Hello,
I wondered if anyone might be able to help me please?
I posted this also on the beginners and Armed forces Forums as I wasn't sure where to post.
My 6 x great grandfather Richard Cotchin/Scutchins baptised 1803 Ridgmont Beds to John and Elizabeth nee Landsberry.
Richard partners with Sarah (they may be married but I can't find the marriage and therefore her maiden name). They have Joseph 1800-1800, Mary 1801-1874 (goes on to partner William Draper - again can't find marriage) and Joseph 1804.
In 1803 Richard Cotchin ends up in gaol for stealing a silver watch and is sentenced to 7 years transportation
https://apps.bedford.gov.uk/grd/detail.aspx?id=358 (Sarah must have been expecting Joseph when Richard was sentenced).
Richard petitions his sentence in Aug 1803:
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=TNA%2FCCC%2F2C%2FHO19%2F00000700https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=TNA%2FCCC%2F2A%2FHO13%2F00018782https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=TNA%2FCCC%2F2A%2FHO13%2F00018879https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=TNA%2FCCC%2F2E%2FHO47%2F00005994The right honourable Charles Yorke signs the letter. He recommends that Richard serves in the Army instead. Lots of people rally round to give him a good character ref:
National Archives copy paste
Report of Beaumont Hotham on 1 collective petition (11 people, of Ridgemont [Ridgmont]
Reference: HO 47/36/26
Report of Beaumont Hotham on 1 collective petition (11 people, of Ridgemont [Ridgmont], Bedfordshire including churchwardens, the bailiff and farmers) on behalf of Richard Cotchin, convicted at the Bedfordshire Assizes, for the theft of a silver watch, property of James Levett. Evidences supplied by Moses Eagle, constable and James Levett. There is a letter from Samuel Whitbread. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, he and his family (also of good character) have resided in the parish for many years (the prisoner being born there), he is a young man 'fit for a Soldier.' Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: pardon on condition that he enlist as a soldier. Folios 314-319. 1803 Sept 4
The trouble is I can't find out what happens next, did he get turned down and sent to the US or Austrailia or did he enter the Army?
* I have searched the Hulk registers, the Australian convicts register and Fold3 for military records. I can't find anything.
* I also wondered what happened to Sarah, a Sarah Cotchin marries William Reading in 1808 in Ridgmont but is this Richard's Sarah or another one? If it is her then maybe Richard died (if they were married).
Richard's younger brother Thomas (baptised 1796 Ridgmont) joined 14th Foot Soldiers, 2nd Battalion sometime around 1814, maybe he followed in his brother's footsteps??
Any help in solving this mystery would be greatly appreciated.
Best wishes,
Emma