Barbadoes, March 30.
I fear you will be tired of reading tales of disappointment and
uncertainty, which, as I before observed, would seem to know no end. On
the morning of the 28th inst. we saw an ensign hoisted at the fort, and
heard three guns fired; which constitute the signal of alarm implying a
strange fleet to be in sight. It was, immediately, concluded that it was
the Cork convoy, and its arrival was readily explained, by supposing it
to have put to sea again, quickly after its return to harbour, and to
have availed itself of the favorable wind which had already brought to
us so many single vessels of that division. Dr. Cleghorn and myself
happened to be on our way to the hospital, and on reaching St. Anne’s
Hill we had a most splendid view of about eighty ships sailing smoothly
below us, spreading their white canvass along the coast of the island,
as they proceeded towards the bay. Our expectations now seemed
confirmed. It must be the Cork fleet: and we felt assured of a speedy
departure for St. Domingo! But our measure of vexation was not yet
filled; for it proved to be only a fleet of merchantmen!
It would seem that the very elements had been set in hostile array,
exclusively, against the expedition, and that it only required the
sailing of the convoys to provoke the wrath of the winds, and the ocean.
Amidst all the vexatious delays, that continue to occur, it is
mortifying to discover that not one of the troop-ships has made the
passage with this fortunate fleet of traders, which sailed from Spithead
on the 27th of February, and reached Barbadoes early on the 28th of
March.
After breakfast we went on shore to make our marketings and to learn the
additional news brought by the fleet, which had now come to anchor. The
streets of Bridge-town were crowded, and the place so over-run with
strangers, that not a fish, nor a joint of meat was to be had: and a
single chicken was all we could procure.
Barbadoes is the best supplied of all our colonies to windward of
Jamaica. The island abounds with provisions and stock; but from the late
multiplied arrivals, and from a numerous fleet being so long detained in
the bay, the demand has been so great that a degree of scarcity, or, at
least, that mark of it, an increased and extravagant price, begins to
prevail.
Single ships of the Cork division still continue to join us; and among
them we now find the George and Bridget with hospital stores, having our
comrade Henderson on board. The George and Bridget, as I before remarked
to you, is a large North country ship, of vast bulk, very unwieldy, and
manifestly a slow sailer.
Our lost assistant, poor Mac—, who was left behind in consequence of
going to Portsmouth in search of our cow, is also among the unexpected
passengers on board this vessel. The narrative of his adventures, with
and without the cow, has diverted us exceedingly. He is a little fat,
sturdy man, of short, punch-like figure, between thirty and forty years
of age, with a vast deal of good humour and willing activity about
him—bustling, well-intending, and officiously desirous to be useful. He
is confident, and presumptuous, yet possesses a degree of personal
timidity bordering upon superstition. Abruptly familiar with those he
seeks, he grows importunate, and attaches himself even to annoyance;
being one of those people who have more of freedom than good manners,
are perfect masters in ease, and as perfectly ignorant in politeness. He
is of that class which possesses more of willingness, than judgment—more
of haste, than order; one of those who engage with bold confidence, in
whatever presents itself, without looking to the event, or observing any
thing of method in the execution; who are ever ready to plunge into
difficulties, without a thought how to subdue them.
The same sanguine feelings which lead him into troubles, tend to support
him through them. Not being of a disposition to brood over his
distresses, he is seldom the subject of dismay, or the victim of sombre
reflection. Involved in one dilemma, he commonly escapes from it by
rushing headlong into a greater, and often blunders on to his object,
overcoming every impediment by forcing circumstances through all hazards
to the end proposed; then, forgetful of the new difficulties which he
has created, piques himself upon the merit of having accomplished his
design!
It being an essential comfort to have plenty of milk on the passage, we
had purchased a cow to take on board, but owing to some neglect, on
shore, our valued animal had not reached the Lord Sheffield at the time
the signal was made for sailing. We applied to the captain to know how
we could proceed with the greatest probability of procuring her; who,
telling us that it was not an object for which he could delay the ship,
observed that the only chance of having our milk was by sending off some
person, instantly, to Portsmouth, who would bring the cow, without a
moment’s loss of time. Mac—, hearing this, immediately volunteered his
services. A boat, returning to the shore, was accordingly hailed, and
away hurried Mac— for the cow; not once dreaming of the possibility of
failure, or that there could be any risk of his being left behind. In
the same unthinking haste in which he left the ship did he bustle on
when he reached the town; and from a thoughtless blundering in every
step of his proceeding, he was defeated in all his attempts to return on
board. First he neglected to secure a boat at the time he went on
shore—next he forgot the address of the person from whom the cow was
purchased—afterwards he lost time in cavilling with the man for not
sending her off according to his engagement—then he delayed by sitting
down to take refreshment; and when at last the poor animal was led to
the water’s edge, it proved that every boat was absent, and Mac— was
compelled to wait in great anxiety for the return of one from Spithead.
He now began to discover that he had proceeded rashly, and without
calculating the means of success; but he unjustly cursed his fortune,
and abused the quiet, unconscious cow.
Thus it ever is with the improvident,—whether regarding his time, his
purse, or his pursuits. The errors of _imprudence_ he never fails to
attribute to _misfortune_, and he unfairly accuses the fates with what
is only the result of his own folly or neglect. When a lugger arrived it
was too late to overtake the fleet; but he impulsively jumped into it,
insisting on making a trial, and after remaining at sea for a
considerable time, was obliged to return to Portsmouth, both himself and
the cow having lost their passage.
Now he hastily determined to go to the Isle of Wight, and try from
thence to get on board the Lord Sheffield; and after failing in this, he
hurried to Plymouth, idly fancying that he might succeed from thence.
Here he was alike defeated. He then travelled to Milford Haven and
embarked for Ireland, and happened to arrive at Cove in time for the
Cork convoy, with which he found the George and Bridget, and, knowing
that Dr. Henderson and others of the hospital staff were on board, he
applied to the captain for a passage, relating his adventures, with and
without the cow, as his passport.
From the frankness of his manners, and the willingness he expressed to
put up with all the inconveniences which might present themselves, as
well as from his companionable familiarity, the master of the vessel
became interested in his behalf, and soon adopted him as his principal
associate.
The ship met with an accident at sea, but afterwards made a favorable
passage, and Mac— is arrived in safety at Barbadoes; where he relates
with great delight all his perils by sea, and his troubles on shore[6].