camp, received the following letter from Captain Faulknor. We insert it for the purpose of shewing how much that officer lamented the rash act which he had committed:
“Sir,– My unfortunate rashness and impetuosity in giving a wound to a poor seaman, on service with me at the new battery, has occasioned a court-martial to he held on my conduct to-morrow at 8 o’clock; and whatever the result may be, and one sentence only I can apprehend, believe me I shall care infinitely less for my own fate, than that of being accessary to the death of any human being, not the natural enemy of myself or of my country. The insolent contempt and provocation from the unfortunate man was great, and such as would have condemned him to death, had I brought him to trial; but the hasty and sudden punishment I unhappily inflicted on the spot, will be a source of lasting affliction to my mind. Mr. Fahie[1] and Mr. White will accompany me to the court-martial; and have done themselves honor by their sympathy and feeling. May I venture to ask your attendance with them; and to hope whatever difference may have arisen between us on service before, may at a period like the present be buried in oblivion. My heart is incapable of malice or ill-will; and a temper hasty and ungovernable, previous to this unfortunate moment, has been the only unhappiness of my life! I propose sending for twelve, if not all the people under your command on shore; as I can hardly doubt but they will give their testimony of my character as a man and an officer of humanity; it appears to me, on an occasion of this nature, to be the best jury I can summon. Brigadier Rogers, I have no doubt, on your application, will give permission for yourself and them to embark. I remain, Dear Sir, with every sentiment of regard,
(Signed)Robert Faulknor.”
That this appeal to Lieutenant Hill’s feelings, whatever might have been the nature of any previous misunderstanding between his commander and himself, was not made in vain, appears by the following communication:
“Dear Sir, I am sensibly obliged by your note, and the sympathy contained in it. It would be a satisfaction to me to have the whole of the people on shore with you, officers and all, to attend me at the court-martial. If that be impossible, I must beg you will send any twelve who are willing to come on the occasion, &c. &c.
After the reduction of Martinique, St. Lucia, &c., the Zebra was sent to the coast of America in company with a squadron of frigates, under the orders of Commodore Josias
- ↑ Mr. Fahie (now a Rear-Admiral), was at that time first Lieutenant of the Zebra.
