Dr Charles
b.~1813
d.09jul1877
Charles entered the Army Medical Department as an Assistant
Surgeon in November 1834, filling the vacancy left by his brother Daniel’s
promotion as Surgeon.
Charles also became Surgeon in May 1845, and was for many years in medical
charge of the 32nd Light Infantry, serving throughout the Punjab campaign of 1848-
49, including the first and second siege operations before Mooltan, the surrender of
the city and capture of the fortress, the surrender of the fort and garrison of
Cheniote, and the battle of Goojerat in 1849, awarded medal with two clasps.
He also served in the campaign under Sir Colin Campbell against the Hill Tribes on the
frontier near Peshawar in 1851-2, awarded medal and clasp.19
His younger brother, Dr Charles Scott, had gone on to "distinguish himself in the
Indian Mutiny, when medical officer to the 32nd Light Infantry, in the famous defence
of the Lucknow Residency until its final relief by Lord Clyde on the memorable 24th
November, 1857" .3
The Siege of Lucknow was the prolonged defence of the British governmental
headquarters within the city of Lucknow during the Indian mutiny against British rule
of 1857.
The relief of Lucknow consisted of two attempts by the British to rescue Sir Henry
Lawrence and a contingent of British and Indian troops, along with several hundred
civilians, from the centre of Lucknow where they, including Dr Charles Scott, held
out under siege conditions for six months.
The British suffered 2,500 casualties of some 8,000 troops. Some 30,000 Indian
‘rebels’ took part, with an unknown number of casualties.31
The Honourable Lady Julia Inglis, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Inglis, Colonel of The
32nd Regiment, wrote a detailed diary of the siege of Lucknow.
Lady Inglis wrote in her Preface “… there is one place which was for many months
the scene of as grand a struggle to hold their own and to defend the lives and
honour of their wives and children as Englishmen have ever been engaged in (I
speak of Lucknow).
We are fortunate that Dr Charles Scott features several times in Lady Inglis’ narrative:
-
June 26th:
I missed our good old doctor Scott very much; but he was at this
time dangerously ill himself, and not expected to live”.
“July 15th: Dr. Scott, 32nd, came to see us. He had been very ill. The
meeting between him and Mrs. Case was a very painful one, as he had not
seen her since her husband's death, and they had been great friends. I talked
to him for some time, and consulted him about baby, who was looking thin
and weak.
-
July 17th:
Mrs. Case still very ill. Dr. Scott said she was suffering from
suppressed grief; she had exerted herself so much after hearing of her
husband being killed, and nature could not be resisted any longer”.
Scott Family – Strathbraan to Victoria – Version 1, Jan 2018 7
“July 30th: Dr. Scott told us to- day that Captain Grant had died from a
wound in his hand, caused by the bursting of a hand grenade which he was
throwing. His wife died from cholera almost at the same time; two orphans
were left.
-
August 14th:
Dr. Scott paid us a very long visit this morning; poor man! he
had been very ill again. He was so much upset by Major Anderson's death,
that it quite turned his head for a time.
-
August 15th:
Dr. Scott came today, and took up his abode in the large room
at the end of the court. We thought the change would do him good, as he
was not up to any work at present.
-
September 11th:
We blew up two more of the enemy's mines today; the
shock was very severe, and large pieces of brick fell into our court. Several of
the enemy were buried in the ruins, and John said it was fearful to hear their
groans. Johnnie and Charlie both ill. Dr. Scott came to see them, and looked
quite grieved at their sickly appearance.
-
September 27th:
Dr. Scott paid us a visit; he looked ill and worn out; I
believe the hospital, with its fresh accession of sick and wounded, was a
fearful sight. It was a sad Sunday, and we were not able to have any service.
Firing all night.
-
October 7th:
I was laid up with inflamed mosquito-bites on my feet, and
could not walk at all, which was trying, as I felt the need of exercise so much.
Dr. Scott was very kind, and came to see me every day; and, but for his care
and attention, and Miss Dickson's good nursing, I might have lost my foot, or
been lame for life.
-
October 26th:
Colonel Campbell better; he was under Dr. Scott's care, who
was certainly one of the best and cleverest doctors in the garrison, but all
were most indefatigable”.
