| Notes |
- See will at:
http://www.jamaicanfamilysearch.com/Members/wills-09.htm
David Arathoon (davidarathoonstudio@sympatico.ca) writes: Launce's father was Duncan Campbell of Argyll, Scotland who married twice...firstly: Rebecca Campbell ( I think a cousin from Jamaica where her family had plantations; Blackriver Saltsprings etc. and secondly: my line Mary Mumford. Duncan my 5x grt grandfather, was known as the 'Hulk overseer of the Thames' and had contracts to take convicts to Sydney/Jamaica and maybe some slaves too. Later William become Gov General of New South Wales.
It is unknown precisely how Duncan became a convict contractor to North America, and how he made his decisions. But ten years after he left the navy, twenty years after he matriculated, he was partner of one of London's largest convict contractors, John Stewart, who regularly ran ships to North America, and who probably took space on ships to Portugal... but who did not run ships to Jamaica. As far as can be found, Campbell became the only British convict contractor who also regularly ran ships directly to Jamaica from London. Campbell ceased to transport convict to North America (Virginia and Maryland) in 1775. He was Overseer of Thames Prison Hulks, 1776-1803.
He hired Capt William Bligh his relation (Uncle-in-law of Captain William Bligh) to work for him. (Duncan Campbell originally owned the Ship Bounty). Below is Bligh's letter to Duncan Campbell, The Mrs. Campbell mentioned is Rebecca Campbell, Duncan's first wife, and Betsy is their niece.
Duncan Campbell, was the father of thirteen children
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Duncan Campbell (1726 -1803) son of Rev. Dr. Neil and Henrietta Campbell. Ship Captain, merchant and between 1776-1801 Duncan was also a contractor of the Thames River prison Hulks. He was married twice first to Rebecca Campbell at Saltspring Hanover in Jamaica. They had eight children . He then married Mary Mumford of Kent. (Source: Handbook of Jamaica 1923 pg. 668)
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Letter #2: Letter to Duncan Campbell
Batavia Octr. 13th. 1789
Dear Sir
By the account that I enclose to you, you will see what hardships and difficulties I have undergone since I had the happyness to see you. What Mans situation could be so peculiarly flattering as mine twelve hours before the Revolt. I had a Ship in most perfect order and well stored with every necessary both for service and health-by early attention to those particulars I had acted against the power of chance in case I could not get through Endeavor Streights, as well as against any accident that might befall me in them, & to add to this I had most successfully got my Plants in a flourishing & fine order, so that upon the whole the Voyage was 3/1 completed & the remaining part no way doubtful. Every person was in the most perfect health, to establish which I had taken the greatest pains & bore a most anxious care through the whole course of the Voyage.
It will very naturally be asked what could be the reason for such a revolt, in answer to which I can only conjecture that they have Ideally assured themselves of a more happy life among the Otaheiteans than they could possibly have in England, which joined to female Connections, has most likely been the leading cause of the whole busyness.
My health has been much impaired but conscious of my honor and integrity with aself acquittal of every particle of disgrace It has buoyed my Spirits up in a most amazing degree-I have done more than ever Mandid-No Man shares with me in what honors I may receive, for I have none that merit it, they however shall never bear any part of my misfortune. I have saved their lives most miraculously & now to save my own I am obliged to fly from Batavia in the Packet which sails on the 15th. and leave all my people behind me except my Clerk & Servant. I have been since here almost dead with a fever, but it seems to be at present tolerably removed. I am still however in a precarious state & scarce can write to you my head is so distracted, the sea air I hope will again reestablish my health.
I leave this account to be transmitted to you by the next Ship that sails but I hope to arrive in England long before it. Should it please God not to give me' life to return let it be remembered there is no one here that is deserving of any attention from their country but my Clerk who has shewn much resolution & behaved well-also a Young Man a Mr. Hayward, but let this remain among ourselves until I return or not.
I think I see you feel for my situation but let it be in no other point than for my health-My Character & honor is spotless when examined, & I shall stand to be tried disspising mercy or forgiveness if it can be found I have been guilty even of an error in Judgement-Happy it is for me that my Clerk while I was bound, saved my Journals & every kind of Voucher, but every thing else was lost.
I write to my Dear Mrs. Bligh to your care also by this opportunity but she will require some information from you. My head is now distracted- I hope You & Mrs. Campbell enjoy perfect health & that I shall see you with all the family enjoying every felicity Give my kind respects & love to them all & believe me my Dear Sir Your most Affectionate Hrble Servt.
Wm Bligh
Duncan Campbell Esqr
Adelphi
London
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Peter Dickson writes: After John Campbell of Salt Spring's death in 1782, Duncan Campbell became the plantation's owner by a Jamaica Cancery judgement [1787] for debts due of
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1726 - 1803 (77 years)
