Monument in Kingston Parish Church, Jamaica commemorating Midshipman Edward Baker d. 1796
Location
St Thomas Church, Kingston, Jamaica, Rest of the World
Transcript
'Near this spot, in the adjoining cemetery, are deposited the remains of Edward BAKER, Midshipman in the Royal Navy of Great Britain, second son of William BAKER of Bayfordbury, in the County of Hereford, by Sophia, third daughter of John Conyers, late of Copped Hall in the County of Essex. A youth whose rare endowments by nature, improved by education, and confirmed by the example and instruction of his Commander, Commodore John Thomas DUCKWORTH, gave the fairest promise to his country (had it pleased the Almighty to spare his life), of a distinguished Christian hero, and truly valuable man, initiated in the profession of his choice. With these advantages, he served on board the 'Orion', in the memorable action of the 3d June 1794, and shared, with singular merit, in the glories of that important day. With equal gallantry, but less propitious fortune, under the same respectable officer, on the 21st March 1796, he was engaged in the attack made by the 'Leviathan' and 'Africa', on the Forts of Leogane, in the Island of St. Domingo, but yielding, alas! to the fatigues of that disastrous service, succeeded by the prevailing malady of the climate, he closed a brilliant career of honour and virtue, in the 17th year of his age. If hard indeed was his lot, and premature his fall, deprived in that aweful moment of the consoling care of his dearest relatives, yet happy at least in this, that with faculties unimpaired, and hopeful of the bliss which awaited him, he breathed his last in the arms of his protector and friend, and was attended to the grave, by the unfeigned tears, and heartfelt sighs of the companions of his naval fortunes-the zealous admirers of his excellence and character. Nat. Vo. die Septembris MDCCLXXIX OB. XXI die Aprilis MDCCXCCVI Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata neq. ultra Esse sinent. Si qua fata aspera rumpas Tu Marcellus eris!' [Churchyard] 'Edward BAKER, Midshipman R.N., Born Sep 1779: OB 21 Apl 1796'
Details
Event
San Domingo
Event Date
1796
Event Category
1793-1802 French Revolutionary War
People
Age: 17
Date of Death: 21/4/1796
Cause of Death: Infectious disease
Rank / Occupation: Midshipman RN
Organisation: Royal Navy