Notes on the West Indies: written during the expedition under the command of the late General Sir R. Abercrombie: including observations on the Island of Barbadoes, &c. ... likewise remarks relating to the Creoles and Slaves of the Western Colonies and the Indians of South America, etc

Front matter

N OTES ON THE WEST INDIES: WRITTEN DURING THE EXPEDITION UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE LATE GENERAL SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY : INCLUDING OBSERVATIONS ON THE ISLAND OF BARBADOES, AND THE SETTLEMENTS CAPTURED BY THE BRITISH TROOPS, UPON THE COAST OF GUIANA ; LIKEWISE REMARKS RELATING TO THE CREOLES AND SLAVES OF THE WESTERN COLONIES, AND THE INDIANS OF SOUTH AMERICA: WITH OCCASIONAL HINTS, REGARDING seasoning, or gelloto Jfetirr OF HOT CLIMATES. By GEORGE PINCKARD, M. D. OF THE ROYAL-COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, / DEPUTY INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF HOSPITALS TO HIS MAJESTY'S FORCE S AND PHYSICIAN TO THE BLOOMSBURY DISPENSARY. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. Tt is a strange thing that in sea-voyages, where there is nothing to be fee ne, but Iky and sea, men should make diaries ; but in land-trauaile, wherin so much is to bee obserued, for the most part they omit it ; as if chance were fitter to be re gistered than obseruation.

Lord Verulam, ILonUoit: PRINTED FOEt LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER- ROW. 1806. NOTES ON THE WEST INDIES. VOL. Strahan and Preston, Pmueis-Street, London. CONTENTS Of THE SECOND VOLUME.

Letter I

-/2 UT HOR and his friends wait for General Whyte, and the Cork convoy. Friendly altercation bet-u the author and his comrades. Cork fleet driven ba.~ «_. Cove. The Hindostan and Abergavenny arrive from Ireland. The Mary Isabella, from England, after a passage of fifteen •weeks. Author and his comrades ordered upon duty. Troops arrive unhealthy. Two-deck stips bad transports. State of negroes instavestiips, contrasted with soldiers in transports. Degree of heat March 23d. Remarks upon a French paper, complaining of the profe/fionl practice of the Britist) medical officers in St. Domingo, - - Page 1

Letter II

Author apprehensive of fatiguing his friend with tales of delay and disappointment. A fleet of merchantmen arrives at Barbadoes after a start passage. The heavens and the seas exclustvely opposed to the convoys ofthe expedition. Supply ef provisions and stock at Barbadoes. Single stips ofthe convoysstill continue to arrive. George and Bridget reaches A3 VI Carlistebay. This flip singularly the seat of incident and disaster. Character of Mac — : His adventures and vexations concerning a cow, - - Page *5

Letter III

A Common signal of alarm converted into an ensign of joy. Acutenefs of sailors in discovering the nature and extent of a fleet at sea. Convoy from Cork arrives on the \st of April. Its entrance into Carlisle bay an interesting scene. Author and his comrades expect to proceed to St. Domingo. Voyage thither from Barbadoes only a pleasant run, down the trades, - - . - - 5 '

Letter IV

Creole languor from heat of climate — -favorable to the Brunonian doctrine. Effect of climate upon a Dutch sailor. Lord Sheffield hailed by a man in the sea. An intoxicated sailor overawed by the presence of a superior, - 56

Letter V

A surgical operation performed with great dexterity by a negro. Prcgnss of chigoes in the foot. Negroes expert in finding them. Mode of extracting them. Indolent toil of saves. Inconvenient method of labour. Severity used towards a party of saves. Brigands defeated at Grenada. Officers l°fi* °f the name cf Edwards. Single stips continue to arrive in Carliste bay. Report! respecting the St. Domingo division. Sir John La Forey arrives at Barbadoes, LETTER Vs. General Remarks concerning Barbadoes. Different appearance of the West India I/lands, and the opposite coast. Situation and extent of Barbadoes. Period of settlement. General face ofthe Island ; — called aged and decrepit. Inhabitants proud of its antiquity. Early cotnmerce and population of Barbadoes. its decline from its former prosperity.

