,
laid them both prostrate beside their victim. The remainder of the gang
seeing this, turned from the pursuit of the watchmen, and rushed upon
him; but, calling to the fugitives, he contrived to dart through his
assailants, without receiving any injury save a contusion on the left
shoulder. Another watchman who had heard the rattles, at this moment
came; the two who were running off, hearing their superintendent's
voice, had returned, and all four now faced the gang, who, however,
fearing that the odds would soon be against them, fled, leaving one of
their number a prisoner in the grasp of Mr. Shipp, in addition to the
two whom he had prostrated, and who were then slowly recovering. The
victim of plunder had already recovered his legs. Mr. Shipp now learned
that he was a respectable tradesman of the town, who was returning home
from a Christmas festivity with his wife, when he was assailed by a gang
of thieves, who, finding that he resisted stoutly, struck him to the
ground. The cries of the lady brought the watchmen, one after another,
to the spot. The first was knocked down, and the two others, after
receiving a few blows, were running off in search of more assistance,
when their superintendent arrived in time to prevent the villains from
effecting their object.
Mr. Shipp was one evening taking a glass of wine with a few friends at
the King's Arms, one of the principal inns in Liverpool, when suddenly a
strange tumult was heard in the house, and sounds of feet passing
rapidly along the floors. At first the party took no notice of the
matter; but, a still more strange and unusual sound reaching their ears,
they gazed at each other in silence and amazement. Suspense to Shipp
being always intolerable, he rose at once, and, followed by his
companions, rushed into the passage, which was a spacious apartment.
Here they were met by vociferations of "Go back! go back! Mr. Shipp, and
shut your door." The advice was instantly followed by every one, save
Shipp alone, who, with that firm nerve that enabled him to face death in
various shapes, remained outside, where a melancholy spectacle met his
eyes. In the middle of the hall, just opposite the large window of the
bar, where a crowd of servants had taken refuge, and from whence they
called loudly for help, stood a grey-headed man, apparently about fifty
years of age, who, from his dress, appeared to be a helper in the
stable. In his right hand he grasped a carving-knife; and, while his
face appeared convulsed with the fury of a maniac, he uttered the most
fearful, though incoherent denunciations of vengeance, against any one
who should approach him. At this instant a young woman belonging to the
establishment came tripping down the stairs, whom the maniac perceiving,
he repeated the same fearful cry which had so startled the company in
the parlour, and, raising the knife, rushed at her. Shipp bounded after
him like the lion from his lair, seized his uplifted arm, and, jamming
the madman against the stairs with his knees, wrenched the weapon from
his grasp. The terrified waiter now stepped forward, and assisted in
securing the lunatic, who was immediately conveyed to Bridewell, and
from thence to a proper asylum. He was an old servant of the
establishment, who had on several occasions exhibited symptoms of mental
derangement, which ultimately became confirmed by habits of
intemperance. At length, on the evening in question, his malady had
broken out into decided madness.
Shipp used himself to relate an incident, which has so much the
character of romance, that it must not be omitted. He was seated one
afternoon in an alcove on the green of the hotel at Birkenhead, when, in
the adjoining recess, he overheard a deep masculine voice urging some
tender proposal to a female: and he was about to depart, when he was
struck by the extremely tremulous tones in which the girl refused
compliance. "I cannot consent to go," said she; "it would not be
proper."--"Well, but," replied the man, "I tell you your brother Tom is
to go with us; he has consented to the whole arrangement; the sloop is
in the river now, and we sail with the morning tide at five o'clock.
We're all ready. Tom'll go on board this night; and, as he is fully
expecting you, it will look foolish not to go. We can be married at
Guernsey immediately, you know; and I shall have such a nice cottage for
you; and we shall be as happy as possible."--"And why cannot I go on
board when Tom does?" asked the girl. "Why, you know, dear," replied the
man, with some hesitation, "the agents might board us this evening; and
I should not like them to see us with a woman in the sloop. But come--I
know you are not comfortable with that old aunt of yours; so just steal
out of the house, and be on the watch for us at the slip, at half-past
one. I shall have the boat waiting at one, close to the slip at
George's Pier; the tide will be running in; I will pull over, and take
you on board in a jiffy; and then away we go for beautiful Guernsey." A
few more low sounds of tender entreaty followed, and then the girl
seemed to yield a reluctant consent. The man, observing that she was
faint, proposed that she should walk on the green and take the air.
