Wilhems Plains . ] 
TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
479 
I dared not therefore allow my imagination to contemplate a meeting 
with my family and friends as likely to soon take place, nor to dwell 
upon any subject altogether English ; the same preparation however 
was made for a departure, as if this promise were expected to be 
fulfilled. It was reported that the Harriet would sail within a fortnight 
after two frigates and a sloop should have gone out upon a cruise; 
and as these ships sailed on the 14th, the official information of my 
liberty, if really granted, might be expected daily. 
It will be believed that I sought on all hands to learn whether 
any thing had transpired from the government to bespeak an inten- 
tion of suffering me to go in the cartel ; but it was without success, and 
every person endeavoured to discourage the hope, with a friendly 
design of softening another probable disappointment. They argued, 
that for general De Caen to let me go at this time, when I knew so 
much of the island and an attack upon it was expected, would be to 
contradict all the reasons hitherto given for my detention ; and 
therefore, that unless he had received a new and positive order, he 
could not with any degree of consistency set me at liberty. This 
state of suspense, between hope and apprehension, continued until 
the 28th, when an express from the town, sent by M. Pitot, brought 
the following welcome information from colonel Monistrol. 
His Excellency the captain-general charges me to have the honour of 
informing you, that he authorises you to return to your country in the cartel 
Harriet, on condition of not serving in a hostile manner against France or 
its allies during the course of the present war. 
Receive, I pray you. Sir, the assurance of the pleasure I have in making 
you this communication, and of the sentiments of perfect consideration with 
which I have the honour to be, &c. 
P. S. The cartel is to sail on Saturday next (31st.) 
Being then satisfied of the intention to permit my return to 
England, though the cause of it was involved in mystery, I visited 
our immediate, and still almost incredulous neighbours, to take leave 
1310 . 
March. 
