Irvine, Charles (1756-1819) to Alexander Irvine
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.023.17 Author/Creator: Irvine, Charles (1756-1819) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 August 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Written to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland. He fears being reduced to half pay in the army because the war is just about over. Indicates that he will try to get an exchange to another post as soon as he gets to London, as he is not suited to a life of half pay. Many men will be attempting the same so he will have to be prompt. He was pleased to hear that his finances are in good order, as that will help him in getting an exchange. Believes that if a officer takes half pay, he can forget about ever serving again. Asks about whether Lord Erroll's estate has been sold because then he will have plenty of money for the exchange. Requests that he tell Mr. Moir about his plans. Gives love to family and friends. 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.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.