situated as I was. It was the 3d of March, before any Black River
crafts arrived, and they were the only ones then provided. It is
true, the Indian governor promised a great many: but, when I came
to his country, there was not a single one ready; and I got them,
at last, with very great difficulty. The superintendant was
entirely deceived by the Indians, in the number of crafts and men;
and still more so, in point of time.
"Captain Nelson, then of the Hinchinbroke, came up with thirty-four
seamen, a serjeant, and twelve marines. I want words to express the
obligations I owe that gentleman. He was the first, on every
service, whether by day or by night. There was scarcely a gun
fired, but was pointed by him, or Captain Despard, chief engineer,
who has exerted himself on every occasion. I am persuaded, if our
shot had held out, we should have had the fort a week sooner. As
Captain Nelson goes to Jamaica, he can inform you of every delay,
and point of service, as well as I could; for, he knows my very
thoughts.
"The bearer, Lieutenant Mounsey, can inform your excellency of many
things that may escape my memory. He is a very good officer, and
commanded the party I sent to reconnoitre the look-out: and began
the attack of it, in concert with Captain Despard and Captain
Nelson; who, with his seamen, volunteered that duty."
It is easy to perceive, at this early period, the singular heroism of
Captain Nelson's character; as well in the slight but forcible
delineation, sketched on the instant by Colonel Polson, as in the more
leisurely and finished picture of Dr. Moseley's masterly composition.
In both, we behold him seeking every opportunity to assist the
enterprise, with the most magnanimous zeal, and the soundest discretion.
Without his vigorous and skilful exertions, indeed, as Dr. Moseley
remarks, it is more than probable that not a man among them would ever
have reached San Juan Castle.
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