• Held At: West Sussex Record Office
• Reference Number: Parham/2/3/2/5
• Accession Number: 08285
• Document Order #: Parham 2/3/2/5
• Ref No: Parham/2/3/2/5
• Date: 1799-1813
• Level: Item
• Extent: 89 letters
• Description: Family events and travel abroad. Many letters from 1812-1813 relate to Cecil Bisshopp's military service in Upper Canada during the War of 1812, fighting against the United States:
  f.14/60 - To his father, 5th January 1813, short letter referring to lack of news from England and to Shoreham Election.
  f.14/61 - To his sister Harriett Anne Curzon, expresses disappointment at not seeing her before his departure for Canada and agreeing to be godfather to her child.
  f.14/62 - brief letter to his mother Lady Bisshopp prior to departure for Canada.
  f.14/63 - To his brother-in-law, Robert Curzon, written from Quebec, 16th October 1812. Referring to his long journey by ship, the need for reinforcements from England and his expectation that he will be posted to Upper Canada and the Lakes. Also requesting news from Europe.
  f.14/64 - To his brother-in-law, Robert Curzon, written from Fort George, Niagara, 4th November 1812. Describing his journey from Montreal and the military situation, mentioning the shortage of troops, the temporary Armistice with the Americans and referring to the Battle of Queenston Heights and the death of Major-General Isaac Brock.
  f.14/65 - To his brother-in-law, Robert Curzon, written from Fort Erie, 20th December 1812. Referring to events following the Battle of Frenchman's Creek on 28th November 1812, his concern for news from England, his frustration with the (British) Government for the lack of support for the war in North America and failure to send troops. Also discussing his own responsibilities and daily habits.
  f.14/66 - To Lady Saltoun, written from Fort Erie, 24th March 1813. Complaining of the society he keeps in Upper Canada, how he misses London and looks forward to news from England, long delays in receiving correspondence, his enjoyment of the climate, the lack of female company, desire to travel around the United States and other matters.
  f.14/67 - To his father, Sir Cecil, written from Fort Erie, 17th May 1813. Discussing the settlement of debts back home, requests for items to be sent and updates on the progress of the war, including mention of the plunder of York (now Toronto) by the Americans and the victory of General Henry Proctor over General William Henry Harrison, presumably at the Battle of the Miami Rapids during the siege of Fort Meigs.
  f.14/68 - To his father, Sir Cecil, written from Lake Ontario, 8th June 1813. Recounting recent events in the war, following the attack on Fort George, the evacuation of Fort Erie, the joining of troops and the surprise attack on the Americans at the Battle of Stoney Creek. Giving his thoughts on military matters, the situation in Canada, and his hopes and plans for his return to England.
  f.14/69 - To his mother, Lady Harriett Anne Bisshopp, 14th June 1813. Giving details of the Battle of Stoney Creek, his concerns over his absence from England and finances, desire to return and other matters.
  f.14/70 - To his father, Sir Cecil, 25th June 1813. A note by the date reads 'His birthday the last on Earth!!!' Referring to the victory at the Battle of Beaver Dams, won by First Nations/Native American warriors fighting on the British side. Relating his military success to his father gaining a Peerage; this presumably relates to his father's efforts to claim the Barony of Zouche, to which he was heir through his mother (He became the 12th Baron Zouche in 1815).
  f.14/71 - To his brother-in-law, Robert Curzon, 29th June 1813. Describing the Battle of Beaver Dams in detail, his satisfaction at capturing Lieutenant Colonel Boerstler of the US army and thoughts on the future of the war and his own plans. A note records that the day this letter arrived, 19th September 1813, was also the day the family received news of Cecil's death.
  f.14/87 - (Fragment) - to his mother, Lady Harriett Anne Bisshopp, Winter 1812/1813. Describing dining arrangements and evening routine in quarters, thoughts on the war, financial concerns, desire for an opportunity for military achievement to 'ensure the Peerage', references to shortage of military equipment and to losing Shoreham election.
  
• Terms:Transatlantic Ties
• 

• Access Status: Open
• Access Conditions: Please note that a part of this record has been digitised for the Transatlantic Ties project and can be viewed here: http://www.transatlantic-ties.org/
• Finding Aids: Bundle 14
• Digital Copy:Online digital surrogate available
• Contact: West Sussex Record Office,

This document forms part of a catalogue