Born at Sethurst, near Carlisle, and baptised at Arthuret on the 19th of August 1830, the son of Hugh and Margaret James. His father had married Margaret Little at Arthuret on the 1st of December 1822.
Enlisted at London on the 27th of March 1852.
Age: 21 years 5 months.
Height: 5' 8".
Trade: Groom.
Features: Fresh complexion. Hazel eyes. Auburn hair.
At the Scutari General Hospital from the 14th of September 1854 and rejoined the regiment on the 25th of February 1855.
Returned to England for the "benefit of his health" on the 11th of June 1855.
On the Depot roll at Brighton from the 7th of July 1855.
Rejoined the regiment at Cahir on the 1st of June 1856.
Discharged from Dublin on the 27th of November 1856:
"Unfit for duty as a dragoon and never likely be so from weakly constitution. Has suffered from intermittent fever in the Crimea, I think his disability has been to some extent attributable to his service in the East. Not aggravated by vice or intemperance."
Served 4 years 244 days.
In Turkey and the Crimea: 1 year.
Conduct: "a good soldier". Not in possession of any Good Conduct badges.
Aged 26 years 1 month on discharge.
Awarded a pension of 6d. per day.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.