_Cape Francois._
To give you some idea of the despotism that reigns in this country,
I must relate an event which, though it originated with Clara, was
certainly carried farther than she either expected or desired.
On our arrival here she engaged a young Frenchman to give her lessons
in his language, which she spoke tolerably before, but in which she
wished to acquire perfection. After he had attended her some time she
perceived that his lessons were considerably lengthened and that he
chose for his themes the most amorous and affectionate pieces. Some
observations made on the subject, drew from him a confession of the
extraordinary passion she had inspired. After laughing at his folly,
she dismissed him, and thought of him no more; but shortly after
was informed that he had circulated reports highly injurious to her.
General Rochambeau, whose ears they had reached, asked her from whence
they arose? and she related to him with great simplicity the whole
affair. The general said he should be embarked, and the next morning
he was actually sent on board an armed vessel which was to sail in
a few days. Whilst there he wrote a pathetic and elegant little
poem in which he represented himself as the victim of the general's
jealousy, who thus sought to destroy him for having interfered, and
not unsuccessfully, with his pursuits. This paper was sent to the man
with whom he had lived, and who handed it to every body. Clara was
in despair. She informed the general in chief that he had rendered
the affair, which was at first only ridiculous, seriously provoking:
in consequence of which the house of this man was surrounded by
guards, who, without giving him time to take even a change of clothes,
conducted him on board the vessel where his friend was confined; it
sailed immediately for France, and his house and store, which were
worth at least thirty thousand dollars became the prey of the officers
of the administration: but the poem was heard of no more.