cious commencement, when you entered our harbour leading in triumph two consort French frigates of the largest class, captured by your flag-ship, you have, on every occasion, surpassed our expectations, and realized our most sanguine hopes.
“By your judicious distribution of the comparatively small force at your disposal, by your ardent zeal and unremitted vigilance, the navigation of these seas has been in a conspicuous degree protected from the ravages of a most active and enterprising enemy, whose daring spoliations have been carried across the Atlantic, even to the very shores of the united kingdom. By your vigorous co-operation in the late fortunate expedition against the revolted French colonies, you have largely participated in the glory of obliterating from the tablet of the banners of nations, the tri-coloured flag of revolutionary France, the avowed symbol of implacable hostility to the British ensign, which having, through the valour of its brave supporters, proudly waved in war, in victorious defiance of all its foes, now calmly floats over us in the dignified tranquillity of peace[1].
“Your remarkable affability, in allowing unrestricted access to your person at all times, – your immediate attention to every mercantile application, – your promptness in rendering every possible assistance, – have been no less gratifying and beneficial to individuals, than your energetic measures have been consistent with your established character, and occasionally successful in promoting the general maritime interests of the empire.
“Actuated by the most lively sense of obligation to you, for the important advantages which the trade of the West Indies especially has derived from your incessant exertions, the Members of the Barbadoes Insurance Association are desirous of paying a lasting tribute to that merit which they so highly appreciate. They have therefore deputed us, the Directors of the Institution, to present you with a piece of Plate, of the value of five hundred pounds, which they entreat you to accept, as a proof of the grateful estimation in which they hold your exalted deserts.
“For ourselves, Sir, we beg to assure you of the infinite satisfaction we feel in the performance of this peculiarly agreeable office, and of the sincerity with which we join them in fervent wishes, that you may long enjoy every species of happiness, as the well deserved reward of your eminently valuable services.
| “We have the honour to be, Sir, | ||
| “With the greatest respect and esteem, | ||
| “Your most obedient humble servants, | ||
| “F. A. Walrond, | “J. M‘Alpin, | |
| (Signed) | “Richard Cock, | “W. Oxley, |
| “Patrick Seaver, | “R. Deane. | |
“To Sir P. Charles Durham, K.C.B. Rear-Admiral of the Red,
“Commander-in-Chief, &c. &c. &c.”
- ↑ The last tri-coloured flag that flew in the West Indies, was hoisted on the fort near Basseterre, Guadaloupe, and struck to Sir P. C. Durham, in Aug. 1815; all the other posts in that island capitulated to the army, but this one was subdued by the Venerable.
