Thus did this unfortunate but undaunted Gentleman, arrive at a place of rest, whose sentence explained, as an Epitaph, would do him honour; who to the last moment asserted his innocence, and assured us that he has been violently persecuted by party rage; treated with many unprecedented indignities and hardships; calumniated and misrepresented to the people, who had been prepossessed by the early intrigues of his enemies, in order to screen themselves; and at last sacrificed, to appease the misguided resentment of the nation. His fate is now lamented by far the majority of people of understanding, who see through the mist, and are disposed to view him in the same light. Posterity, in spite of slander, will undoubtedly do justice to his injured character and honour. In all probability, the present age will set the example, when our Patriots have unravelled the Mystery.
So much fortitude and firmness of mind, so heroick a manner of dying, under a cloud of prejudices and misfortunes, cannot fail to be the result and clearest demonstration of innocence, and a mind conscious of a proper discharge of its duty.
I am, Sir,
Yours, &c.
London, March
25th, 1757.
P. S. I have purposely informed you of several minute particulars, because they have been much the subject of conversation, and very whimsically and maliciously described by the authors of Pamphlets, composed of common Reports and Scraps from News-papers.
FINIS.
Footnotes:
[1] The apartment where the captain sleeps, so called on board a ship.
[2] It does not appear that a single man was killed on board either of these ships, when the enemy passed them.
[3] That is, from time to time, rowing a little, when it is necessary, to keep in the same place.