The Commissioning of Ensign William Buckley in the 29th Reg’t, 1776
During the 18th Century, commissions and subsequent promotions were primarily obtained by purchase. The system of purchase in the British army began around 1700 and ended in 1871. In addition to having funds available for the purchase, sponsorship or “interest” by someone with influence with the War Office (all commissions were approved by the King) was required. A recent article available on-line, by G. W. Allen (Allen, 1998) presents a history of the system of purchase, and also discusses its purpose and why it persisted. It should be noted that the commissions of Navy and Royal Artillery Officers were not obtained by purchase.
Mr. William Buckley of Thornton, in 1775 sought a commission in the British Army, and a series of letters recorded in a letter book of Basil Fielding 6th Earl of Denbigh (Balterston and Syrett, 1975) provide information regarding the means by which his commission was procured. The cost of an Ensign’s commission in 1781 was about 400 £ (Balterston and Syrett, 1975), or about $35-$65,000 US (Officer and Williamson, 2006), although it is not stated exactly how much he paid; it does appear that he purchased the commission from the Crown. There was a substantial black market in commissions, and the cost of a commission in desirable Regiments could be much higher than the official government price (Allen, 1998). The following letters to and from the Earl of Denbigh (Balterston and Syrett, 1975) provide a view of the “interest” and other requirements made upon his father and supporters in order to obtain his commission.
"To Joseph Johnson (from the Earl of Denbigh)
South Street Jan. 22. 1776
Sir
It is with great pleasure I can assure you that Government looks with particular approbation on the humanity & public spirit exerted by you and your Body Corporate & several more of your friends & neighbours in contributing so liberally towards the relief of the distressed Widows & Orphans of those brave Men who have fallen or may fall in the service of their Country in America. Mr. William Buckley whom your Corporation recommended so strongly to my protection some time ago having signified a particular inclination for the Army I applied to Lord Barrington in his behalf who has been so obliging as to promise me a Commission on the following condition, that Mr. Buckley raises 25 men from the age of 16 to 40 & in height 5 feet 5 or upwards. The Commission will be dated from the day the last raised man is attested & entered into any recruiting party. Now I should think that with the help & assistance of your Magistrates & our other friends at Leicester this might easily be done. Be so good therefore as to lay this before your body at your next meeting together with my best Comps.
From George Buckley
Thornton Mar. 15. 1776
My Lord
I have this day had the pleasure to see your Lordsp’s favour to my son William. Your Ldsp’s proposal of the £40 pr. an. I am willing to comply with. I trust your Ldsp. will put him in such a Regt. as will be for his future advantage. What Orders come to the Officer [The officer on recruiting duty in Leicester] of the 29th he shall go by. It gives me great concern that your Ldsp. should have had so much trouble, but I hope he will merit your Ldsp’s recommendation. I return your Ldsp. sincere thanks for this kind favour & shall be ready upon all occasions to serve your Ldsp. as much as lies in my power.
To Lord Barrington (from the Earl of Denbigh)
Newnham June 3oth 1776
My Dear Lord
By the Inclosed you will find my friend Mr. Buckley has Compleatly fulfilled his Engagement I therefore flatter myself, his Commission will now be signed immediately, & if it can be antidated a few months, which is about the time he first began Recruiting, I think he is intitled to it, as the Raising the Men has been a great expence to him. I first talked this matter over about Feby or March last. It is very indifferent to Mr. Buckley into what part of the World he goes or into what Corp you place him, but I continue to think it will be for the good of Service, if he is left at home Recruiting this Summer.
From Lord Barrington
Cavendish Square July 5th 1776
Lord Barrington presents his complements to Lord Denbigh and having yesterday received a Certificate from General Evelyn [Lieutenant General William Evelyn, Colonel of the 29th Reg’t of Foot] of the delivery of 25 Recruits for the 29th Regiment, will take the Very first oppertunity of laying the same before the King, when he is persuaded a Commission will be immediately ordered for Mr. Buckley. Lord Barrington will propose that the date shall be as early as possible; but it cannot be anterior to the Vacancy.
From Lord Barrington
Cavendish square July10th. 1776
Lord Barrington presents his Complements to Lord Denbigh, and has the Honor to acquaint him that Mr. Buckley is appointed an Ensign in the 29th Regiment. General Evelyn may Employ him either at home or a Broad as he thinks proper.
From Ensign William Buckley
Leicester July 13th. 1776
My Lord
I am this Morning honor’d with your Lordships Note, acquainting me I am appointed an Engn in the 29th. Regiment. I beg leave to Return your Lordship many thanks for the same. There being a Common Hall to morrow shall have a publick oppertunity of laying before my friends of the Corporation your Lordships favour. It will Require some little time to get some Nessisarys done at Leicester, will make a point of being as strict to my orders as possable.
P S Before I leave I will do myself the Honor personally to pay my Respect to your Lordship."
The 29th Regiment at this time (July 1776) was in North America; General Evelyn had not gone with the Regiment. General Evelyn, along with a small number of officers and enlisted remained in England. Additional letters indicate that Ensign Buckley was first stationed in Leicester for recruiting and later ordered to North America, perhaps to avoid debts. There is little else known about him.
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