The summit of Shooter's Hill commands a most extensive and variegated prospect, overlooking as large a city and as fine a country as any in the universe. This place was visited by Bloomfield solely for the recovery of his health.
To hide me from the public eye,
To keep the throne of reason clear,
Amidst fresh air to breathe or die,
I took my staff and wander'd here.
Suppressing every sigh that heaves.
And coveting no wealth but thee,
I nestle in the honeyed leaves.
And hug my stolen Liberty.
The triangular Tower on the brow of the hill is an elegant erection surrounded by a neat plantation, on a sloping lawn, intersected by gravelled walks. It is an object of considerable interest, as it commemorates a train of exploits of the highest moment to our mercantile transactions with the eastern world. Over the entrance, on a broad tablet of stone, is this inscription:
This Building was erected m.dcc.lxxxiv. by the Representative of the late
Sir WILLIAM JAMES, Bart.,
To commemorate that gallant Officer's Achievements in the East Indies,
During his Command of the Company's Marine Forces in those Seas;
And in a particular Manner to record the Conquest of
The Castle of Severndroog, on the Coast of Malabar,
Which fell to his superior Valour and able Conduct,
On the 2d Day of April m.dcc.lv.
