X/POOLE/486
LETTER: Robert Hamilton late Brevet Major and Captain in half pay of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot to the Hon. Earl of Harrington Dublin. He writes from Caernarfon Gaol. Apologises for the intrusion. He served in the American War in the 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot commanded by Sir John Sebright, Bart. He later served in Gibraltar under Lord Heath and was there promoted to the rank of Brevet-major. Ill-health forced him to sell out and retire on half pay to North Wales. He continued like this for a few years in the hope that the Duke of Kent would use his interest to help him in some way. He had a great loss when his nephew, the late Col. Arthur Henry Irvine of the York Huzars died. Had he lived he would have provided for his uncle through his interest with the Duke of York. He was arrested a few weeks ago for debt and put in Caernarfon Gaol. His only hope is that some generals or officers in the army will assist an old field officer. He adds that if he remains in prison much longer it will kill him "being born and bred a gentleman". He is now 60 years old and served the King for 40 years. He has nothing else but his half pay to subsist on, and feels sure that if his case were known some old friends or officers might come to his aid.
Cyngor Gwynedd