Shipp had then an opportunity of observing the pair. The girl was a
pretty, graceful, innocent-looking creature, about twenty-two years of
age. The man was a tall, swarthy, good-looking fellow, apparently a
master in the merchant service. Shipp at once recognized him as an
individual who had been, a few weeks before, convicted before the
magistrates of Liverpool for smuggling, and heavily fined. By
representation to the board, the fine had been considerably mitigated.
Shortly afterward, as Shipp was passing along the pier to the packet, he
again passed the lovers, who were just separating. "Remember half-past
one," said the man.--"I will," replied the girl, firmly; "tell brother
Tom I shall scold him when I come on board, for not coming over to see
me." The packet was moving from the pier, and the man stepped on board
at the same moment as Mr. Shipp. The former was almost immediately
accosted with great warmth by an individual, who pressed forward to meet
him. The two shook hands familiarly, the friend exclaiming, "Ah!
Captain, how are you? I haven't seen you this age. How's your wife?--is
she in Liverpool?"--"No," replied the other, "I left her at home in
Whitehaven three weeks ago, quite well and happy, thank you."--"And who
is that pretty girl whom you've just parted with? I'll tell your wife,
you rogue, the next time I see her. She ought to be jealous of
you."--"Oh," replied the captain, "she is sister to a new acquaintance
of mine; I've just been bidding her good-bye, as we sail to-morrow
morning."
Shipp now became interested in the event, as he was convinced that some
plot had been contrived, which would, in all probability, be fatal to
the happiness of an innocent girl. When the passengers landed, he
followed close to the man of whose proceedings he had become so
strangely cognizant. As if fate had determined to let him into the whole
secret, scarcely had the smuggler parted from the friend whom he had met
in the packet, when he encountered a young man whom he addressed by the
familiar appellation of Tom. "I've just left your sister," said he;
"she's quite well--sends her love to you, and all that sort of thing,
and wonders you have not been to see her. I told her you were going to
Birmingham:--by the way, when do you start?"--"At five o'clock; but I
wanted to see you before I went--how lucky I met you!"
Shipp heard no more, for he stood pondering on all that had passed under
his notice, irresolute how to act. His first thought was to return
immediately to Cheshire, and inform the young woman of the precipice on
which she stood. A moment's reflection convinced him of the
impracticability of this attempt, for he knew not her name or residence.
His next impulse was to follow the brother, and inform him of the snare
which had been laid for his sister. He turned, and followed in the
direction which the pair had taken, but he was unable to find them. His
next resolve, though not perhaps the most prudent that could have been
adopted, was exceedingly accordant with his character and disposition.
It was his habit, when going his nightly rounds, to wear a rough
overcoat of coarse blue cloth, and a broad-brimmed varnished hat,
similar to those frequently worn by boatmen. Dressed in this guise, a
few minutes before one o'clock, in the morning succeeding the afternoon
just adverted to, he walked along George's Pier. The night was moonless,
but not dark. The river was almost unruffled, though the faint light
cast by the stars into the atmosphere was reflected in long lines upon
the slight swell of the incoming tide. As he approached the steps, he
discerned a boat in which four men were seated. His quick eye
discovered that, as he had hoped, it was not a ship's boat, but one of
the regular river craft. He began to descend the steps, when one of the
boatmen exclaimed, "Is that you, Captain?"--"No," replied Shipp, coolly
stepping into the boat, and seating himself in her bows, "but he'll be
here immediately." The men, thinking he had been sent by the person who
had employed them, made no remark. Presently footsteps were heard
passing rapidly along the pier; the Captain, as the men called him,
descended the steps, sprung into the boat, and, not observing Shipp, or,
if he did so, thinking, from his position and appearance, that he was
one of the regular crew, ordered the men to "push off, and pull away
with a will." The men pulled with lusty sinews, and, in about half an
hour, laid the boat alongside the pier at Birkenhead. "Holla!" exclaimed
one of the boatmen, as their employer lifted a female into the boat, "is
it a woman, Captain? this ought to be double pay, at least."--"Hold your
tongue, man," replied the Captain, "and pull away for the sloop: I'll
steer, for I know where she lies." The men again tugged hard at the
