378 JOURNAL OF A 
masses of stone, about the north-west corner of the island. We 
had no tune to approach nearer. The heat was to-day greater 
than we liad experienced it for a long time. The Governor could 
not have given me a more agreeable companion than Lieutenant 
Pritchard, who made it his study to render my ride agreeable and 
instructive. 
After our return, I found his Excellency in the library, busily 
engaged in preparing dispatches to go by the Zebra. My view of 
the house and surrounding scenery happening to meet with Lady 
Lowe's approbation, I finished my sketch for her. Captain Forbes 
had returned from James-town, and Dr. O'Meara having sent word, 
lhat General Bonaparte was too ill to appear abroad, Mr. Somer- 
set was disappointed. Mr. Brook, the Secretary, paid a short 
visit. We sat down to dinner without any additional guests, and 
the afternoon was spent in lively conversation. 
Every account we heard of the disposition and conduct of Gene- 
ral Bonaparte in this island, showed but little of that greatness of 
character, which he would affect, and his admirers represent as 
inherent in him. That which belongs to the natural construction 
of a man's mind w ill be discovered in every situation of life. Not 
only in prosperity, but in adversity, it will cleave to him, and ge- 
nerally influence his conduct. But in a day of ease and victory, 
it is much easier, to support a pretence, and wear a mask, than in 
a state of affliction. While General Bonaparte was dictating laws 
to every nation but England, and crowned heads were bowing be- 
fore him, he could assume a character superior to his own, and af- 
fect, in every thing, to rise higher than other men. It would be 
unjust to deny him the merit of having exhibited a degree of com- 
prehension and skill in military affairs, which has perhaps seldom, 
if ever, been equalled among ancient or modern warriors. In civil 
arrangements, also, who will deny, that his plans were vast, and 
that he had the wisdom to search out and employ the best agents 
for the accomplishment of his designs I Had these properties of 
