Had lunch with friends today, and a fellow-guest, knowing my enthusiasm for Nelson and his navy, gave me a present of a little leather bound book 'The Adventures of Gil Blas' which was recommended reading for young midshipmen of the day.
An inscription on the flyleaf reads:
Edward Smith RN, a present from V.A. Sir Richard Strachan, November 1815.
Wiki has a great deal on Sir Richard Strachan, 6th Baronet and ultimately an admiral.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Richar ... th_Baronet.
But I am curious about Edward Smith R.N. and why he might have caught the attention of the Admiral. Was he perhaps a young mid he had recommended and to whom he gave this book as suitable reading? The name Smith is something of a challenge to researchers but can anyone here throw any light on him? There is a bookplate bearing the name William Hart Smith - perhaps Edward's son?
Thanks in advance for any help.