nwarrantably disposed
of the property entrusted to them for adjudication.

His Majesty was greatly annoyed at learning the continuance and extent
of the vexatious opposition to his wishes; but, begging me not to be
influenced by the injustice committed, strongly urged the necessity of
my using every endeavour for immediate action,--I at once pointed out to
His Majesty that the only way to accomplish this was, to restore
confidence to the men by maintaining public faith with the officers and
seamen, giving compensation--at least in part--of their prize money,
with recognition of their claims to the remainder.

Still nothing was done, until, becoming tired of the harassing
circumstances in which I was placed, I made up my mind to a last effort,
which, if unsuccessful, should be followed by my resignation of the
command, even though it might involve the loss of all that which was due
to me. Accordingly, I addressed to His Majesty a letter from which the
following are extracts:--

The time has at length arrived when it is impossible to doubt
that the influence which the Portuguese faction has so long exerted,
with the view of depriving the officers and seamen of their stipulated
rights, has succeeded in its object, and has even prevailed against
the expressed wishes and intentions of Your Majesty in person.

(Here follows a recapitulation of injuries and annoyances with
which the reader is familiar):--

The determined perseverance in a course so opposed to justice,
by those members and adherents of the Portuguese faction, whose
influence prevails in the ministry and council, and more especially
the proceedings of those individuals of that faction, who compose
the naval tribunals, must come to an end.

The general discontent which prevails in the squadron has rendered
the situation in which I am placed one of the most embarrassing
description; for though few may be aware that my own cause of
complaint is equal to theirs, many cannot perceive the consistency of
my patient continuation in the service, with disapprobation of the
measures pursued. Even the honours which Your Majesty has been
pleased to bestow upon me, are deemed by most of the officers, and by
the whole of the men--who know not the assiduity with which I have
persevered in earnest but unavailing remonstrance--as a bribe by
which I have been induced to abandon their interests. Much,
there