not having been brought timely forward before the First Lord of the Admiralty, on the late change of administration, but who I have understood since expressed himself to that effect to Sir Alexander Cochrane, in a letter which his lordship addressed to the Hon. Rear-Admiral.
“I will not doubt, however, that the justice which is due to you will, on the earliest occasion, be evinced by an order from home, to confirm you in the first vacancy which occurs – in the mean time, I cannot deny myself the gratification of offering you my sincerest assurances of the very high opinion with which your zeal, attention, and exemplary conduct invariably impressed me in your favour, since your first appointment to this station, until I had to regret the circumstance which was to deprive the colony under my government (for the present) of your further services. I have the honor to be, with great regard, &c.
Extract of the Minutes of H.M. Council, held at the Government House, Jan. 21, 1807.
“Trinidad. – His Excellency the Governor having laid before the Board a letter which he proposed transmitting to Captain Campbell, late commander of H.M.S. Lily, expressive of his opinion of the services of that officer, which, should it accord with that of the members of the Board, he would submit to them the propriety of passing such a resolution as they may think appropriate to the occasion.
“It was then resolved that this Board do most fully accord in the sentiments expressed in his Excellency’s letter addressed to that officer, and are desirous that this resolution be transmitted at the same time to Captain Campbell by the Secretary.
Dep. Clk. Council.”
From the Merchants to Captain Campbell.
“Sir,– We learn with regret that this island is for the present to be deprived of your services.
“This station affords few opportunities of signalizing courage, or of gaining pecuniary emolument, but calls for the exertion of vigilance, activity, and judgment; qualifications of prime utility to the service, and which, from every thing we have seen of your conduct, we conceive you eminently possess.
“When on a neighbouring station, you pdd particular attention to the interests of this colony, and during the short time you remained on this, though called to other duties, we have seen enough to occasion our regret at being deprived of that zeal which you have always manifested for the mercantile interest.
“That promotion may soon be your reward, and that such promotion