oars, being as anxious as their employer to finish their job. Though the
tide was now against them, another half hour of labour brought the boat
alongside a small but handsome vessel, which was riding at anchor in the
stream. "Hold fast, men," said the Captain, springing up the side of the
sloop and gaining her deck; "stand by to help the lady, and then come on
board and take a glass of grog, and be paid."--"Ay, ay, sir," was the
ready response. It was now Shipp's turn to act. Stepping quickly to the
stern of the boat he exclaimed loudly, "Let go, men, and pull ashore
this instant. Young woman, you are deceived: this man is married: he has
a wife at Whitehaven, and your brother is not on board his sloop."--"And
who are you, Sir," exclaimed the master of the sloop, "that dare to
interfere in my affairs?" "I am one of the police-officers of
Liverpool," replied Shipp, "and I take this lady under my
protection."--"If she chooses to come into my vessel," said the master,
in a voice hoarse with passion, "I presume your interference is cursed
impertinent and uncalled for. You wish to come on board, Mary, don't
you?"--"Not if this be true," sobbed the girl; "if you are not deceiving
me, call brother Tom; you said he would be here."--"I tell you," said
Shipp, "your brother has gone to Birmingham, and you were on the point
of being ruined. Let go, men, or it will be worse for you!" Hearing
this, the boat-hook was instantly loosed, and the tide swept the boat
from the sloop's side in a moment. "And are we to lose our money?" said
one of the boatmen, as he reluctantly put out his oar; "we were to have
had thirty shillings for this job."--"I will pay you," said Shipp.
"Huzza!" exclaimed the boatmen, "pull away, my hearties!" As they rowed
to the pier, Shipp related to the girl all that he had witnessed and
overheard on the preceding day. "God bless you, Sir!" said she; "from
what misery you have saved me!" On the following day the girl returned
to her aunt, and, shortly afterwards, her brother called upon Shipp, and
thanked him fervently for the great service he had rendered.
In the month of May, 1833, the office of governor of the workhouse at
Liverpool became vacant by the death of Mr. Hardman, who had for many
years filled that situation. The special vestry, after mature
deliberation, decided upon recommending Mr. Hewett, master of St.
Andrew's, Holborn, London. The recommendation was, that Mr. Hewett and
his wife should be governor and matron, at the joint salary of L300 per
annum. As the situation was a very desirable one--a handsome residence,
with all the necessaries, comforts, and even luxuries of life being
provided, in addition to the salary--a host of candidates (no less than
thirty-seven) were quickly in the field. Amongst those who sought the
office was Mr. Shipp; and, though he came rather late to the goal, he
pursued the contest with his accustomed energy and perseverance.
On the 23rd of May, 1833, a special vestry was held for the purpose of
nominating candidates and electing a person to fill the office. Mr.
Hewett, who was backed by the most influential men of the select vestry,
was nominated by two of the members of that body, amid many expressions
of disapprobation. Other individuals were nominated by their respective
friends; but they were but coldly received. At length Mr. Venables, a
barrister of high standing and respectability, proposed John Shipp, with
a glowing eulogium on his character and qualifications. The nomination
was received with loud and reiterated cheers. Mr. Hall, also an eminent
barrister, afterwards a magistrate at Bow Street, seconded the
nomination. The show of hands being greatly in favour of Mr. and Mrs.
Shipp, a poll was demanded on behalf of the other individuals nominated.
On the following morning, at ten o'clock, the polling commenced at the
Sessions House, in Chapel Street. It was soon evident that Mr. Hewett,
the candidate recommended by the select vestry, had not the slightest
chance of success; and that gentleman accordingly resigned, an hour or
two after the opening of the poll. A contest unparalleled in elections
of this description followed between Mr. Shipp and Mr. Haram, who, with
a certain class, was the favourite candidate, though the popular voice
was for Mr. Shipp. The town was canvassed in every quarter, and placards
covered the walls in all directions, as at a parliamentary election. At
the close of the first day, Haram was upwards of 140 ahead of his
opponent. On the second day, Shipp brought up his lee-way, and at the
close of the poll on Monday he was upwards of 300 ahead. On Tuesday
morning Haram resigned the contest; and thus the election terminated in
favour of Mr. Shipp, whose majority was 352.
