Biography of John Augustus "Jack" Hervey 1757-1796

Before 1753 [his father] Frederick Augustus Hervey 4th Earl Bristol (age 22) and [his mother] Elizabeth Davers Countess Bristol (age 19) were married. They were half fourth cousin once removed.

On or before 29th January 1757, the date he was baptised at Horningsheath, Suffolk, John Augustus "Jack" Hervey was born to Frederick Augustus Hervey 4th Earl Bristol (age 26) and Elizabeth Davers Countess Bristol (age 24).

Around 1779-1783 . Thomas Gainsborough (age 51). Portrait of John Augustus "Jack" Hervey (age 21).

On 4th October 1779 John Augustus "Jack" Hervey (age 22) and Elizabeth Drummond (age 21) were married. He the son of Frederick Augustus Hervey 4th Earl Bristol (age 49) and Elizabeth Davers Countess Bristol (age 46).

Around 1781 [his daughter] Elizabeth Hervey was born to John Augustus "Jack" Hervey (age 23).

Memoirs of Mrs Coghlan. [1785] I [Margaret Maria Moncrieffe (age 22)] had now formed an acquaintance with Lord Hervey (age 27). Of this noble Lord I have spoken in the preceding pages, and even at this moment cannot reflect on the virtues and splendid qualities that distinguith the mind and person of his Lordship, without the most lively sensibility. With him I enjoyed, for several months, all the comforts and delights of domestic life, and with him I continued until he was appointed, by his Britannic Majesty, Envoy at a foreign court¹.

Attached to my native country (America) I fancy the reader will have already discovered that I am by no means a friend to arbitrary principles; nor is it because I admire the man, that I am to be considered a convert to his palitical notions.

I was therefore concerned when I read the manifesto which he published at that court, during his embassy. Nothing, however, can abate the lively gratitude and esteem which my heart feels for this valuabie friend — His Lordship had left me only a few months, when I brought forth a pledge of our union, a daughter, whom death soon ravished from me: previous to which loss, a new and amiable connection called me back to Ireland, where I received the above fatal intelligence, which was a terrible drawback upon the happiness I then enjoyed.

Note 1. From 1787 to 1794, he was Minister to Tuscany, after which he returned to Naval service in command of the Zealous with the Mediterranean fleet during the winter of 1795.

From 1787 John Augustus "Jack" Hervey (age 29) served as the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. He returned to naval duties in command of the Zealous 74 with the Mediterranean fleet during the winter of 1795, although his wish was for a larger vessel.

Memoirs of Mrs Coghlan. [Before 1794] After what I [Margaret Maria Moncrieffe (age 31)] have said of nobility, let me be permitted to make one honourable exception: I should be ungrateful indeed, and belie the feelings of my soul, if I did not proclaim my dear friend, Lord Hervey (age 36), a nobleman possesling honour, generosity, and affection—His heart, always open to the congenial feelings of humanity, never refused obedience to its sacred impulse. I knew him in his prime of youth, and although now some years have passed since I enjoyed the happiness of seeing him, I am pleased to flatter myself that his soul has escaped the politician's lot, —that it has not become hardened and corrupt.

In 1796 John Augustus "Jack" Hervey (age 38) died aboard hs shp "The Zealous" and was buried on 26th September 1796 at Ickworth, Suffolk, England.

On 4th September 1818 [his former wife] Elizabeth Drummond (age 60) died.