Author: Sweedland, Edward
Biography:
SWEEDLAND, Edward (1799-1823: Poems)
The “Account of the Author’s Life” by an unidentified R. B. H. is unusual in its candour in describing a Rake’s Progress and it seems likely Edward Sweedland was not the author's real name. There is no reason to doubt the truth of the narrative; it just cannot be connected to an “Edward Sweedland.” There are no records of his baptism or burial and more significantly none for his father at Oxford or in the church. The facts narrated are as follows: born in a small Shropshire village in 1799, the only son of a poor Oxford-educated curate and his wife, Edward rejected the option of pursuing a similar career. After his father’s death, a lowly position was found for him in the navy and he sailed to Jamaica in 1817 where he spent four months living irresponsibly: “like a wild beast who breaks loose and regains his native woods, after sundry years of confinement, he fell into the commission of all manner of excesses.” He returned to England in 1819 where he continued drinking, so another position, this time as boatswain’s mate, was found for him and he went to sea again, sailing to Smyrna and Constantinople. His dissolute life and conduct led to conflicts with the crew and he then found a post as Captain’s servant on a ship to New York in 1821. In America he was kidnapped by Indians and held for eleven months but managed to bribe his way out and sailed back to England in June 1822. He briefly returned to Shropshire but left for London and further drink, debauchery and gambling. He died there, aged 24, in October 1823. The lead poem, “The Gamester’s Grave,” together with “To Wine,” “The Sailor,” and occasional poems to young women (possibly his sisters, possibly not) appear to corroborate the narrative but probably the best chances of correctly identifying him are through “R. B. H.” or Indian Capture reports and narratives 1821-22 in America. (R. B. H., “Account of the Author’s Life”, Poems [1824)], [v]-xxxv) AA