Middle class of Inhabitants. Temperature and salubrity of the atmosphere. Exemption from important ills. Endemial malady. Carlisle bay. Whence so named. Towns, houses, huts, cottages and other buildings. Varied and interesting scenery. Hospitality os the Inhabitants. Remarks concerning the distinctive appellation of the two divisions ofthe armament. Difficulty of ascertaining which the windward, and which the leeward islands, according to the common acceptation. Soil of Barbadoes. Remarks on tillage and cultivation. Small cattle kept for the purpose of supplying ma-. nitre. Wet and dry seasons. Sea and land breeze. Equal length of the days. Absence os twilight. Perpetual summer compared -with the delighting novelty of an English Spring. Remarks upon Spring. An Engli/h scene in the month of May, - - Page "]2 Regularity observed at Barbadoes in regard to rising and going to rest.

Land and sea breeze. Diet and iiiode of serving the table. Planters and merchants sometimes grow fat : clerks, book-keepers, &.c. very thin- Condiments much used. Plenty deemed a greater excellence than delicacy of assortment at a Barbadoes feast. A West India dinner. English habit of driving ladies from . the dinner table practised also at Barbadoes. Bad arrangement of dinner parties. Attend. A4 ants of the table numerous. Odour of the negroes offensive Stock and provisions abundant at Barbadoes. Personal clothing of the inhabitants — Bed clothing. Languid pronunciation of Barbadoes Creoles. Concerning the state of the slaves. Old and decrepit negroes allowed to beg, and lo lie about the Jlreets. First example of staves seen by the author and his comrades. The negroes of the poorer owners dstinguilhed from those of the more opulent.

Clothing of staves. Construction of their dwellings. Negroes chilly, and hover round a fire in the evening ;— are fond of smoking tobacco. Food issued to the slaves. Pepper-pot. Hours of toil. De ficiency of moral principle among slaves, Page 95 Concerning the elephantiasis , cr endemial malady of Barbadoes, - - - - lie 119 Farms in Barbadoes termed plantations or estates. Poor cottagers. Native Barbadians. Their extravagant opinion concerning the importance of the stand. Examples in proof that the negro form and colour are not the mere consequence fi climate and locality, - - - - lo I No accurate tidings at Barbadoes of the approach of the Portsmouth Convoy. Symptoms ofthe troops moving. Drs. Henderson and Cave ordered to remain in charge of the fick' of the St. Domingo division. Author cautions his friend not to listen to the alarming rumours of sickness, and death.

Great numbers in hospital : — their maladies mild, and European — not endemic. Author witneffes a cafe of yellow fever in company with Dr. Jackson, - . i^0

Letter VII

Further hope — and further disappointment. Another division of the Portsmouth convoy reaches Barbadoes. Rumour cf a secret expedition. Concerning the probable separation of the author and his comrades. Expertnefs of negroes in the •water. One of their modes of Bathing. Negroes ait.ntive to their teeth. Mode of cleaning them with find and sea water, - - Page 145

Letter VIII

Author separated from his long associated comrades. Embarks on board the Grenade, on a secret expedition. Conjectures regarding its destination. Embarkation of troops on board the Grenada. Accommodation ofthe officers andfildiers. Rapid accumulation of filth en board. Troops preserved from sickness by bathing, and by keeping a great proportion of them always in the open air. Force employed in the expedition. A fleet arrives at Barbadoes at the time the expedition fills. Author addresses his friend from the opposite fide of the fun, - - » 15 1

Letter IX

Destination ofthe expedition. Ships come to anchor in fallow and muddy -water. Tops of trees appear, but no land in fight. Common marks of land on approaching the store. Author continues to make notes for his ft lend, wilhaut knowing when he may be able to fend them. Troops prepare to disembark, » - - - 16 i X

Letter X

Author again upon terra strma. Capture of the united colony of Effequibo and Demarara. An accident occurs during the night. Troops sent on shore in small vessels. They run aground. Grenada and other ships anchor at the mouth of the river Demarara. Flag of truce returns, and is dispatched again on store. Capitulation of Fort William Frederic. Soldiers fall fick ou the passage. Effect produced on the fick by the idea of going into action. Landing in Demarara. Appearance of the town of Stabroek, and of the country. Hospitality of an Englist settler. Author proceeds upon duty. Fortune throws him into good quarters, without a billet. Surgeon Carrol attacked with en alarming malady, - - Page *6-{.

