Pirton History

This was information was kindly provided by Patti Salter

Letters to the Times Relating to George Arnold, born 1779

The Times, Friday, Nov 20, 1868; pg. 10; Issue 26287; col D

A Waterloo Veteran. R. LINDSAY LOUGHBOROUGH, Vicar of Pirton.

Category: Letters to the Editor

Sir, - Crowded as are your columns at this time with election news, I yet venture to crave a small space for an appeal to your numerous readers on behalf of an old parishioner, whose case is one deserving of sympathy.

George Arnold, who will complete his 90th year in January next, enlisted early in life in the then 16th Light Dragoons, and after a brief sojourn in Ireland embarked for the Peninsula in 1809, and, with the exception of about six months, was abroad until he entered Paris with his regiment in 1815. He was at the taking of Badajoz, and in the thick of Salamanca, Talavera, Fuentes d'Onore, Vittoria and at the crowning fight of Waterloo. He left the army soon after the peace with a pension of a shilling a day, which is his sole remaining means of subsistence, and when from this is deducted the amount paid for rent and firing, there is not much left for food and clothing.

The old man is in fair health considering his age, and still shows a soldierly bearing with some sparks of the ancient fire when fighting his battles over again. I have known him for several years and never heard him complain, but always express himself in terms of thankfulness for any little act of kindness. I am very anxious to add to the old man's comfort during his few remaining days, and should be thankful to any of your readers who would aid me in doing so, if you will kindly permit this appeal to appear in your columns. I am, Sir, your faithful servant

R. LINDSAY LOUGHBOROUGH,
Vicar of Pirton
Pirton, near Hitchin, Nov. 19

The Times, Nov.25, 1868; pg 11; Issue 26291; col F

Sir, - Thanks to your kindness in inserting my letter relative to George Arnold, I have received such assistance as has enabled me to provide for his present comfort, and supplement his pension by a weekly allowance. May I ask you to insert the following list, with the old man's thanks, to the benevolent donors.
I am, Sir, faithfully yours,

R. LINDSAY LOUGHBOROUGH, Vicar of Pirton
Pirton, Nov.23

R.Thomas 2s 6d; John Short, 2s 6d; Theophilus Clive, 10s; David Sandeman £1; a Widow's Mite, 1s; Rev.R.Green, 10s; W B Phillimore £5; Mrs Albert Goldsmid, £1; T R P, 10s; Mr. --, Hampton Court £1; Rev. John Atkyns, 2s 6d; B Soan £1; Henry Leadlow 10s; Edwd Davenport, 10s; John Gibson, 10s; Buxton Whalley, 5s; Mrs Lush 2s 6d; a Soldier's Wife, 1s; Mrs Wartnaby, 10s; Rev A R C Dallas £1; F Weaklin £1 1s; H S Findlater, £1; A G Hubbard, 2s.

Full Text: Copyright 1868, The Times

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