34 MEMOIR OP JOHN HL'NTER. 



It is not to be doubted, that the unfortunate state 

 of mutual feeling existing between the brothers was 

 the main cause which induced John, at length, to 

 determine upon withdrawing from London for a sea- 

 son. At the same time, it is not less certain, that the 

 state of his health, impaired by incessant application, 

 rendered change of scene, and a suspension of la- 

 bour expedient. We find, accordingly, that he was 

 advised to go abroad ; and Mr Adair, Inspector- 

 General of Hospitals, having appointed him a sur- 

 geon on the staff, he, in the following spring, ac- 

 companied the army to Belleisle, leaving Mr Hewson 

 to assist his brother. 



From these facts, we may conclude, that Mr 

 Hunter's indisposition was not of a very alarming 

 character, as, had it been dangerous in its nature, he 

 would probably have sought for milder skies, and, at 

 all events, would not have encountered the perils 

 and fatigues incident to active military service. The 

 change, however, besides effectually breaking up his 

 connection with his brother, must have no doubt 

 tended to invigorate his constitution ; while active 

 service with the army, presented to him the best 

 possible field in which to familiarize himself with the 

 countless details of an art which can be practically 

 learned only by personal experience. Of these ad- 

 vantages there is no want of evidence that he assi- 

 duously availed himself, both for his own improve- 

 ment, and for the advancement of science. 



On the 29th of March 1761, a secret expedition 