Letter XI

A detachment of the expedition proceeds to Berbische. Scarcity of sr est provisions. Author forest als the market. Purchases a basket of pines. Conduct of the Captain of a French privateer — of another republican citizen. Healthy appearance ff the colonists. Demarara not less salubrious than the islands. Country flat, and like Holland. Author visits a coffee plantation. Alluring groves and avenues of fruit trees. Author severely attacked bv their keepers. Welcomed by a kind nymph of the grove, and presented with the garden's golden fruit. Meets a save with a load of oranges. Obtains leave firotn Mynheer Meertens to gather fruit for the fick soldiers. Events favorable to the gratification of European curiosity. A sale of saves. Parties of Indians. Author has a save placed at his elbow during dinner.

Is complimented with one at his bedchamber door. Commencement ofthe wet season. Western hospitality not confined io Barbadoes. Author solicited to purchase a female-slave. Remarks of a lady on hearing the cries of a slave under punishment. Prize money, '- - Page 176

Letter XII

Barbadoes the metropolis ofthe West Indies. News, letters, and tidings of the army reach Guiana, via Barbadoes. Great body of the armament fails from Carl's e bay. Sir Hugh Christian arrives at Barbadoes. Colony of Berbische surrenders to the English. Roads of mud and clay. Dutch cuisine better than the Englist. Dutch devoted to the pleasures of the table. Slaves sent to cut grafs for sale. Punifh- ■ ment of a stave. Author and a party make an excursion to Mr. O/born's. Visit to Mr. Dougan's. Happy condition of Mr. Dougan's staves 7 of Air. O/born's. Negroes in the West Indies ft round afire in the evening. Iiluf quitoes and fire flies, - - - - 19 5

Letter XIII

Terms of capitulation of the colonies on the coast cf Guiana. Dutch soldiers enter into the Britist service. South American Rangers. Situation of the captured colonies. Bets. brought from the Spanish -woods. Generosity of some of the planters towards the fick soldiers. Troops on board stip a great annoyance to the captain and his crew. The Grenada returns to England. Mr. Porter and family, passengers. A sale of slaves. Scarcity of mechanics. Extravagant wages of labour. Cafe of yellow fever. Impropriety of the term " yellow fever ," 212

Letter XIV

The author is left in the colonies of Guiana, instead of proceeding to St. Domingo, Regimental medical staff employed in ge- Heral hospital. General Whyte attentive to the fick. The hospital and quarters for the medical officers establisted at La Bourgade. Author annoyed by insects. Tenderness of a Gentleman towards a musquito. Author makes a saunter ing ramble to " the bush." His contemplations on being ar rested by deep and impenetrable woods. A lady solicits the author to make a complaint against her staves, Page 228

Letter XV

Bust Negroes in the woods of Guiana. Fate of Dutch soldiers sent into the forest against them. Corps of staves accompanied by a party of Indians subdue them. Punishment of a Bust Negro, named Amsterdam, - - 24O

Letter XVI

Description of house and furniture occupied by the medical staff at La Bturgade. Entertainment given to some gentlemen os the navy. Provision-excursions. Arrangements concerning prize-money. Benefit and importance of musquitt curtains. Stability of temperature, and of the breeze in Guiana. Singular application made to the author for an appointment in the medical department, - 252

Letter XVII

Author's duties lead him to the colony of Berbische. Estahlishes a comparative inquiry respecting the diseased appearances after different disorders, with a view to ascertain what are the changes produced by yellow fever. The more robust most liable to be destroyed by the fever of the climate. An example in the superintending cook at the hospital. Execu* tion ofa Bust , Negro. '.Public pun'fhment of a party of blacks. Unjust pun'fhment of a negro carpenter, Page 262

