and the strong recommendation of Captain Dashwood, to whom he first became known on joining the Creole, Lieutenant Martin was appointed to the command of the Clinker gun-brig, fitting out for the Newfoundland station, where we find him performing the anomalous duties of a naval surrogate, and, in April 1821, receiving an address of which the following is a copy:
“Sir,– We the undersigned inhabitants of Harbour Grace, having learnt with sentiments of regret that duty now obliges you to leave us, and thereby vacate that department which during your stay amongst us you have so worthily, nay, impartially filled, conceive ourselves bound to return you our most sincere thanks for, and to express to you our unanimous approbation of, your conduct while filling the truly important situation of Surrogate to the Bay, since the resignation of your predecessor, the Rev. Mr. Leigh. Nor can we but admire the wisdom, and the zeal for the public good evinced by his Excellency[1] in having thus selected so worthy a successor to our late Surrogate. By your appointment, Sir, his Excellency has clearly manifested his desire that justice should be impartially administered; nor can stronger proofs of its being so be given than the contented and tranquil state which all classes exhibit at the present period. Such contentment and tranquillity of the people is perhaps a better proof than any language, however copious or eloquent, could possibly convey. Accept then, Sir, our united thanks and sentiments of approbation; and, as the conduct of every good man should be held forth as a model to posterity, so it shall be our province to hand your’s down to our own and the future inhabitants of Harbour Grace. We have the honor to be. Sir, with sentiments of unfeigned respect and sincerity, your most obedient and truly humble servants.”
“To Lieut, William Martin,
“Commanding H.M. brig Clinker.”
The following are copies of two letters subsequently addressed to Lieutenant Martin:–
“Dear Sir,– It is with infinite pleasure that I offer you my congratulations on finding you have so satisfactorily terminated your judicial duties at Harbour Grace, as it so honorably appears in the paper of to-day. The address cannot fail, I think, of accelerating that promotion which you have so sanguinely looked for, and, as I am assured by all who have
- ↑ Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton, Bart., Governor of Newfoundland.
