' and in which I might chance to distinguish 'myself. What I have done here, though it has required ten times the exertion, will never be heard of. At the same time I cannot com'plain. My disappointment is announced

6

in such flattering terms,-my merit, confi'dence in me, &c. &c. ;-though it is hard 'that a man's merit should be the cause of 'his punishment. The truth is, that Sir Ralph has not officers enough. He is going this expedition with few who can do his business. It is a pity he is so old himself, for he is a spunky fellow.

upon

I wish sincerely that Lord Malmesbury may succeed and make peace. I am quite 'tired of being kept in St. Lucia. I now see 'no chance of being removed from it.

'I am glad I refused the government of Grenada, which undoubtedly had been 'mised to Sir Ralph for me.

pro

'I expect to find myself, at the end of the war, with the pay of Lieutenant-Colonel. I ' have lived upon it these six years, and can 'continue to do so the rest of my life, as

' long as I have the satisfaction to reflect that

"I have done nothing to disgrace myself, or 'those with whom I am connected.

Adieu, my dear Father,

Your affectionate Son,

'JOHN MOORE.'

St. Lucia, 16th May, 1797.

'My dear Father, So many packets have 'been taken of late, that for this considerable time past I have neither heard from you,

'I think I mentioned to you that I had had ' a visit from Sir Ralph the end of March, the object of which was to excuse himself 'for not taking me, agreeably to former promises, upon the expedition. I have, how

6

ever, now no reason to regret that I was not of it, as the place was found too strong for his small force; and, after landing at Porto Rico, and remaining on shore about a fortnight, Sir Ralph was obliged to re-embark his troops and give up the attempt. He ' returned to Martinico about ten days ago.

It was impossible to enjoy better health 'than I did from the time the fever left 'me last October or November, till lately.

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About a month ago I was again seized with fever; at the same time an abscess formed ' itself in the bottom of my right hip. The ' inflammation was great, and the pain ex'cruciating. It swelled to considerable size, and, when opened, a very great collection of ' matter was discharged. I was confined to bed upwards of three weeks. The fever ' in the mean time left me, and I was able to 'throw in bark. The surgeon was afraid that 'the great cavity, occasioned by the matter 'collected, would have been troublesome to heal-it has, however, gone on vastly ' well.

my

'I have been out of bed about a week. I was excessively reduced, and of course am ⚫ still weak. I, however, gain strength daily. 'A change of air was strongly recommended; and, in Sir Ralph's absence, General Hunter 'sent an officer to relieve me, and advised me 'to go to Martinique.

'I, however, refused to avail myself of this permission. Sir Ralph had intrusted the island to me, and I was determined that ' nothing but absolute necessity should force 'me to quit it in his absence.

'My knowledge of the country and of the people, and long habit, enabled me to direct 'the common business of the island, with the 'assistance of the officers of my family, even 'from my bed; and in case of any attempt from the enemy without, though the active

part must have fallen to the officers sent to ' relieve me, yet my advice might be of use. 'At all events, I should have the satisfaction to think I had done all I could.

"Nil conscire sibi, nullâ pallescere culpâ."

mis

I felt that if I went away, and any 'fortune happened in Sir Ralph's absence, 'I should never forgive myself.

'It was, however, my wish to quit St. Lucia ' the moment Sir Ralph returned. All this 'I expressed in a letter I wrote to General 'Hunter, which was shown to Sir Ralph upon • his arrival.

'He has not, however, sent me leave to depart; but, in a very kind letter, has 'begged, as I seemed to be recovering, that I 'would remain for some time longer, as he ' was much at a loss for an officer to intrust 'with the command of the island.

"This there is no refusing; but I am de'termined, if possible, not to remain during 'the hurricane months. On the contrary, my ' wish is to return to Europe.

The gentleman who has attended me ' advises this strongly. He says my natural ' good constitution has enabled me to resist the repeated attacks I have had; that now

I shall be more liable to relapses, at the 'same time that I shall be less able to stand ' them.

I am convinced myself that by remaining here I shall only destroy my constitution, 'without being able to do much service. I 'shall therefore, as the campaign is now over, 'push Sir Ralph to allow me to go home this If anything active is to be carried

summer.

on next year, I can return.