Letter XVIII

Author embarks on board a Commissariat stoop to proceed from Demarara to Berbische. Expects to complete the passage in a few hours, but is detained at sea four days and nights, deprived of almost every necessary and every comfort. Description of the Voltigeur and its accommodations. The cabin a -wretched hole ot filth and vermin. Its furniture. The library. Expedition of passengers in the boat. Various and tormenting delays. The captain enraged and intemperate. View at the opening of the Berbische river. Happy sensations on arriving at Fort St. Andrew^ 273

Letter XIX

Situation cf Fort St. Andrew. Indians, tigers, monkies, and parrots inhabit the surrounding woods. A tpwn, to be called New Amsterdam, building upon the banks of the rivers Berbische and Kannye. Dutch garrison-hospital at Berbische fisted up by the author. Ninety -third regiment in garrison at Fort St. Andrew. Excellent discipline of this regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Gammell. Author afflicted with a complaint in his legs. A soldier drowned in bathing. Remarks occasioned by the sorrowful effect of the accident upon his comrades. Examination after a cafe of yellow fever. Author intends to pursue his inquiries respecting the diseased appearances. Written opinions regarding the yellow fever very discordant, - _.

Letter XX

A Dutch " vendue" of slaves. Attended by the cohnists like a public fair. ghiite a holyday or gala-meeting. Manner of exposing the slaves by auction. Method of examining them. Their average value. Conduct of a negro who •was putup to the hammer without his wife. Author conducts his friend from African staves to frre Indians. Joins a parts of Indians near the ri:-:-- Kannye. Indifference of these people concerning the whites. Another party pack up their furniture and utensils, and return into the woods. The women bear the burden. Indians engage to cut wood, but cannot be relied on. They have no h.dustry — nor any desire to emulate the colonists. A party from the woods come down the river in a came to Fort St. Andrew, Page 325

Letter XXI

Politeness and hospitality of Governor Van Battenburg towards the author. The Government-bouse. Its situation and construction. Ex.uifioifup the creek or river Kannye. Estate of Mynheer Ongre. Its produce in coffee — in cocoa. Number and value cf the slaves. Mode of preparing cocoa and chocolate. Food, drink, plates, dishes, medicine, and clothing all grow iu the fields. Berbische -widely remote from head- Quarters. Uncertainty of receiving news from the army. Route by which it commonly reaches Berbische. Brave conduct of a black corps at St. Lucie. The gallant Colonel Malcolm falls at their head. Uncertain of remaining in Guiana, the author directs his letters to be sent to St. Domingo. Garrison tint unmindful of the offline. En chanting echo through the heavy forefls, « - 337

Letter XXII

News reaches Berbische of the capture of the island os St, Lucie. A sentinel on guard destroyed by the «' Coup de Soteil." Marked case of yellow fever in a grenadier, named Llewell\n. The Savanna near fort St. Andrew inhabited by alligators. A sentinel, frightened by the ap proach of one of these amphibia in lhe night, fires and alarms the garrison. The alligator an animal of great strength and hideous form : is strongly protected against external injury : is peculiarly susceptible of life. Idisste/h used by the negroes as food. Visit of a party to the governor's and Mr. Blair's. Fete given to the saves atthe government-house. Author's reflections on the scene. The dance interrupted by a party of the sons of Bacchus. Humorous remarks cf the governor indicative of his correct knowledge cf the F.nglifh language.

Politeness of the governor and Madame Van Battenburg, to the officers. Sumptuous entertainment at Mr. Blair's. Author visits the " Taw -house'' Wretched appearance of the objects afflicted with this hideous malady. *1 distant ex cursion projected, in which the author hopes to join, Page 345

Letter XXIII

Indolence and visionary difficulties often the bane of our gratification. Author engages -with a party in a marooning excursion up the river Berbische. No fixed plan, but the journey regulated by the information and treatment met -with en route. Difficulties and obstacles suggested by gentlemen ef the colony. Ignorance ofthe Dutch language the greatest impediment. Stores and necessary resources collected in the boat. Departure from New Amsterdam. Mode of completing the boat's crew a tittle uniuarrantable. Plantation Het Pleytanker the first place of call. The party well received by Mr. Deen : meet Mynheer Abbensets : proceed with him to Effendam to pass the night. Friendly attention cf Mynheer Wohler a Hanoverian surgeon Author and JMynheer Wohler make a promenade round the plantations Effendam, and Sans Souci, - - Author and his comrades leave Effendam.

