Captain Ussher’s conduct whilst employed on the above delicate aud important service will be seen by the subjoined copy of a letter which he received from Lord Exmouth, when applying to be remunerated for the extraordinary expenses to which he was thereby subjected, but which reimbursement he did not for some time obtain.
“My dear Ussher,– Your letter reached Teignmouth in my absence, for a short visit, or it should, as it deserves, have met earlier attention from me. I am sorry to hear from you, that their lordships have hitherto been unpropitious to your just demand for remuneration for your expense and trouble in receiving the ci-devant Emperor Buonaparte on the coast of France, and landing him on the island of Elba; it is, I am sure, owing to some defect in your representation, or to some miscomprehension on the subject, that their lordships hold back what is established by their own regulations in the like cases; and it is the more severe on you, who in the execution of your duty, and in strict compliance with Lord Castlereagh’s letter, paid all the attention that was due to such a requisition, presented by an officer of rank and consequence, having distinctly the charge of Buonaparte’s person, under the sanction of all the allied powers, as well as that of his Majesty’s minister on the spot. Nothing short of the promptitude of your own active mind, prevented your having from me a regular order to embark that personage, in consequence of Colonel Campbell’s requisition to me for that purpose by Lord Castlereagh’s authority, which would have entitled you to the usual allowance; and I have no hesitation in giving my opinion that you are fully entitled to expect remuneration for that delicate service, in the conducting of which no officer could have succeeded better, or have observed more rigid propriety. It appears to me you have not only a claim on your own government, but that you ought to be remunerated by the allied sovereigns, and all Europe, for so promptly and readily getting the vile usurper of legitimate thrones out of France, where any change of public opinion might have brought him back in a moment. I know that you were put to considerable expence, and much greater trouble; and I was glad to hear you contradict a report very prevalent on my landing, that Buonaparte had made you great returns in wines and other articles of value. I am very ready to give my sentiments to their lordships if desired, or you are at liberty to make use of those I send you. Your merit as an officer stands highly distinguished; but no where can it be more highly valued and respected than by, my dear Ussher, your very faithfully attached, and most sincere friend,
Captain Ussher was nominated a C.B. in June, 1815.
Agent.– Sir Francis M. Ommanney.
