110 COUNT RUMFORD. 



clear from the account of Dr. Ellis, that the complaints 

 had no other foundation than events inseparable from 

 the carrying on of war. In the statement of Thompson's 

 case his biographer, extenuating nothing, and setting 

 down naught in malice, winds up his third chapter with 

 these words : ' I may add to such praise as is due to him 

 as a good soldier, quick and true and bold in action, 

 and faithful to the Government which he served, the 

 higher tribute that, from the hour when the war closed, 

 he became, and ever continued to be, the constant 

 friend and generous benefactor of his native country.' 



Early in April 1783 Thompson obtained leave to 

 return to England, but rinding there no opportunity for 

 active service, he resolved to try his fortune on the Con- 

 tinent, intending to offer his services as a volunteer in 

 the Austrian army against the Turks. The historian 

 (ribbon crossed the Channel with him. In a letter dated 

 Dover, September 1 7, 1783, Gibbon writes thus : — ' Last 

 night the wind was so high that the vessel could not 

 stir from the harbour ; this day it is brisk and fair. 

 We are flattered with the hope of making Calais Har- 

 bour by the same tide in three hours and a half ; but 

 any delay will leave the disagreeable option of a tottering 

 boat or a tossing night. What a cursed thing to live 

 in an island ! this step is more awkward than the whole 

 journey. The triumvirate of this memorable embarka- 

 tion will consist of the grand Gibbon ; Henry Laurens, 

 Esq., President of Congress ; and Mr. Secretary, Colonel, 

 Admiral, Philosopher Thompson, attended by three 

 horses, who are not the most agreeable fellow-passengers. 

 If we survive, I will finish and seal my letter at Calais. 

 Our salvation shall be ascribed to the prayers of my 

 lady and aunt, for I do believe they both pray.' The 

 'grand Gibbon' is reported to have been terribly 



