AFFLECK, Edmund (1725-88), of Fingringhoe Hall, nr. Colchester, Essex.

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’.Debrett, v. 282. The election was managed by Richard Rigby, who obtained a promise of Government help not exceeding ‘£1,500 or £2,000 at the most’.North to John Robinson, 1 Oct. 1781, Abergavenny mss. Affleck was defeated by Christopher Potter, but returned on petition.

He did not take his seat.until 23 Jan. 1784Morning Chron. 23 Jan. 1784. 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.Abergavenny mss. 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,Debrett, xxi. 374; xxii. 527. both testifying to the conduct of naval officers with whom he had served.

He died 19 Nov. 1788.