[1] This Bacon was a notable ironmaster and colliery owner in Wales who made Merthyr Tydfil the iron-smelting centre of Great Britain, was one of the richest men of his time.

This was attributed by Dodge (reviewing a book) to the father's habit of refusing to give the son a regular allowance and paying his debts.

[citation needed] Bacon had hoped to found a new colony in South Australia, but his plans were rejected by the authorities.

In 1831 a "Proposal to His Majesty's Government for founding a colony on the Southern Coast of Australia" was prepared under the auspices of Robert Gouger, Jeremy Bentham, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and Bacon, but its ideas were considered too radical, and it was unable to attract the required investment.

He was initially successful as a mercenary and reached the rank of Major General in Portuguese service, but lost his command for looting and selling horses after the emperor's death.

Major Bacon died at his home in Crondall in Hampshire in 1864, and his three surviving children settled in Australia, where they were soon joined by widow, Lady Charlotte Harley.