“November 11th: Poor Colonel Campbell, whose leg had been gradually
getting worse for some days, was obliged this morning to have it amputated;
we were so very sorry for him. Dr. Scott performed the operation, and they
were able to procure him a little chloroform; he bore it well, but was very
weak afterwards -.32
On Christmas Day following the relief, Lady Inglis “had Mrs. Giddings, Dr. Scott, a
Mr. Sims, a friend of the former, and Mrs. Orr, to dinner; I also gave the women and
Scott Family – Strathbraan to Victoria – Version 1, Jan 2018 8
children who were left of the 32nd a dinner. It was anything but a festive sight to
me. There were now only seventeen women, and nearly all were widows, and every
child present had lost one or both parents.33
An interesting insight into Charles Scott’s character is provided in the personal
narrative of L.E. Ruutz Rees, one of the surviving defenders:
“But before speaking of Mr. Thompson, I should first have mentioned the
superintending surgeon, Dr. Scott. Though apparently rough, his arrival was
always hailed with pleasure by every one in hospital. For some poor soldier,
he usually had a trifling present, and though he bestowed his favours with a
degree of roughness bordering on rudeness sometimes, he did so in order
not to have the thanks of the recipient. The 32nd always speak of him with
gratitude, and say, with pride, that their surgeon had never been absent from
his regiment since he joined it. They all looked to him as to a father.”34
Charles Scott was “at the defeat of the Gwalior rebels at Cawnpore, was rewarded
for his Lucknow services with the C.B. (Companion of The Order of The Bath),
marked mention in dispatches for distinguished conduct, promotion to staff-surgeon
1st Class, and to Deputy Inspector General of Hospitals, and the war medal with
clasp. He was appointed an Honorary Surgeon to Her Majesty in April, 1860, and
retired from active service in March, 1862.”35
It should be noted that Charles’ appointment as Honorary Surgeon to Queen
Victoria did not carry any medical duties as such; rather it was an honorary title
awarded in recognition of a distinguished career.
Charles Scott’s medals with North West Frontier clasp (1852) and the Defence of
Lucknow clasp (1857) were offered at auction by Bonhams in London in October
2013. The pair was sold for £3,000.36
Dr Scott Visits Kangaroo Ground
Following his horrific experience at Lucknow, Charles Scott obtained twelve months
leave of absence, and took the opportunity to visit his sister-in-law, nephews, and
nieces at Kangaroo Ground during the months of August and September, 1858.37
His visit was documented by Andrew Ross, whose diary notations included “Dr Scott
at Church” on 29 August, “Dr Scott spends the day, riding and at supper” on 17
September, and “Dr Scott left” on 28 September.38
In his reminisces, written some years later, Ross wrote:
“As already stated, the land reserved for the industrial school, which for three
years had been partially occupied and prepared, had to be temporally
abandoned for that purpose and was now occupied by Mrs Scott and her
large family under an agreement for the fencing. In connection with their
residence on the ground an event occurred during this year which was of
great importance to them and not without interest from the local community.
This was the arrival from India of Dr. Charles Scott, H.M. 32nd Regiment; he
had during the great mutiny been shut up for over a year in Lucknow together
with British residents enduring many privations during the famous siege of
that city until relieved by Outram with Havelock and released by the army
under Lord Clyde. He came to Australia for the double purpose of recruiting
in health and of visiting the family of a deceased brother which had
emigrated from Scotland, and now occupying the land in question. This
gentleman, who was advanced in life, occupied for several weeks the daub
and wattle hut situated on top of the bushy knoll and had been used as a tool
house by labourers on the reserve. This humble abode had been fixed up by
his nephews to accommodate him during his visit, and he seemed to enjoy
the rest he obtained, and improved in health.
By hearing from the lips of this veteran officer and surgeon, who had passed
scarthless through the dangerous and blood-stained mutiny, tales of suffering
and privation endured by our countrymen so recently as the last year in the
sad conflict among the millions of Hindostan, we could very naturally be
reflecting on the comparatively peaceful relations in which settlers in Australia
are privileged to subsist.”39
During his visit to Victoria, Charles Scott generously saw to the future of his sister-in-
law Catherine and her family, assisting with the purchase of land near Maryborough
in the heart of the central Victorian goldfields.
Ross noted in his reminisces “By the kind liberality of her brother-in-law, Mrs Scott
came to possess with her family lands in another part of the colony, to which they
subsequently removed”.40
Charles also provided support for the education of his nephew Edward R M Scott,
an advanced pupil at the Evelyn School of Andrew Ross in Kangaroo Ground, and
afterwards at Scots College, Melbourne.
On 5th November, the elder of the retired uncles, Dr Daniel
Scott died in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It is noted in newspaper announcements of Daniel’s death that he had been
appointed Honorary Physician to Her Majesty the Queen in 1870. As with a similar
honour bestowed on his brother Charles, this was a title honouring loyal and
distinguished service, and did not carry with it any medical duties.61
1861 census
Source RG 9; Piece: 2; Folio: 41; Page: 31;
Place Paddington, London
Dwelling Schedule 116, 10 Alexander St.
