captain of which we each paid four dollars

for our passage.

We took our final leave of Saint Bartholomew's in the afternoon of the third of April; leaving behind us the ship Dowson, with Colonel Campbell and his remaining officers on board, as likewise Mr. Hudson, who having been altogether foiled in his original scheme, had, a short time previous to our departure, declared it to be his intention immediately to beat up for recruits throughout the island, and proceed with any number he could collect.

The Emerald, which proceeded to Saint Bartholomew's, after transferring Colonel Hippesley's party to the patriot schooner, Tiger, also continued at anchor after our departure.

Early on the following morning we were close in with Saint Kitt's, which island presented the most fertile and highly cultivated appearance. The minor hills exhibited the most lively and pleasing variety of shades, covered with verdure to their summits, occasionally interspersed with small timber and brush-wood.

The numerous and widely-extended fields of sugar-cane were peculiarly attractive; displaying, according to the state of forwardness of the plant, an infinite diversity of tints. Nothing, perhaps, can give more correct idea of a distant view of a young sugar plantation, than a half-ripe field of wheat; with this difference, that the former is far superior in richness of colouring.

The mills were in every direction in full operation, pressing the cane, whilst innumerable canoes were to be seen carrying the produce of the different plantations to the West Indiamen at anchor in Bassterre Roads; the scene was altogether the most lively and cheerful imaginable, and the general appearance of the island, the active industry of its inhabitants, and wide display of substantial wealth, were particularly striking, as contrasted with the barren and uncultivated island from which we had so recently departed.

About nine o'clock in the forenoon we landed at Bassterre, and immediately proceeded to an inn situated a short distance from the beach, where we met with three

officers formerly attached to Colonel Wilson's regiment; but who had some time previously resigned their commissions in disgust. These gentlemen had been particularly fortunate, having, in consequence of an early appeal to Governor Probyn, and his Excellency's recommendation to the legislative body, been provided with ample means for their return to Europe. The successful result of this application encouraged us to the adoption of a similar course of proceeding, previous to making any inquiries relative to the vessels under seizure. Having thus formed our resolution, we immediately proceeded to pay our respects to the Governor, then at his country lodge, about two miles distant from the town; but the same good fortune that attended the former applicants was denied to us, although in every respect similarly situated, and our claims (which could be only those upon humanity) equally entitled to consideration.

On being admitted to the Governor's presence, we explained to him the painful situation in which we were placed; that we

had, in common with numerous other officers, been deluded into an enterprise from which we had been compelled to withdraw under circumstances peculiarly harassing and distressing; we solicited his protection as British subjects, observing that unless we could procure some mode of conveyance to England, we must speedily be reduced to the greatest extremity; and, finally, expressed our hope that his Excellency would have the goodness to consider these particulars, and extend to us that protection and assistance which had been already granted to some of our brother officers. But his Excellency, receiving us with cold official politeness, declined any interference in our favour; adding, that could he secure the captain of the schooner who brought us to Saint Kitt's, he would immediately imprison him for presuming to put us ashore without previously making a proper report of the persons on board his vessel; concluding with a very salutary warning against the contraction of debts in that island, as confinement would be the certain consequence, and payment of the money our only means of relief,

Grievously disappointed at the utter failure of our application to General Probyn, we resolved, without further delay, to enter into communications with the captains of the vessels under seizure, and with that view proceeded on our return to the town, but had scarcely advanced half way, when, weakened by lassitude and vexation, we found ourselves so completely overcome, as to be under a temporary inability to make further progress. In this state we sat down by the side of the road, where we continued for some time musing on our unfortunate fate; and had been in this situation about three quarters of an hour, when a poor negro woman approached us with a basket of oranges on her head, from whom we purchased five for the small sum of one dog*: and, considerably refreshed, we arrived at Bassterre, about one o'clock, The remainder of this, and the two following days, were spent in fruitless researches and applications amongst the captains of the vessels in harbour, with none of whom we

*Value somewhat less than one penny.