Generous and friendly hospitality of Mynheer Abbensets. The party obtain much useful information from Mynheer Schneider respecting their journey. Mynheer Abbensets and Mynheer Schneider contribute additional supplies to the boat. A long journey to the estate Vigilantie. Heavy toil for the staves. They stop occasionally and plunge into the river to refresh themselves. A friendly welcome by Mynheer Masted. Author visits the negro yard at Vigilantie. Is presented by a negro to his sifter. Ar. example of the effect of slavery. A singular ■mode of punishment. The party leave Vigilantie — arrive at the old town of Amsterdam. Visit Mynheer — le vieu Fiscal, and Mynheer Scholten. Le -vieu Fiscal converses in Latin — profess s great esteem for the English — is violently inimical to the Stadtholder, - - Page 378 Mynheer Scholten chirurgien-major to the Dutch troops, Madame Scholten witty and facetious.

Author reserves a specimen of humour to relate to his friend on his return to England. Old town of Amsterdam. A party of Indians. A party of manumitted Negroes. Profession of furgeon^barber not extinct in the Dutch colonies. Two of the authir's comrades staved by a chirurgo-tonsor, who supports a Latin conversation, upon medical and other subjects, during " the operation" The party meet Mynheer Fenner at Mynheer Scholten's. Accompany him to the estate Johanna. On arriving are presented to Madame Scholten and five other white ladies. — Good resemblance of an European garden. Appearance of a gang of saves ginning cotton by candle light, - - . ,87 The party adopt a new mode of travelling suggested by Mynheer Fenner. A Dutch mountain. Alarm excited by the author and his comrades respecting, the Bush Negroes in the woods.

A West Indian ride across the fiorefi and -wild savannas. European scene on approaching the estate Arends. Fra grant path leading to the house. The party meet a polite re ception from Mynheer Pauels : — dine at Arends : — proceed in the evening to Myhneer Heynemann' s accompanied by Mynheer Pauels and Mynheer Fenner. Visit a Dutch military post at an angle of the river near Arends. Myn - heer Heynemann's household, - ' - Page 396 Author obtains an early conversation with M. Heynemann. Examines his collection. Messrs. Heynemann, Pauels, and Fenner plan, for the party, the remainder cf the excursion. Interesting day at Mr. Heynemann's. Indians called Bucks *—the -women Buckeen. Common bow and arrow of the Indians. Their accuracy in using them. Fine attitude in pulling the bow. The poisoned arrow and its tube.

Author and two of his comrades proceed to Savonette. One of the party suddenly afflicted -with a malady, -which detains him at AI. Heynemann' Si Visit to an Indian hut, at two o'clock in the morning. Indian method of sleeping. Surprize of Vandyke, an old Dutch soldier. His remark concerning tbe indisposition of an Indian -wife. Night accommodation at Savonette, - - - - 404 Anticipated gratification robs the author of rest. Sensations en looking out at the door . of Savonette early in the morning. Visit to an Indian village in the -woods. Scenery on entering the fiorefi. Reflections on approaching the village. Vandyke ensures the party a civil reception. No ceremony observed. Author and his comrades minutely examine all around them. Bucks absent. Buckeen employed preparing cassada. Curiosity not reciprocal.

