DEATH OF COMMANDER B. ALLEN. 
145 
23r(i. — All those who were not in a hopeless state 
on their arrival seemed to have benefited by the 
change ; seyeral of the others were hoM'ever, hovering 
between life and death. Dr. McWilliam, who had so 
unceasingly exerted himself for the welfare of others, 
was to-day obliged to relinquish his duties. It seemed 
as if the exciting circumstances under which he had 
been placed, by keeping both mind and body so much 
engaged, had tended to ward otf for a time the threat- 
ened fever. He had evidently been sulFering from the 
premonitory symptoms of the attack for several days, 
but he was averse to lay up as long as he could be of 
any assistance. The medical duties now devolved on 
Mr. Thomson. 
25^A. — This morning Commander Bird Allen de- 
parted this life, to the deep, deep regret of all who 
knew him ; and those only could justly appreciate the 
many admirable qualities blended in his character. 
As an officer, — brave, talented, and enterprising, — he 
united the fullest decision of purpose with the utmost 
gentleness of disposition, and with all his zeal for the 
public service he never overlooked the happiness of 
those who were under his command. In all his suffer- 
ings not a murmur or expression of complaint escaped 
his lips, and his conversation, during rational moments, 
turned more on the state of others than himself. 
Strong in the faith of those promises which had been 
his guide in the time of health, he breathed forth his 
gentle spirit, affording another memorable instance 
VOL. II. T 
