pened to be at Falmouth, on the north side of the island, when a fire broke out which raged with great fury, and threatened destruction to all around. The moment Captain Clement perceived the flames, he landed with his crew to give assistance, and by uncommon exertions succeeded in saving property to a very large amount, as well as the hospital and a great number of houses. For this service he received the following vote of thanks of the justices and vestry of Falmouth, inclosed in a letter from James Stewart, Esq. the Custos of that parish:
“Jamaica – Trelawney, In Vestry, 30th May, 1808.
“Resolved, that the thanks of the justices and vestry be given to Captain Clement of H.M.S. Favorite, his officers, and ship’s company, for their great exertions at the unfortunate fire on Tuesday night, the 24th instant, and that his honor the Custos be requested to communicate the same in the most acceptable manner.
(Signed)“James Blair, Clk. Vestry.”
On the above alarming occasion, whilst encouraging his crew in their endeavours to arrest the progress of the flames, Captain Clement fell through the burning roof of a house, and thereby suffered material injury. After the fire was subdued he had the mortification to see his men dying hourly of a fever, occasioned by their late fatigue; and he at length buried the greater part of his crew, whilst he himself recovered from a severe attack, contrary to all expectation. Subsequent to this severe visitation, he took charge of 60 merchant vessels, and convoyed them in safety to the place of their destination. At this time the Favorite had only 45 persons on board capable of doing duty; and five stout privateers were constantly hovering about the convoy. In this reduced state, he found it necessary to make use of an impress warrant, for doing which two actions were brought against him ; and although the instrument was regularly signed by the Governor and Council of Jamaica, and backed by a magistrate of Montego bay, in which district it was used, his prosecutors obtaining a verdict in their favor, ht was compelled to pay damages and costs, amounting in the whole to 535l., for which heavy loss, incurred in the execu-
