Several letters which Joseph Platts received from the Admiralty survived and are reproduced here, as is a letter he wrote to Lord Clarendon, Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1856, appealing for compensation for the destruction of his Mill at Kertch in the Crimea.
Sir
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that orders have been given for your being borne on the books of H.M. Ship “Royal Albert” as Interpreter with an allowance of £1.1s a day - and the Directors of Transports have been ordered to provide you with a passage to Malta by the first opportunity; and for your further guidance you should place yourself in communication with them at Somerset House.
I am Sir
Your Obedient Servant
Thos Phinn
Mr Joseph Platts 2 William Street Stepney
Transcribed from a handwritten copy. (Pencil note at top of first page - “Mr. P. wishes strict confidentiality”)
Your petitioner has been a resident in Russia and had been in the employ of the Russian Government for 18 years as a Marine Engineer. I was employed by them up to the declaration of war by this country against Russia, and when the town of Kertch was occupied by the Allies on the 24th of May /55 I was residing there, and lived on the proceeds of a steam flour Mill, erected jointly with my father-in-law Mr John Tandy.
When the Allied troops passed through the town, I took the liberty of introducing myself to Sir George Brown, and as a British subject, asked protection for myself, my family and property, which was granted. I enjoyed that protection for ten days. The British flag was hoisted and a sentinel placed, to enforce that protection; during that time I was informed that the Commiseriat officers would take flour from the Mill, for the use of the British troops, and that I should be paid for everything taken from there, and through the intercession of Sir E. Lyons, I received the sum of £91. 17s. The remaining stock of flour and wheat was destroyed, I was then informed that the Machinery would be taken away and the Building destroyed. I sought an interview with Sir E. Lyons, and begged for him to save my property, but he said it was their intention to destroy it, but he would intercede with the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for compensation in consideration for the valuable assistance I had given, and from that time I was employed by Sir E. Lyons on board of H.M.S. Royal Albert up to the 1st of Dec. /55, when I proceeded to England. I memorialised my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for compensation for property destroyed to the amount of £3000 (much undervalued) the answer I received was that they could not admit of any claim for property destroyed or captured on Russian territory but they would be glad to appoint me as Russian Interpreter to Sir E. Lyons. I accepted the appointment and have been in that capacity up to the 12th inst. when I received my discharge with a gratuity of 3 months pay.
In January Sir E. Lyons arrived in England, I had the honor of an interview with his Excellency, he brought my case before my Lords Comissioners of the Admiralty and they gave him the same answer, that they could not admit of any claim, but he said that the government must give me something for the very valuable service I had rendered, and he told me that I should receive something, and with that promise I proceeded to Malta to join the “Royal Albert” where I remained until the 21st of May when I procured leave of absence to go to England from the Admiral Commanding there, and on my arrival here I presented myself to Sir E. Lyons, who was astonished to hear that I had not received compensation, and told me to make a second application which I did, but they referred me to their former answer. I communicated with Sir E. Lyons who promised he would interest himself in my behalf and told me to call upon him in a few days. I did so, when he said he was very sorry that the Admiralty would do nothing for me; and a few days after I received my discharge.
I also beg leave to mention that a Steam Engine and Machinery of considerable value, are in the possession of the English Government, and are employed at their Works at Constantinople. I may here mention that I had the honor to see Sir George Brown on board H.M.S. “Royal Albert” a few days before he left the Crimea, he told me that he was extremely sorry that my property had been destroyed as it was his wish that it should have been preserved.
My Lord, you will perceive that your humble petitioner, after the active part taken against Russia can scarcely hope entering that service again where I have served with distinction having received two Gold Medals with Ribands of the Order of St Anne & Vladimir.
I would also beg to draw your attention to the fact of my giving up a lucrative and permanent situation, and other inducements held out to me by the aforesaid Government, rather than act against my own country.
My Lord your humble petitioner hopeth that after all the facts stated, that you will concur in the justice of this appeal, and deign to take into consideration my forlorn and destitute position, and grant me compensation for my severe losses. I have six children depending upon me for support, two of whom are respectively 15 and 16 years of age at which time they most require a father’s aid to put them to a respectable calling, which in my present position I am unable to do. The case is still more distressing for I am entirely unknown here, after my long absence from England.My Lord then let it not be said that the British Government heretofore so just and generous even to strangers, should in this case turn a deaf ear to the entreaties of one of Her Majesty’s most loyal and devoted subjects.
My Lord I have the Honor to Remain Your Lordship’s Most Humble & Obedient Servant Joseph Platts
To His Excellency Lord Clarendon Minister for Foreign Affairs
(signed) Joseph Platts Joseph Platts Joseph Platts
Admiralty 1st December 1856
Sir,
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you with reference to former correspondence, that altho my Lords do not admit that you have any claim whatever as of right, to recompense for the destruction of your Property at Kertch when that place was occupied by the Allied Forces, they have been pleased in consequence of the favourable report of Lord Lyons of your conduct, to award you the sum of five hundred £500.0.0. Pounds, in recognition of the personal losses sustained by you on that occasion and of the services subsequently rendered by you as Interpreter.
The above amount will be paid to you on application to the Accountant General of Her Majesty’s Navy, Somerset House.
I am
Sir
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
Thos. Phinn
Joseph Platts Esq. 20 Clarence Place Stepney Green
The Mill at Kertch referred to above (including illustration)