Thomas Innes

Posted by Jon Miller on Wednesday 3rd of June 2026 11:47

London, 15 March 1750: On Monday night, about 11 o’clock, Capt Thomas Innes, the commander of the Warwick man of war, died of the wound he received that morning in a duel with Capt Clarke. The Coroner’s Jury having sat on the body brought in their verdict, Wilful Murder; and the Corps will be this evening be interred in a vault belonging to the Parish of St Margaret, Westminster. ’Tis now said that Capt Clarke has made his escape. [Kentish Post, 17 March 1750]

Posted by Brian on Tuesday 20th of May 2014 23:41

Killed in a duel:
1758, Monday 12, At 7 in the morning was fought in Hyde-Park a duel between Capt. Clarke and Capt. Innes, belonging to Adm. Knowles squadron, Capt. Clarke fired first, and the ball went through Capt. Innes breast into his body, of which wound he died at 12 o'clock at night. The coroners jury brought it in willful murder.

Further Circumstances concerning Capt. Clarke - As a suplement to the preceding observations, we shall state the facts as they appeared at the trial, as truth is less liable to be disguised by partiality, or violated by falsehood, as the witnesses are examined with all the accuracy of experienced ability, and their answers delivered under the sanction of oath. Capt. Innes had frequently declared at the court-martial at Deptford, and other places, that Capt. Clarke was a perjured rascal, and had endeavoured to take away his life by giving false evidence against him. Capt. Clarke gave Capt. Innes a verbal challenge, and appointed time, place, and weapons, which were pistols etc. Capt. Clarkes pistol had screw barrels, and were seven inches long, those of Capt. Innes were common pocket pistols 3 inches and a half in length on the outside of the barrel. They were no more than five yards distant when they turned about, an Capt. Clarke fired before Capt. Innes had leveled his pistiol. Capt. Innes, when dying, affirmed that Capt. Clarke endeavoured to take away his life at the court-martial, that in the duel he behaved in general like a man of honour, but that he fired before he was ready. Thus far the trial.