Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/102

 “We conclude with assuring you, that we are unanimous in thinking that the departure of the Wasp at this most critical juncture, would in all probability occasion the total ruin of the colony, by exposing the craft, stores, provisions, and other valuable property, afloat and on shore, along the water line, to the irresistible force which the enemy, in a night attack, by means of their numerous canoes, might bring against that defenceless quarter. We have the honor to be, &c. &c.

“''To Charles Bullen, Esq. &c. &c. &c.''”

In consequence of the receipt of those letters Captain Bullen remained in the Sierra Leone river till April 1802; when the rainy season being about to commence, and having the inward satisfaction of knowing the colony to be safe, he landed such ordnance stores as could be spared by his sloop, and proceeded to the West Indies on his way to England. Previous to his departure from Africa, he received a letter from Governor Dawes and Counsellor Bright, of which the following is a copy:

“Fort Thornton, March 31, 1802.

“Sir,– The letter of the 27th inst., which we had the honor to receive from you, engaged our immediate attention, and would have been duly answered if, according to the intimation given by the Governor, we had not entertained a hope of receiving despatches of a very important nature from England in the course of a few days. Being, however, disappointed in this respect, and unwilling to add to the long detention of H.M. sloop Wasp in her present ill-provided state, though we think that the presence of a ship of war in this port is still very desirable, we are happy to state to you our opinion that the original purposes of her detention, which were to assist in preventing or repelling an attack; to afford time to strengthen the works at Fort Thornton by intimidating the enemy; and to enable us to negotiate under more favorable circumstances, have been fully answered. We trust the motives which influenced you, upon our solicitation, to depart from the letter of your instructions, will receive the sanction and approbation of the Lords of the Admiralty. It will be our duty to represent them in a proper light to our superiors. With grateful acknowledgments for the important services rendered to this government by yourself, and by the oflicers and men under your command, upon every public occasion, and with the most friendly wishes for your and their prosperity, we have the honor to be, &c. &c.

“To Charles Bullen, Esq. Commander H.M. sloop Wasp.” 