Charles Scott Lodger 47 Independant Scotland
1871 census
Source RG10; Piece:
Place
Dwelling
Charles Scott
From Margaret's Letter 1868
" Uncle Charles is in London his address is 275 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London."
however Charles not found in 1871 england
RIP
On 9 July 1877 Dr Charles Scott died at his residence at South Lambeth in London,
England. His death was reported in various British publications.63
| Dundee Courier , Wednesday 11th July 1877, page 4 |
DEATHS
At London, on the 9th inst. Dr. Charles Scott, M.D.C.B., Inspector General of Hospitals
and Honoray Sugeon to her Majesty,
|
| 1877 PROBATE , Aberfeldy |
SCOTT Charles Esq, M.D., C.B.
The Will of Charles Scott Formerly of Newton near Dunkeld in the County of Perth
in North Britain, but late of 103 South Lambeth Road Surrey Esquire., M.D, C.B.
and
Honorary Surgeon to the Queen, died 9th July 1877. died at 103 South Lambeth Road
was proved at the Principal Registry by Charles William Lamb Forbes of Aberfeldy in
the County of Perth ,Solictor, one of the Executors.
Effects; under £ 9,000.
|
| 23rd November 1894 PROBATE , LONDON |
SCOTT Charles of 103 South Lambeth Road Surrey Esq., M.D, C.B.
and
Honorary Surgeon to the Queen, died 9th July 1877.
Probate; LONDON 23rd November to James Alexander Scott leiutennt-colonel in
her Majesties Army.
Effects; £ 9,000,* - Former grant july 1877.
|
* WORTH ABOUT £ 1.35 MILLION IN 2023
This event also made news in colonial newspapers,
| The Maryborough Advertiser , 1877
|
Mr E. R. M. Scott, secretary of the Maryborough District Hospital, received word
from England of the death of his uncle, Mr Chas. Scott, M.D., C.B., and that he was
entitled by Dr. Scott’s death to a considerable sum of money.
After describing Dr Scott’s distinguished army record, The Advertiser went on say;
The old veteran was not unmindful of his nephews, and to him Mr E. R. M. Scott is
indebted for his excellent education in Victoria. In his will he has bequeathed the
whole of his property to Mr Scott and his brothers and sisters, Mr E. R. M. Scott
receiving the greatest proportion. The fortune is in stock, and it is computed will
realise £80,000. This magnificent sum can be realised from railway, bank, hotel and
telegraph company shares, Egyptian, Turkish, and other bonds, and various other
sources. In reality it is composed of the fortunes of Dr Charles Scott and his elder
brother. The latter died some few years ago, leaving his fortune to the former, who
has materially increased it by judicious investments.
|
Pair to Surgeon C.Scott, 32nd Foot,
India General Service 1854-95, one bar,
North West Frontier (Surgeon Chas Scott. 32nd Foot.);
Indian Mutiny 1857-58, one bar,
Defence of Lucknow (Surgn C.Scott, M.D. 32nd L.I.).
Toned very fine or better. (2)
FOOTNOTES
C.B. London Gazette 1858.
M.I.D. London Gazette 1857.
Assistant Surgeon 7th November 1834;
Surgeon 9th May 1845;
Surgeon-Major 7th Spetember 1858;
Deputy Inspector-General 31st December 1858;
Honorary Inspector-General 25th March 1862.
Dr Charles Scott served in the Punjab campaign of 1848-49,
and was present with the 32nd Regiment at the first and second seige operations before Mooltan,
including the capture of the city and surrender of the fortress;
also present at the surrender of the fort and garrison of Cheniote and battle of Goojerat
(Medal with two clasps for Mooltan and Goojerat).
Served with the force under Sir Colin Campbell against the Peshawar Frontier Hill Tribes in 1852 (medal with NWF clasp).
Served in the Indian Mutiny 1857-58, including the Defence of the residency of Lucknow until the final relief
by Lord Clyde on the 24th November 1857; afterwards present at the defeat of the Gwalior rebels at Cawnpore on the 6th December.
Mentioned in Despatches for eminent services throughout the whole seige of Lucknow.
Entitled to Indian Mutiny with Defence of Lucknow clasp, and C.B..
Promoted to Staff-Surgeon 1st Class and Deputy Inspector General of Hospitals, and nominated Honorary Surgeon to the Queen.
Placed on Half-Pay on 25th March 1862. He died in 1877.