The party procure specimens of animals, implements and utensils. The laba. An Vol. II. i example of natural affection in the wild woods. A further example of the fame. Food used by the Indians. Manner ef preparing it. Indolence ofthe inhabitants of the woods. Caffada their " staff of life.'' Pepper-pot as crabs, and laba. The Armadillo. Structure ofthe Indian huts. Author expresses a hope of stewing the model of one to his friend some day in England. Temple of incantation. Super stition of the Indians respecting disease. Hot or va pour bath. Scenery round the forest village. An immense tree of the Tonquin bean. Concerning other trees in the -woods of Guiana. A Kiwihi, and other specimens presented by Vandyke : Water-lemons, — by the Indians. Military honors. Echo through the deep forest. Author and his comrades return to Mynheer Heynemann's, and to Arends, - - - Page 417 Feelings osfatisfiaction evinced by Mynheer Heynemann.

His attention to the author. Connecting link between the Indians and the colonists. Policy of the Dutch government respecting the Indians. Opportunities possessed by Mynheer Heynemann of observing the character and habits of the people of the woods : — peculiarly qualified for the appointment of post holder : — elected a chief among the Indians. Proposal to assemble a body of them in military array. On the remarks and observations of Mynheer Heynemann. Indian tribes in Guiana. The Charibs most warlike. Prominent features distinguishing the Indians from Europeans — from Africans. Clothing ofthe Indians. Kway used by the Buckeen. Conduct of a mother and daughter on presenting the apparel of a young Buckeen to the author, 436 Form and general appearance of the Indians. Custom of pulling the hair from different parts of their bodies.

Remarks concerning the indolent habits of the people of the woods. Labour not a natural impulse. Indians fond cf spirituous liquors. A degree of method obtains in their in toxication. Polygamy practised among them. Despotic to wards their -wives. The -women toil at home, and bear the burden when they move abroad. The Buckeen sombre and reserved in presence of the men—are fond os drinking rum. Some observations respecting obesity — also concerning gout, ... Page 445 The party are conducted from Arends to Johanna by Mynheer Fenner. Journey across the Savanna and forest. Chafe of a mule. Visit to an Indian Village. A wretched object of disease. A plantation os reeds for making arrows Trees of -wild cinnamon. The party dine at Johanna: — sleep at Helvetia. Cordially -welcomed by Mynheer Freinde.

Honored with peculiar marks of attention by Mynheer Fenner. A comfortless night. Unhappy feelings concerning an ebon nymph. Visit to Mynheer Scholten at the old town. Apologies of M. - le vieu Fiscal. His excesses attributed to ** levelling bumpers." A purchase from a handsome Indian •woman. River current. Visit to the plantation Daargradt — a colonial estate — perhaps " prize property." Alarm of an old Hollander on seeing a party of British officers. A wretched night in consequence of musquitoes, 4 c % The party leave Daargradt with the morning tide, intending to proceed to Mynheer Robolosti's. Call at Effendam. Kindly detained by M. Abbensets. Make a visit of acknowledgment to Mynheer Schneider. Cards introduced after dinner at Effendam. Evening promenade to Sans Send. Wretched annoyance cf musquitoes.

Afflicted ap. XX pearance of the party. Departure from Effendam. Con* elusion of the expedition. General remarks. Novelty and hospitality. Civility an inadequate term. Mode cf travel ling highly commodious. Sameness of scenery relieved. Pel lucid water of the river. Novel appearance of the forest, the boat, tAc. A floating island. Difficulties ideal. In - sects not troublesome in the woods. A peculiar mark of politeness, - - Page

Letter I

Author and his friends wait fior General Whyte, and the Cork convoy. Friendly altercation between the Author and his comrades. Cork Fleet driven back to Cove. The Hindostan and Abcrgavenny arrive from Ireland. The Mary Isabella, from England, after a passage of fifteen weeks. Author and his comrades ordered upon duty. Troops arrive unhealthy. Two-deck stips bad transports. State ef negroes instavestips contrasted with soldiers in transports. Degree of heat March 23d. Remarks upon a French paper, complaining of the professional practice of the British medical officers in St. Domingo. Barbadoes, March. 1 should have mentioned to you in my last letter, that from joining in the general greetings on the glad occasion of Sir R. Aber~ cromby's long-expected arrival, and hoping to learn that we were immediately to proceed to St. Domingo, we lost no time in waiting upon the commander in chief, but went to pay our re spects to him the day after he reached Barbavol. n. B does.

