Ussher, and that from the period above alluded to, I marked a progressive decline in his general health, and an alarming affection of his nervous system, evidently proceeding from the unfavorable symptoms of his wound.
About the same period. Lieutenant Ussher received the following gratifying letters from three of the most distinguished officers in the British navy:
“Sir,– Be assured that I sincerely lament your retiring from the command of the Colpoys, on the public account, and much more on your own; but though no longer under my command, you are not out of my recollection, and I have enclosed your letter to the Admiralty, with as strong a recommendation as I could pen. With the most sincere good wishes for its success, I am. Sir, very much your humble servant.
“To Lieutenant Ussher.”
“Dear Ussher,– I have, I am sure, at all times been most ready to express, not only my approbation of your conduct, but that I thought your daring exploits and uncommon zeal in the service, whilst under my command, deserved promotion. The only way in my situation to have shewn my sense of your good conduct was to have taken you on board the Ville de Paris, which I could not do because it would have put you out of the way of further distinguishing yourself, and as I then thought, and it has since been proved, would not have helped your promotion. I am, dear Ussher, your obedient and faithful servant,
“Dear Sir,– I am this moment favored with your letter, and it is with great pleasure I congratulate you on your recovery from your late indisposition, and the prospect you have of promotion, to which your gallant and active services have so long given you the fairest claims.
“I do assure you I never lost an opportunity of reporting your meritorious services to our brave and honorable commander-in-chief, whose letter I return to you, as it is so creditable to you both, and I doubt not you value the good opinion of such an officer more than a Post-Captain’s commission, which I wish it was in my power to confer on you, as I know none more deserving of it; therefore I need not add the pleasure I shall have in hearing of your promotion, for which you have my best and most unfeigned good wishes.
“Rheumatism and low fever still confine me to this place, which is the
