Family and Education

b. 19 Apr. 1725, 9th s. of Gilbert Affleck, M.P., and bro. of John Affleck. m. (1) Esther (d. 15 Dec. 1787), da. of John Ruth, wid. of Peter Creffield of Ardleigh Hall, nr. Colchester, s.p.; (2) 14 May 1788, Margaret, née Burgess, wid. of Rev. William Smithers, vicar of St. Peter’s, Colchester, s.p. cr. Bt. 10 July 1782, with sp. rem. to heirs male of his fa.

Offices Held

Lt. R.N. 1745; capt. 1757; r.-adm. 1784.

Biography

Affleck was on active service 1778-83, most of the time in American waters, and, in 1782, was created a baronet for his part in the action off Dominica. He was abroad at the time of his election for Colchester, and ‘totally ignorant of his having been set up as a candidate’.1 The election was managed by Richard Rigby, who obtained a promise of Government help not exceeding ‘£1,500 or £2,000 at the most’.2 Affleck was defeated by Christopher Potter, but returned on petition.

He did not take his seat.until 23 Jan. 17843 and then cannot have played a prominent part in debates as he was still marked absent in Stockdale’s list of 19 Mar. 1784. On 26 Mar. he wrote from Colchester to John Robinson asking for his interest at the approaching election.4 He was returned head of the poll.

He was classed by William Adam in May 1784 as ‘doubtful’, and does not appear in any division list for this Parliament. Two speeches by him are recorded, on 5 Mar. 1787 and 29 Apr. 1788,5 both testifying to the conduct of naval officers with whom he had served.

He died 19 Nov. 1788.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: John Brooke

Notes

• 1. Debrett, v. 282.
• 2. North to John Robinson, 1 Oct. 1781, Abergavenny mss.
• 3. Morning Chron. 23 Jan. 1784.
• 4. Abergavenny mss.
• 5. Debrett, xxi. 374; xxii. 527.