Lieutenant-Governor Keating to Captain Willoughby.
“St Denis, Isle of Bourbon, 27th Dec. 1810.
“Sir,– I cannot allow you to depart from these islands, that have so often witnessed with wonder the intrepid, daring valour of your conduct, without joining in the general wish – that qualities so valuable may be duly appreciated by our Country, and that services so singularly eminent may be distinguished by the beneficence of our gracious Sovereign.
“Among the applauses of your own service, and the admiration of ours, the testimony of my sentiments can add but little to your fame; but I should be ungrateful, did I not state how large a share is due to you in the conquest of these islands, where so much has been done by the few – so little by the many.
“On my first reconnoitreing these citadels of French power in the East, I found the name of Willoughby already familiar with the inhabitants as a vigilant enterprising’ enemy – and a generous conqueror.
“When we captured St. Paul’s, it was the gallant Corbett[1] who reconnoitred our landing place, and enabled us to debark with a secrecy and rapidity perhaps unequalled. You then fought by my side, leading by your example 80 seamen to the most daring achievements. I felt the full value of your services; my testimony of them is on record. When I had led my force back to Rodriguez, you, ever indefatigable and on the watch for the enemy, made a landing at Jacotel, in the Isle of France, and experimentally confirmed our information as to the strength of the enemy, while your gallantry in carrying off a number of prisoners ia the face of a superior enemy, was a new proof of unshrinking determination, that surprised even your friends.
“The conquest of Bourbon was the next scene in which your conduct was displayed, and this also is on record.
“After this achievement, while most were refreshing themselves after the toils, hardships, and privations, that were the lot of all, you, never inactive while any thing remained undone, volunteered to take the Isle de la Passe, commanding the chief entrance to S.E. Port, and I gave you 100 chosen men to assist in that important service.
“Your next attempt was on Point du Diable, the strongest post in the south of the Mauritius, and doubly valuable as commanding the other entrance of Port S.E.
“The gallantry of this attack, its complete success without the loss of a man on your side; your march of 20 miles afterwards, when from the disposition of your force, you compelled a superior to retreat before you with loss; your distribution of the proclamation of the Honorable the Governor,- ↑ Captain Willoughby’s predecessor in la Nereide, of whom mention is made at p. 629, of our first volume.
