"There is at present in the Middlesex Hospital, a young, and delicate female, who calls herself Miss T—lb—t, and who is said to be related to some families of distinction; her story is very singular:—At an early period of her life, having been deprived by the villany of a trustee, of a sum of money bequeathed her by a deceased relation of high rank, she followed the fortunes of a young Naval officer, to whom she was attached, and personated a common sailor before the mast, during a cruise in the North Seas. In consequence of a lover's quarrel, she quitted the ship and assumed for a time the military character: but her passion for the sea prevailing, she returned to her favourite element, did good service, and received a severe wound, on board Earl St. Vincent's ship, on the glorious 14th of February, and again bled in the cause of her country, in the engagement off Camperdown. On this last occasion her knee was shattered, and an amputation is likely to ensue. This spirited female, we understand, receives a pension of £20, from an illustrious Lady, which is about to be doubled." (Times, Nov. 4, 1799.)
In 1793, the war with France, which was, on and off, to last so long, was an accomplished fact—and one of the first notices thereof, at least, pictorially, makes fun of the good intentions of the patriotic ladies of England, towards the personal comforts of the army.
British Ladies Patriotic Presents to the Army.—1793.
Men were most urgently wanted—but it had hardly come to the following:—
"Major Hanger has made a proposal to Government, rather of a singular nature, to raise a corps of men, from among the convicts. He has received his answer, that, at present, Government can give no countenance to his application." But it did come.—(Times, March 23, 1793.)
"We have already mentioned that a number of convicts in Newgate, under sentence of transportation, have within the last few days, been permitted to enter into marching regiments. The crown debtors in the various prisons, have received similar offers."—(Times, Oct. 9, 1795.)
"The French Emigrants, who are to serve in the legion now assembling at Jersey, have received orders to keep themselves ready, at a short notice, to repair to their destinations. About 400, have enlisted in town, and between 500, and 600, at Jersey."—(Times, Jan. 29, 1794.)
Here is a very early Notice of Volunteers:—
"We are happy to hear that the Grand Juries of the different counties, intend to recommend the forming Volunteer Companies, to augment the Militia. The Grand Jury, at Reading, greatly approved this measure, and the sum of 14, or £1500, has already been subscribed, at that place, for carrying it into effect."—(Times, March 8, 1794.)