backwardness of the Indians in coming out, prevented my operations keeping pace with your excellency’s expectations.  I, however, hope you will do me the justice to believe, that no time was lost, which could possibly be saved, situated as I was.  It was the 3d of March, before any Black River crafts arrived, and they were the only ones then provided.  It is true, the Indian governor promised a great many:  but, when I came to his country, there was not a single one ready; and I got them, at last, with very great difficulty.  The superintendant was entirely deceived by the Indians, in the number of crafts and men; and still more so, in point of time.

“Captain Nelson, then of the Hinchinbroke, came up with thirty-four seamen, a serjeant, and twelve marines.  I want words to express the obligations I owe that gentleman.  He was the first, on every service, whether by day or by night.  There was scarcely a gun fired, but was pointed by him, or Captain Despard, chief engineer, who has exerted himself on every occasion.  I am persuaded, if our shot had held out, we should have had the fort a week sooner.  As Captain Nelson goes to Jamaica, he can inform you of every delay, and point of service, as well as I could; for, he knows my very thoughts.

“The bearer, Lieutenant Mounsey, can inform your excellency of many things that may escape my memory.  He is a very good officer, and commanded the party I sent to reconnoitre the look-out:  and began the attack of it, in concert with Captain Despard and Captain Nelson; who, with his seamen, volunteered that duty.”

It is easy to perceive, at this early period, the singular heroism of Captain Nelson’s character; as well in the slight but forcible delineation, sketched on the instant by Colonel Polson, as in the more leisurely and finished picture of Dr. Moseley’s masterly composition.

In both, we behold him seeking every opportunity to assist the enterprise, with the most magnanimous zeal, and the soundest discretion.  Without his vigorous and skilful exertions, indeed, as Dr. Moseley remarks, it is more than probable that not a man among them would ever have reached San Juan Castle.

It was at the period while this brave and good man was thus honourably and actively engaged, that a circumstance occurred, which seems to indicate that he must have been under the peculiar protection of Providence.

Having, one night, as was usual with him, while proceeding by land to the scene of action, had his cot slung between two trees, he slept very soundly till the morning; when he was early awakened, and not a little startled, by a lizard’s passing over his face.  He now suddenly arose; and, on hastily turning down the bed-cloaths, a large snake was discovered lying at his feet, without having offered him the smallest injury, though it was of a well known venomous species.  The surrounding Indians, who beheld this singular