Captain Edward Hawkins RN

Captain Edward Hawkins lived in Duncan House Saltash (next to the Guildhall), he was Superintendent of the prison ships from 1808 until his retirement in 1814.

Captain Hawkins lived on board the Brave, a prison hulk moored in the Hamoaze, with his prisoners between 1809 and 1812, "He proved to be fair and humane in his dealings with the captives, but tough enough to deal with mutinous uprisings and was held in high regard.

On January 1st 1813 the prison ships in commission were the "Brave", the "El Firme", the "Hector", the "Generaux", the L'Oiseau", the "San Ysidro", the "San Nicolas", the "Ganges" and the "Le Caton". The "Europe" was brought back into service in September 1813 and the "Bienfaisant" the following month.

Saltash Captain’s 1810 tea set auctioned for £330

THE SILVER tea set which was presented to the Saltash Naval Captain, Edward Hawkins by Danish prisoners-of-war in 1810 was sold in Plymouth yesterday for £330.

It was bought by a local purchaser, who intends to keep it for a private collection.

The tea set is inscribed with the words: "To Captain Edward Hawkins of the British Navy, this small mark of esteem and gratitude.

Sentiments universally produced by his disinterested kindness towards Danish Prisoners of War under his Care is respectfully presented by a few of their countrymen.

London, November. 1810”.

Each piece of the set is engraved in 'Danish and English.

"Humanity softens the Miseries of War."

The set was one of 500 lots auctioned by Mr. Peter Woods, for Taylor Son and Creber, at their Western Auction Rooms in North Hill, Plymouth. The sale, which lasted most of the day, attracted much interest and buyers from all over the West-country.

Among the other lots of Georgian silver from the same private collection as the tea set were:-

1746 Punch ladle which made £34

Candle snuffer of 1812, £47.50

Chamber candle stick £100

3oz cream jug of 1731 £94

Small beaker of 1729 weighing 1½oz £60

Hot water jug made by John Schofield £310

Pair of fine quality sauce boats of 1824 £470

Salver of 1769 £145

Oval tray of 1805 £170

Oval nutmeg grater £17

18 carat diamond ring £200

3 stone diamond ring £200

6 reproduction Chippendale dining chairs £96

Derby plate £31

Violin £30

Flintlock pistol £50

5 Chinese vases £76

Copper kettle £14