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CURTIS, Roger (1748-1816) : A 1 Page 4to Letter to William. Porter. Smith, Signed and Dated 22 April 1807

Curtis writes in response to a request for a reference/testimonial in respect of his duties as a storeman at the Cape of Good Hope. He mentions that he and Admiral Gambier are very busy in their office, and promises to consult him when next they meet. He asks Smith to write him a short letter "desiring me to state my opinion of the mannerin which you executed your duty at the Cape.....". A scarce letter connecting this noted naval personality with the first British Occupation at the Cape. Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, 1st Baronet, GCB (4 June 1746 – 14 November 1816) was an officer of the British Royal Navy, who saw action in several battles during an extensive career that was punctuated by a number of highly controversial incidents. Curtis served during the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars and was highly praised in the former conflict for his bravery under fire at the Great Siege of Gibraltar, where he saved several hundred Spanish lives at great risk to his own. His career suffered however in the aftermath of the Glorious First of June, when he was heavily criticised for his conduct by several influential figures, including Cuthbert Collingwood. His popularity fell further due to his involvement in two highly controversial courts-martial, those of Anthony Molloy in 1795 and James Gambier in 1810. Ultimately Curtis' career stalled as more popular and successful officers secured active positions; during the Napoleonic Wars, Curtis was relegated to staff duties ashore, initially at Cape Town between 1800 and 1803, which he reportedly hated., and did not see action. He died in 1816,

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