We now find Mr. Shipp in a position of comparative affluence, which
unfortunately he did not live long to enjoy. He was installed in his new
office of governor of the workhouse, at the end of May, 1833. Soon
after this he published a work called "The Private Soldier," a volume
which did equal honour to his head and heart, and evinced his ardent
love for that profession in which he had spent the best years of his
life. He was still pressed by embarrassments, to the increase of which
his literary speculations had in no slight degree contributed. The
emoluments of his new situation, had he survived, would have enabled him
to fulfil all his engagements, and make some provision for his family;
but he enjoyed the comforts of the competency which had been bestowed
upon him only a few months. In the February of 1834, he was suddenly
seized with an attack of pleurisy, which terminated his existence after
a few days of excruciating agony. He died on Thursday, the 27th of
February, at the age of fifty-two, and was interred on the following
Tuesday, in the chapel of St. Mary's cemetery. His funeral was attended
by a vast number of his friends, as well as by all the inmates of the
workhouse.
As Mr. Shipp had been greatly esteemed in Liverpool during his life,
much sympathy was excited on behalf of his widow; and, as soon as it was
known that her husband had died insolvent, a subscription was thought of
for her relief. The gentleman who promoted, with the greatest zeal, the
benevolent intentions of the public on behalf of the sorrowing widow,
was Mr. William Parlour, whose name occurs in a former part of this
Memoir. Through his instrumentality a meeting of Mr. Shipp's friends was
called, at which it was resolved that a subscription should be opened;
and in a few days L600 were collected. In addition to this liberal
amount, a gentleman who held a bill of sale, including the chattel
property of the deceased, made the widow a present of all the furniture
which had reverted to him--a gift then valued at L200. This timely
generosity--a tribute to the high character of her late husband, and to
her own exemplary conduct--sustained the widow and her fatherless
family, until that Providence, which never deserts the deserving, placed
her in a situation less profitable, but not dissimilar to her former
avocation.
THE END.
[Illustration]
APPENDIX.
NO. I.
_Certificate of Major-General Gregory, attesting that Lieutenant Shipp
led the Three Forlorn Hopes against Bhurtpore._
I hereby certify that Lieutenant John Shipp served with me in the
campaign of 1802, 3, 4, and 5, and that I was frequently an eyewitness
to his heroic and gallant conduct, more particularly in leading the
three forlorn hopes against Bhurtpore, in the year 1805.
(Signed) J.S. GREGORY,
_Dinapore, 16th Nov., 1824._ _Major-General_.
NO. II.
_Copy of a Letter from the Commanding-Officer of the 76th Regiment,
addressed to Lieutenant Shipp, on his quitting that Regiment, in 1808._
Dear Sir,--I cannot permit you to leave the regiment without expressing
my regret on your retiring from a service wherein you have acquitted
yourself with so much benefit to your country, and honour to your own
reflection. Your heroic conduct upon several trying occasions in India,
but more particularly at Deig and Bhurtpore (the marks of which you
bear), will long continue in the remembrance of your brother-officers.
Whatever may be your future pursuits in life, be assured you carry with
you my best esteem, and I shall be proud and happy to hear of your
welfare; and, should your restoration to health enable you again to
assume the duties of a soldier, I am confident your zeal and spirit will
add new laurels to the service of your country.
Wishing you every happiness, believe me to be, dear sir, most
respectfully and truly yours,
(Signed) JOHN COVELL,
_Major, commanding the 76th Regiment._
_Grouville, Jersey, 14th March, 1808._
No. III.
_Official Certificate, that Lieutenant Shipp served with the 87th
Regiment during the Second Campaign of the Goorkha War, when the
Enemy's position at Chirecah Ghattie was turned, and afterwards,
when the Enemy was defeated on the Heights of Muckwanpore. Also,
that Lieutenant Shipp served with the Left Division of the Grand
Army during the Mahratta and Pindaree War of 1817-18._
These are to certify, that Lieutenant John Shipp, of His Majesty's 87th
regiment of Foot, served with that corps during the second campaign of
the Goorkha war, and was attached to the light company of his regiment,
which formed part of the advanced-guard of the division under the
command of Major-General Sir David Ochterlony, Bart., G.C.B., when the
enemy's position, at the pass of Chirecah Ghattie, was turned; and
afterwards, when the enemy was defeated in a general attack on the
heights of Muckwanpore.
