In regard to the salvage question, I cannot but feel that I have been treated unjustly, both by the Chilian government and by the British officers at Valparaiso; but I have endeavored to state the facts as they occurred, leaving the judgment of the case with my countrymen. I am glad to take occasion here to thank Mr. Duer, not only for the assistance which he rendered me, in the way of his office, but for the kindness and sympathy which I received from him; for the ready interest which he showed in my affairs; and for the activity with which he followed up my claims.
There are those to whom the reading of this narrative will bring great pain, because it will bring vividly before their minds the sad fate of a dear relative. I refer to the friends of Mr. Shaw. To them I can only offer my deep sympathy, and the assurance that Mr. Shaw was to me not simply a companion, but a deeply valued friend, and that my grief for him was lasting and deep.
To Mr. Dunn and captain Avalos I render my thanks for supporting me in maintaining my authority on the Florida, and for the kindness which they showed me after I reached Valparaiso.
Last of all, let me render thanks to that Providence which has rescued me from so many and such great dangers, and restored me to my family and friends, when I had so much reason to despair of ever meeting them again.
I have given this narrative to the public from the thought that my adventures and escapes would not be without their interest to my countrymen; and that the plain, unpretending narrative of a sea-faring man from their own shores, would show to landsmen what they sometimes suffer who “go down to the sea in ships.”
FOOTNOTES:
[A] Six months in Italy. By George S. Hillard.