together with the crew, perished miserably at sea, being wrecked on the island of Ushant shortly after their departure from England.

These several corps sailed from England at nearly the same time, with the intention of acting conjointly on arriving in South America, and having previous to their departure appointed the islands of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Thomas, as places of general rendezvous, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of affairs on the Spanish Main, and determining the point at which it would be most judicious the disembarkation should take place.

THE various preparatory arrangements being completed; the stores, &c., of every description embarked; and the ship ready for sea, peremptory orders were issued for the officers to proceed on board without further delay.

Dec. 2d, 1817. I accordingly on this day departed from London for Gravesend, and there embarked on board the Britannia, which was in every respect prepared for sailing at an hour's notice. The Emerald, destined for the transport of Colonel Hippesley's corps, lay at anchor about half a mile lower down the river, and was likewise in momentary expectation of receiving orders for finally proceeding for our common destination. All the other

vessels, appointed for the conveyance of

B

the before-mentioned corps to South America, had put to sea a few days previously. The Britannia was a beautiful ship, and appeared to have been fitted up in every respect, with an anxiety for the comfort and ease of her passengers. She was commanded by Captain Thomas Sharpe, who, on several trying occasions, evinced the most perfect knowledge of his hazardous profession. Her freight consisted exclusively of an immense quantity of military stores, the property of a great mercantile firm in London, by whom they had been embarked, partly on speculation, but principally as I was informed, in consequence of a previous understanding with Don Mendez, that the entire cargo would be purchased by the Independents immediately on the Britannia's arrival at the main. This property was intrusted to the care of Mr. John Ritchie as supercargo, a gentleman of whom I shall hereafter have occasion to speak in terms of grateful eulogy; and whose conduct throughout the voyage secured the esteem and respect of every individual on board. His anxious exertions

were at all times contributed towards preserving good humour, contentment, and cheerfulness, whilst his generous and feeling heart, ever sympathized with those who suffered under the pressure of disappointment or distress.

A printer, armourer, and several other artificers and mechanics, likewise embarked on board the Britannia, for the purpose of exercising their respective arts in the service of the South American Patriots. Some of these individuals had been furnished by Don Mendez with letters of introduction to General Bolivar, and the Independent Government; and the printer was proceeding for the especial purpose of being attached to Bolivar's army, for whose use a most valuable and extensive printing apparatus was sent out in the Britannia, by the merchants to whom the cargo belonged, under an assurance of being in like manner immediately purchased on the vessel arriving at her destination. The armourer had on board a very large quantity of fire-arms of various descriptions, for which he anticipated a ready sale on reaching the Spanish main.