Lieutenant Shipp's conduct on the last occasion was much extolled,
having, in personal conflict, with one of the enemy's Sirdars, destroyed
him, when charging the light company on its ascending the hill of
Muckwanpore.
Lieutenant Shipp also served with his regiment at the siege of Hattrass;
and, being one of the first to enter the gate of that fortress, in
endeavouring to intercept the rajah and the garrison, then in the act of
abandoning the place, he received a wound in the hand.
Lieutenant Shipp afterwards served with the left division of the grand
army under the Marquis of Hastings, during the Mahratta and Pindaree war
of 1817-18, and was present at the several sieges in which the left
division was employed, as well as in the pursuit of the Pindarees.
(Signed) W.L. WATSON,
_Major, Assistant-Adjutant-General with the Troops
on the occasions above cited._
_Calcutta, 6th Nov., 1824._
No. IV.
_Attestation from Major-General Watson, in favour of Lieutenant
Shipp's general conduct._
I hereby certify that I knew Mr. Shipp when in the army in the year
1817, at which time he was on my staff, in the East Indies; that I had
frequent opportunities of observing his character and conduct, and can
with truth say, I never knew a more active or zealous officer. I always
found him strictly honest, gentlemanlike, kind, and grateful, possessing
docility of manners and nice feelings.
(Signed) JAMES WATSON,
_Major-General_.
_Denton, Whitby, March 14, 1827._
No. V.
_Certificate from Major-General Newberry, of Lieutenant Shipp's
conduct during the Pindaree Campaign._
Certified: that I have known Lieutenant Shipp since the year 1813. He
was in the 24th Dragoons with me, and was baggage-master to the left
division of the grand army during the Pindaree campaign. I always found
him a most brave, active, and zealous officer. He was a volunteer on my
staff when the left division fell in with an immense body of those
marauders, on the 14th of March, 1818; on that occasion Lieutenant Shipp
cut two of their men down.
(Signed) J. NEWBERRY,
_Major-General_.
No. VI.
_Copy of a Letter from the Honourable the Directors of the East
India Company, granting Lieutenant Shipp a Pension, in consideration
of his Services and Wounds._
_East India House, 27th January, 1826._
Sir,--Your letter of the 4th November, 1825, has been laid before the
Court of Directors of the East India Company, and I am commanded to
acquaint you that, adverting to the circumstance of your not having
derived the benefit of their resolution of the year 1809, to appoint you
a cadet in the Company's service, and in consideration of the
conspicuous gallantry which you have displayed on so many occasions, and
of the wounds received by you in the course of your service in India,
the Court have resolved that, as a mark of their favourable notice, you
be granted a pension of fifty pounds per annum, commencing from
Christmas last.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) J. DART,
_Lieutenant John Shipp_, _Secretary._
_British Coffee-House, Cockspur Street._
No. VII.
_Extract of a Letter, written by Captain Gully, 87th Regiment, to
Sir Antony Butter, Bart., Lord Chief Justice of Calcutta, recommending
Lieutenant Shipp to his Lordship's favourable Notice._
My dear Sir Antony,--From the very great regard I had for Lieutenant
Shipp, formerly of the 87th regiment, who was unfortunately dismissed
the service a short time since, but, in consequence of his general good
conduct as an officer and a gentleman, was recommended for the half-pay,
which was granted him, I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in
asking your assistance, should it be in your power, in getting him some
situation which would contribute towards his maintenance.
He has left us much regretted by, I may say, all the officers of the
corps. His conduct, previous to the unfortunate court-martial, was that
of a brave soldier, a steady friend, and an upright, honest man; and I
am convinced, should it be in your power to procure him a situation,
that he will fill it with the greatest exactness.
Believe me to remain, &c. &c.,
(Signed) W.L. GULLY.
_Berhampore, 16th Dec., 1824._
UNWIN BROTHERS, THE GRESHAM PRESS, CHILWORTH AND LONDON.