only wanted confidence in his strength to join him. In order to convey an idea of his popularity at Coro, we shall further add, that he always walked about the city unattended; that he frequently passed hours together in a room crowded with Spaniards of all descriptions; and that the officer commanding on the sand-hills had much trouble in preventing many of the Indians from joining him.
Previous to their departure from the island of Aruba, a letter was addressed to Captain Campbell by his military colleague, of which the following is a copy:
“My dear Sir,– I have to return you my best thanks for the sentiments conveyed to me in your note of the 22d instant.
“Permit me at the same time to express my gratitude for the attention and kindness shewn to us on board the Lily, during the late expedition. I have no doubt that the success we did obtain on our landing at la Villa de Coro, was in a great measure owing to your wise directions, and to the courage and intrepidity of the oflicers and men of the navy, who accompanied us in the land operations.
“I hope that, if Great Britain continues her support to this extensive enterprise, your name. Sir, will be added (if my recommendation is attended to) to those that will co-operate, under the auspices of Providence, to the execution of so humane and interesting an undertaking, for the glory of Great Britain and the happiness of mankind. I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem and high consideration, &c.
The following is an extract of Sir Alexander Cochrane’s letter to Captain Campbell, acknowledging the receipt of his despatches from la Villa de Coro and Aruba:
“I am perfectly satisfied with your conduct during the expedition; and, although it has failed, I have confidence of success whenever a sufficient force is employed. You had better come up here, to be in the way for a windfall.”
The high estimation in which Captain Campbell’s general conduct was held by the governor, council, and merchants of Trinidad, cannot be better described than in their own terms:
