Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ancell, Samuel
ANCELL, SAMUEL (d. 1802), military writer, entered the army at an early age, and served with the 58th regiment when besieged in Gibraltar from 1779 to 1783. In 1784 he published at Liverpool ‘A Circumstantial Journal of the long and tedious Blockade and Siege of Gibraltar from the 12th of September 1779 (the day the garrison opened their batteries against the Spaniards) to the 23rd day of February 1783.’ The book, which is in the form of letters to a brother of the author, passed through five editions. Ancell apparently retired from active service soon after his return home, and opened a military commission agency at Dublin. In October 1801 he produced there the first part of a monthly military magazine, called the ‘Monthly Military Companion.’ The periodical was continued until Ancell's death on 19 Oct. 1802. To it he contributed not only articles on fortifications, military history, and tactics, but songs set to music of his own composition.
[Gent. Mag. lxxii. 1161; Brit. Mus. Cat.]