Notwithstanding that the result of this liberal indulgence produced a constant intercourse between the town and transports during their stay, still the same harmony reigned during their social hours; and to the eternal honour of the meanest Marine Soldier, neither the merchant, the fatherless, the widow, or the orphan, could cast an eye after him for an unliquidated shilling. Such conduct necessarily drew the grateful sentiments of the Constituted Powers, which were expressed to Major Souter by a letter from Mr. Bulkeley, of which the following is a copy:—
"Halifax, Sept. 10, 1778.
"Sir,
"I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the Members of his Majesty's Council, by conveying to you, and the rest of the Officers, our acknowledgments and thanks for the good order and discipline observed by the Battalion of Marines under your command, during the whole time they have been on duty in this town. I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient humble servant,
"Richard Bulkeley."
Major Souter.
Those steady Soldiers soon after sailed for England, and they continued to preserve the same conduct through all their subsequent destinies.
I have thus placed this train of honourable retrospect under one connected view. To have interspersed the incidents amongst the successive and fleeting periods in which they occurred, and what have been already discussed, would have been uninteresting and less impressive. I have peculiarly addressed myself to my Corps throughout this domestic narrative; and while I have exhibited a bright pattern of valour, combined with steady discipline, in the Marine Battalions that were employed upon the soil of America, I am sanguine to hope, that after having viewed the picture, not one amongst our numerous ranks will ever deface its beauties.