I am sorry, however, to tell you, that we are still likely to be detained for some time in this Island, it being intended that we flioulcl wait the arrival of General Whyte, and the Cork division, and all proceed to St. Domingo under the fame convoy. I am nappy to be able to announce to you that the ills of climate have, hitherto, scarcely reached me ; but my friends Cleghdrn and Master, I am sorry to remark, are greater sufferers than myself. All of us are annoyed by the prickly heat, and those tormenting insects the musquitoes ; but, in Cleghorn, the prickly heat is so violent, as to become quite a sore eruption ; and, on the legs of Master, the bites of musquitoes have produced very troublesome ulcers : also, in addition to these evils, both of my friends are frequently troubled with epistaxis * ; with which I have not been once attacked.

Regardless that they are more disturbed by the effects of climate than I am, they often amuse themselves at my continuing to observe an abstemious diet, and to persevere in my * Bleeding from the nose. long established habit of drinking water ; and are even bold enough to propose that we should form a tontine, with the benefit of survivorship. " Let us," fay they, " enter into an engagement that he who lives longest shall be entitled to the clothes, arms, baggage, and horses of those who may chance to die, previous to our return to England." — To this I tell them, I can fee only one objection, viz. that it would encumber me with more red coats, and baggage, than I should know what to do with. They, laughing, assure me that I need have no such apprehension, and kindly promise — the one to preserve my sword, the other my pistols as "a talisman, in memory of a friend, who sought his death by drink ing water /"— " Water," continue they, "will render you the most palatable to the hungry devourer of these regions, and, of course, you will be his earliest prey." — " On the contrary, my friends," I reply, " you lay a bait for this ravenous destroyer, by preparing for him in viting juices, enriched with wine, and high effenced dishes ; for, like yourselves, he loves to indulge, and prefers wine and high flavored viands, to a more plain and simple diet — hence, instead of your dividing my sword and B pistols, the probability is that I shall return to England trebly armed."

Were it fit to take up this subject pro fessionally, or to trouble you with medical discussions, I might shew some powerful rea sons why I have a better chance of again see ing England, than either of my humorous and pleasant associates. Our comrade, Weir, smiles at our calculations, and being in a manner secure, from having undergone nine years seasoning at Jamaica, feels that he may have to return alone, and report the fate of us all. Endless, surely, are to be the vexations and disappointments attending this expedition ! In every attempt, every branch of it would seem destined to meet with delay and disaster. In the papers, received by the last packet, we read that the Cork fleet, which we had flattered ourselves was within a few leagues of Barbadoes, has put back into Cove harbour. In this we have great and severe disappointment.

It was the division with which we were to proceed to our place cf destination, and from the ships which have already ar-* rived reporting so favorably ofthe voyage, and the weather, it is a mortification very unexpected. The Clarendon, the Charlotte, the Singleton and others having made an uncom monly quick passage, we had no suspicion but the winds must have been favorable for the whole convoy ; and, making allowances for the delay of dull sailing vessels, felt assured that they must arrive in the course of a few days ; hence the disappointment we experience is even greater than it was from hearing of the return of our own convoy under Ad miral Christian. Single ships, of each of the two fleets, still continue to arrive. The Hindostan and Abergavenny East Indiamen, and several transports have joined from Cork ; and on the 25th, came in the Mary Isabella of the Ports mouth division.

She sailed with us on the 9th of December, and has been a week longer on the voyage than the unfortunate General Cuyler, but precisely the same time at sea, having put into Lisbon disabled, and remained there three weeks, which reduces the period to twelve weeks, the exact time the General Cuyler was beating about upon the ocean. B It now remains to me to inform you that we have to bid adieu to our rural excursions, and maroon-like wanderings, about the pleasant island of Barbadoes : for it is ordered that the physicians of the St. Domingo staff shall consider themselves on duty, at the general hospital at St. Anne's Hill ; and it has fallen to my lot to be the first employed. We have also the further duty of inspecting the troops of the different ships of the Cork division as they come into harbour, in order to report their state of health, or disease.