cities perpetrated at St. Domingo, after the revolt of the black population – acts at which humanity shudders[1].
The dreadful mortality which visited our ships and troops during the years 1793, 1794, and 1795, is still fresh in the recollection of many persons. Exposed as Mr. Dix invariably was to the most laborious and severe duties, under the baleful influence of a tropical sun, it is not to be wondered at that he shared in the sickness so general. Though blessed by nature with a very strong constitution, and with a cheerful evenness of temper not easily surmounted by privations or difficulties, yet these advantages, great as they were, could not exempt him from the common lot. Three several times was he attacked by the yellow fever; and the last of these visitations had nearly proved fatal, for he was so debilitated by it, and by a low intermitting fever and ague which succeeded it, that certain death was pronounced to await him if not speedily removed to another climate: he accordingly returned to England.
In Aug. 1797, Mr. Dix was made a Lieutenant, and appointed to the Pompée 80, commanded by his friend Captain James Vashon, under whom he subsequently served in the Neptune 98, and Princess Royal of similar force; likewise as flag Lieutenant from the time of that officer’s promotion and appointment to the command at Leith until 1806; when, finding advancement slow and uncertain at home, he again sailed for the West Indies, with a strong recommendation from Admiral Rainier to Sir Alexander Cochrane, by whom he was appointed first of the flag-ship immediately on his arrival; and afterwards ordered to act as Captain of the Arab 20.
During the short period of five weeks that Lieutenant Dix commanded the Arab, every person on board, with the exception of himself and eight others, was attacked by the yellow fever: 33 fell victims to its ravages. Being the only officer who escaped, a more than double duty devolved upon him; and the anxiety, distress of mind, and fatigue he endured, whilst in that most trying situation, beggars all description.
