256 



APPENDIX. 



he went to the JS'. W. Coast and to Chiii, in an Aniencan 

 brig, which was sold in the latter country before he entered 

 the service in the Essex, under Captain Porter. Perhaps 

 this officer can remember and trace his connexions, and he 

 will, no doubt, willingly give them any information which 

 these papers may convey to them. 



At all events, it will convey some consolation to Mr. 

 McKnight's friends, to know the circumstances which re- 

 gard him, if they should never know any more; that, young 

 as he was, he had already by his gallantry and good con- 

 duct, entitled himself to be esteemed by his countrymen 

 and their enemies. For myself, I felt a pride, under the 

 circumstances in which our acquaintance was formed, at 

 meeting with such an American as he was, and I enjoyed 

 much pleasure from witnessing the true devotion which he 

 showed for the cause of his country, which he promised to 

 serve both with advantage and dignity. I have been ex- 

 tremely loath to reconcile my mind to the conviction, that 

 he had perished. I remember that he had a mother living 

 when he was here, of whom he spoke with nmch affection, 

 and I think also of a sister or sisters, for whom he took 

 with him some presents. 



If this should be the last news they may hear of him, it 

 will not be destitute of some comfort for them. Besides 

 his signature to one of these letters, and our regard for him^ 

 the only remembrances which we find in our possession, is 

 an Indian sling, which he brought from the Washington 

 Islands, and which he gave me as such at our parting. Per- 

 haps, at his age, he considered it a trophy (for I hear that 

 he displayed great valour there as well as in the action at 

 Valparaiso ;) however this may be, I do myself the honour 

 to put it in your hands. Sir. it is not because I set too lit- 

 tle value on it that I am willing to part with it: but because 

 his family will find many more motives for valuing it than 

 I can have, and by thus accepting it from me, they will 

 at the same time do me the favour of accepting the only 

 mark of respect which 1 have the means of showing, both 

 for his memory, if that is all that lives, and for their feel- 

 ings towards him. 



I have the honour to be, &c. 

 (Signed) Thomas Sumptek. Jan. 



7'o Commodore Stephen iJccalur. 



