MANUSCRIPT. THE DIARY OF A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWIN SANDYS DASHWOOD OF THE ROYAL HORSE GUAR

MANUSCRIPT. THE DIARY OF A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWIN SANDYS DASHWOOD OF THE ROYAL HORSE GUARDS, 1831 containing one or several brief, daily (with very few exceptions) entries and his expenditure in London and when residing at Brighton, written in a clear hand in black ink, occasionally pencil, in The Commercial Ledger or Gentleman's, Merchant's and Tradesman's ...Memorandum-Book for...1831, engraved folding frotispiece of William IV, signed on the ffe E Dashwood Esq R. H Gds January 1st 1831 Cecil House King's Road Brighton, original dark blue morocco wallet binding, 16 x 10cmAn unpublished diary that evokes rather more the social, than military aspects that day to day life for a well connected junior officer in the Household Cavalry entailed, more especially at Brighton in the year immediately following the death of the monarch who, as Regent, had made it the most fashionable resort in England.The diarist, Edwin Dashwood (1797-1835, sometimes recorded as 1846) was born at West Wycombe Park, the 4th son of Sir John Dashwood-King, 4th Bt (1765-1849), half nephew of the rake Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the Hellfire Club. Edwin Dashwood married, in 1821 Amelia Hare (1795-1857) daughter of the Rev. Robert Hare Naylor of Herstmonceux Castle. There were two children of the marriage, a daughter, also Amelia (1824-1847) and a son, Sir Edwin Hare Dashwood, 7th Bt (1825-1882). The diarist refers throughout to mother and daughter by the pet names of 'Emily' and 'Little Emily'.There are also many references to individuals, such as those with whom Dashwood went hunting, to Balls or on visits. Some national events are mentioned. He noted (on 2 March) that the 'Reform question came on last night'. On 8 September he was one of the Guard of Honour at the Coronation of William IV and Queen Adelaide, by far the grandest of the several royal events in which he had a role. On his 34th birthday (29 April) he 'went into the city and bought earrings for Emily of Rundell & Bridge'. In August, accompanied by his friend Gillon, he went to Vauxhall where he supped. The consequences of the punch & champagne being a 'Headache next day'. Other diversions after a Field Day at Wormwood Scrubs, included Covent Garden or the Haymarket Theatre, sometimes accompanied by Lady Dashwood or his wife's family and dinner, on one occasion meeting the author Augustus Hare (1792-1834). On 29 December the evening was spent at Lewes Ball, from which he did not return until 6.30am. The year ends with his going home to Brighton in Capt Streatfield's gig, when there was a sharp frost. Despite feeling 'seedy', he concludes 'So ends this year, the last few weeks of which have been extremely pleasant.'