taneously, as also a few tamarind trees, and the poisonous manchineel in great abundance.

This island may be considered a place of general rendezvous for smugglers of every description. The flags of all nations (but more especially of America) are to be seen flying in the harbour of Gustavia, and the resident merchants, I understand, derive a very large proportion of their emoluments from their intercourse with those engaged in contraband traffic.

The Swedes received us with the greatest kindness and hospitality; and the Governor, Colonel Rosensvard, to whose affability and attention we were highly indebted, a few days after our arrival invited the senior officers of each rank to a grand fête, given at Government-house, in honour of the birth-day of his Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Sweden. Colonel R.'s desire we attended in the uniforms of our particular regiments, and were

By

their first arrival in the West Indies, being particularly cooling, and by many also considered of an antifebrile

nature.

received with every mark of distinction. and respect; the band striking up our grand national anthem of "God save the King" as we entered the saloon.

After passing through the accustomed ceremonies of presentation to his Excellency, &c., we commenced dancing, which continued until a late hour, when a very elegant supper was displayed, composed of the richest and most delicate produce of the West Indies. Immediately after supper the health of the Crown Prince was drank, I am confident, with unfeigned sentiments of devotion and attachment. The next toasts given, were the King of England and Royal Family; which compliment was handsomely acknowledged by Colonel Wilson, who in return proposed the memory of Charles the Twelfth, the recollection of whom is peculiarly flattering to the vanity of a Swede. Throughout the night large vases of sangree, and other cooling refreshments, were continually borne about by slaves, who appeared to vie with each other in attention and respect to the English; doubtless originating

in feelings of gratitude for the strenuous and unremitting exertions, made by the friends of humanity in Great Britain, for their emancipation and comfort. During our stay at Saint Bartholomew's, which was nearly five weeks, we experienced many similar instances of public favour and attention, with the strongest proofs of hospitality and kindness, from numerous private individuals on the island*.

Early in the morning of the day following our arrival at Saint Bartholomew's, a ship hove in sight, beating up for the island; and about ten o'clock had approached close to the harbour, but seemed particularly

* For the kindness and attention experienced on our arrival at Saint Bartholomew's, we were probably in a considerable degree indebted to a very general belief, on the part of the inhabitants, that we were proceeding to the Main, with the approbation and consent of the British Government. How this idea originated, or by whom insinuated, I cannot pretend to say; it is understood, however, that some of the parties who are at present so actively engaged in England, promoting new South American expeditions, encourage the promulgation of a similar belief, for the purpose of giving greater importance and effect to their operations.

cautious of entering; intimidated, as we afterwards learned, by the formidable appearance of the English vessels. She, however, shortly after ventured in under Spanish royalist colours, and came to anchor within about a cable's length of the Britannia. This vessel was in the most perfect repair, and upwards of three hundred tons burthen. Her flag naturally excited considerable curiosity to learn the object of her visit; and our anxiety in this respect was speedily gratified by discovering that she was a prize to an Independent privateer brig under the command of Commodore Parker, who put a few men on board with orders to bring her to Amelia island: the Prize-master however thought proper to vary his instructions, and ran her into Gustavia, where he immediately disposed of the cargo, and converted the proceeds to his own private use; and his anxiety to disburthen himself of his charge was such, that he gladly accepted whatever terms were offered; and sugar, Havannah segars, &c., were to be had from this trust-worthy gentleman for little more than thanks.

This vessel afterwards sailed in company with the Emerald for Grenada, but was, I understood, scuttled in the Caribbean sea, with her anchors, cables, &c., and upwards of twenty thousand dollars' worth of logwood on board.

We had now been upwards of three weeks at St. Bartholomew's, without receiving any intelligence from the Main, on the veracity of which we could place the slightest reli

ance.

This dearth of information, and the uncertainty of our future destination, were rapidly exciting feelings of doubt and uneasiness; whilst the reports in circulation relative to the progress of affairs in South America, and general situation of the Patriot cause, were ill calculated to allay the anxiety so universally experienced. In this state of incertitude and deficiency of news, it was at length considered advisable that Colonel Wilson and one of our officers should proceed (disguised as fishermen) in a schooner to Margaritta, and from thence up the Oroonoco to Bolivar's head-quarters at Angostura, for the purpose of apprizing