Irvine, Charles (1756-1819) to Alexander Irvine
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.023.14 Author/Creator: Irvine, Charles (1756-1819) Place Written: York Island, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 December 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that his regiment has moved from Staten Island to York Island and have been there a month. He is very comfortable. Regrets that Balfour (a soldier returning home who delivered his last letter) could not visit Alexander. Reports that three of the regiment captains' are prisoners, one at Halifax, and the others at home. He and one other captain remain with the regiment but the duties are easier than on Staten Island where they had many detachments. Fears he may miss getting this letter to the packet boat. Anticipates news from Gibraltar. If the British are successful, he hopes the war will be done. Gives love to family and friends and advises Alexander to tell them he will write soon. Spain's objective in joining the war was to get Gibraltar back from the British but after the Battle of Cape Spartel (Morocco) on 20 October 1782, the British still remained in control. Charles Irvine was a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary War.
Charles Irvine served in the British Army for fifteen years before going on half pay. But he soon returned, and eventually rose to the rank of major general.
Alexander Irvine was the Eighteenth Laird of Drum. He was involved in a number of financial squabbles during his early life.
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