458 
A VOYAGE TO 
[ At Mauritius • 
1807. despair of our being ever set at liberty had now wholly taken posses- 
June. 
sion of his senses. He imagined that all the inhabitants of the island, 
even those who were most friendly, were leagued with the captain- 
general against us? the signals on the hills communicated my every 
step, the political articles in the gazettes related in a metaphorical 
manner the designs carrying on, the new laws at that time publish- 
ing showed the punishments we were doomed to suffer, persons seen 
in conversation, every thing in fine, had some connexion with this 
mysterious league ; and the dread of some sudden and overwhelming 
blow left him no peace, either by day or night. This state of mind 
continued some months, his sleep and appetite had forsaken him, and 
he wasted daily ; and finding no other means of cure than persuading 
him to return to England, where he might still render me service, a 
permission for his departure was requested and obtained; and in the 
July. beginning of July he embarked on board an American brig, for 
Baltimore. I gave into his charge some remaining charts and books, 
and many letters ; and had the satisfaction to see him more easy, 
and almost convinced of the folly of his terrors on finding he was 
really allowed to go away, which till then, had appeared to him 
incredible. 
On the 18th, arrived the Hon. Company’s ship Marquis Wel- 
lesley, as a cartel from Madras, with French prisoners ; and four 
days afterward colonel Monistrol transmitted me a letter from the 
secretary of sir Edward Pellew, containing the extract of a despatch 
to the captain-general, and two letters of a more recent date from 
the admiral himself. One of these, addressed upon His Majesty's 
service, was as follows. 
II. M. ship Duncan, Madras Roads, 21st June, 1807. 
SIR, 
Two days ago I renewed ray application to the captain-general De 
Caen in your favour, requesting that His Excellency would permit of your 
departure from the Isle of France, and suggesting the opportunity now offered 
by His Majesty’s ship Greyhound. 
