In 1803 many parishes in England were recruiting men in
anticipation of the Napoleonic Wars. There were to be a certain number of
recruits from each parish. Recruits were served a Notice stating they were
chosen by ballot to serve. If they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) serve they could
bring a suitable substitute, which they paid to take their place.
According to the diary of Silvester Treleavens of
Moretonhampstead, Devon, on 8 July 1803 he wrote that Robert Frost was sworn as
a substitute in the East Devon Militia. There is no mention of the person that
asked him to be his substitute. According to the militia records Robert Frost
actually signed his enlistment papers on 29 June 1803.
Robert Frost spent 69 days as a Private, 17 years 271 days as a
Corporal, and 4 years 50 days as a Sargeant, for a total of 22 years 25
days.
Robert was discharged 24 July 1825, due to having frequent asthma
attacks, making him unfit for further service.
Robert Frost died in Moretonhampstead 17 March 1833
Robert Frost, my 4x ggf, was born 12 Jun 1774 to Gilbert Frost and Sarah Mudge in Moretonhampstead.
