"My plan is to go on board, if possible, with a view to begin to drill the marines in rifle-shooting and exercise, and any of the crew in sword, pistol and pike use; if my creditors pursue me there, I could draw for the balance of £.900, to silence some of them (I mean after taking from £.1,500, £.200, to refund to you, in case you now oblige me with an advance, and £.400, to protect my securities for the rules); and if this cannot be completed with the Colonel time enough, and for which reason I flatter myself that you will assist me with your friendly interference, I see but one mode, that of going abroad the moment I find my creditors hostile; for although I may find £.350 to £.400, to pay the rules, I cannot find means in haste to satisfy the rest, although I have offered to assign considerable properties. In the latter case, might I not from abroad proceed to America, there to join the Admiral, as a volunteer, and at my own risk.
"Forgive my anxious and tedious suggestions, which your own feeling heart, and friendly interest in my future successes, have in some degree courted, and grant me your pardon for not attending to your good humoured hint about long letters. Even should you refuse my request, in regard to the £.200, I shall be thankful for your reply; but if it should convey your consent, the sum shall immediately be employed towards the honest but hazardous service of your country, although it hesitates by proper rank, and otherwise to encourage my loyal, and I trust zealous endeavours. Forgive the sound but frank style of this letter, owing to disappointments which would be intolerable, if the recollection of your kindness did not curb and relieve him, who must ever gratefully subscribe himself with unalterable esteem,
dear Sir,
your faithful and obliged,
humble servant,
C. R. De Berenger."
To the
Hon. Cochrane Johnstone,
&c. &c. &c.
P.S. Apropos.—You have paid me £.50. on account;—may I trouble you to tender my most respectful assurances to Miss J.; that I hope most sincerely to hear that her indisposition discontinues. Should you no longer want the books, perhaps the bearer may bring them. Will lowness of spirits be received as an apology for this slovenly letter and crippled sheet?
Lord Ellenborough. This does not appear to have come by the twopenny post?
Mr. Park. No my Lord; but there is an indorsement upon it.
Lord Ellenborough. De Berenger was in the King's Bench; he had not servants to send with it?
Mr. Park. Yes, my Lord; it is sworn to by the Davidsons, that he had a man and a woman servant.
Lord Ellenborough. Probably he sent one of them, as you propose to call them, perhaps they may prove that.