nglish. He was
dressed in an embroidered blue silk coat, white satin waistcoat and
inexpressibles, with a gold-laced cocked hat and a pair of heavy
ammunition shoes. He wore no stockings, he was old and ugly, and his shins
were sharp and curved. I gave him an invitation to dine on board, which he
declined. Before we sailed, I joined a picnic party to Bence Island, which
is situated about fourteen miles up the river from Free Town. We dined
there very pleasantly, and one of the merchants made me a present of a
collection of insects and handsome shells, in return for which I sent him
some views. The 21st of October falling on the day before our departure, I
asked the Governor, the officers of the regiment, and the merchants to
dine on board. We dressed the ship and decorated the quarter-deck. At five
o'clock we sat down to a dinner, consisting of all the delicacies of
Sierra Leone and the ship's provision. Port and madeira circulated freely,
and the company began to get in high spirits; and as there were two white
ladies, wives of the two military commanding officers, who accompanied
their husbands, a dance was proposed on the quarter-deck. The only
musicians we could muster were the marine drummer, ship's fifer, and my
steward, who performed on the clarionet. I opened the ball with the
Honourable Mrs. Forbes, and was followed by most of the others, until it
became too ridiculous, as few knew anything about dancing. Before
confusion became rife I proposed singing. My steward sung in the style of
Incledon, and he was much applauded; and one of the marines, after the
manner of Braham--he also had his share of applause and encores. Punch was
now the order of the night, and, after laying in a good stock, they all
ordered their canoes and paddled on shore, huzzaing the whole time. The
Governor had taken his departure in one of the ship's boats some time
before, to avoid the uproar. I shall not mention the toasts that were
given; as we were all loyal and true, they were the quintessence of
loyalty. The morning before sailing I breakfasted at the Fort. The convoy,
consisting of five sail, were ready. I bid an affectionate farewell to the
Governor, who had been uniformly kind, and I was soon on board, where I
found a note from the Honourable Captain Forbes, and one from the
Governor. The first was to beg I would accept some excellent bacon, a
beautiful live fawn, and some cane mats. The last was accompanied by a
fine crown bird, wh