French prisoner of war

A photographic copy of a miniature of Commander Henry Fairchild Leworthy (ca.1793-1849), a friend of Captain Charles Sturt, who brought his family to Adelaide in 1849 but died a few days after his arrival at Port Adelaide. Housed in a small leather frame.

In December 1803 ten-year-old English cabin boy Henry Fairchild Leworthy, was taken prisoner by the French. The boy spent seven years in France before escaping through the wolf-infested forest of Ardennes. Early in his incarceration the boy met the Emperor Napoleon in a confectionary shop, who returned the boy's dirk to him, exclaiming, "Un brave garcon!"

Leworthy went on to have a long career in the British navy, but through his friendship with Captain Charles Sturt decided to come to South Australia due to his deteriorating health, and with the offer of a government position and a large piece of land in the colony. He arrived in Adelaide with his wife and children in 1849, but died within days.

Commander Leworthy's wife, Betty, first recorded her husband's French experiences under the title, The Captive Briton in 1844. She made at least one copy for a grand daughter, and later recorded her own life in a series of letters to another grand daughter.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

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