Nature, nor the greatest Spirits persevere without
some Relaxation from Hardship and Fatigue: They had to encounter with the
intense Heat of the Climate, and were denied the necessary Refreshment of
Repose. In these Circumstances, what Transports of Pleasure would the
Sight of a _British_ Fleet inspire? How chearfully would they exert all
their remaining Strength, in hopes of being speedily supplied with all the
Necessaries their Distresses required? What noble Efforts must they make,
when they saw a fresh Reinforcement of Men flying as swift as possible to
their Assistance? The smallest Detachment that could have been landed,
attended with Stores and Provisions, would have revived their Courage,
animated their Spirits, and possibly might intirely have defeated the
Designs of our Enemies. What Motives of an opposite Nature could sway with
such weighty Considerations? What Danger could there be in attempting to
land? What Hesitation could there be about the Expediency of it? What
Council, good God! could deliberate a Moment, whether they should help
their Friends, or abandon them to Destruction? The Reasons which were
urged against that Enterprize, were not on account of the Smallness of
the Detachment, but the Danger of entering the Harbour, which would have
been equally conclusive against the most numerous Body, which must have
suffered more from the Fire of their Cannon than a few, and would deter us
from performing any Exploits which are attended with the least Degree of
Danger or Inconvenience. But admitting the Truth of that Assertion you
have frequently maintained, 'That all the Assistance you was capable of
bringing would have been no effectual Relief; and, at best, could but have
protracted the Siege a few Days;' admitting, I say, that the Presence and
Encouragement of so many superior Officers would not have accomplished
that desireable End, yet you would have stood acquitted, and glorious, in
the Eyes of your Country, and of Posterity. The Guilt would have been
confined intirely to those who sent you out in so miserable a Plight: We
should have pitied and applauded the gallant Efforts of that Bravery which
was not crowned with Success; we should have resigned the Place with less
Regret, when it was so dearly bought.--But, alas! we did not put it in the
Power of Fortune to save us: The least Evil was not hazarded; we had not
the Pain of seeing our Friends overcome by a superior Enemy; your Valour
was reserved for