Author:
The Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767-1820), son of King George III and father of Queen Victoria [ Lieut-Col. Robert Lethbridge, 60th Regiment of Foot; Gibraltar Garrison Mutiny, 1802 ]
Publication details:
Gibraltar. 31 October 1802.
A strict disciplinarian, the Duke was appointed Governor of Gibraltar in March 1802 and, as this letter describes, immediately set about dealing with what he considered the various abuses of the Garrison. His harsh discipline would precipitate a mutiny by soldiers in his own and the 25th Regiment on Christmas Eve 1802. The Duke of York, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, would recall him in May 1803 after receiving reports of the mutiny, but despite this direct order he would refuse to return to England until his successor arrived.