]
Charles Jenkin, senior, died in 1831, leaving his estate so heavily
encumbered, through extravagance and high living, that only the mill-
farm was saved for John, the heir, an easy-going, unpractical man, with
a turn for abortive devices. His brother Charles married soon
afterwards, and with the help of his wife's money bought in most of
Stowting Court, which, however, yielded him no income until late in
life. Charles was a useful officer and an amiable gentleman; but
lacking energy and talent, he never rose above the grade of Commander,
and was superseded after forty-five years of service. He is represented
as a brave, single-minded, and affectionate sailor, who on one occasion
saved several men from suffocation by a burning cargo at the risk of his
own life. Henrietta Camilla Jackson, his wife, was a woman of a strong
and energetic character. Without beauty of countenance, she possessed
the art of pleasing, and in default of genius she was endowed with a
variety of gifts. She played the harp, sang, and sketched with native
art. At seventeen, on hearing Pasta sing in Paris, she sought out the
artist and solicited lessons. Pasta, on hearing her sing, encouraged
her, and recommended a teacher. She wrote novels, which, however,
failed to make their mark.
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