information, His Majesty’s ship should receive no more supplies from thence. Obtaining but a very unsatisfactory answer to this communication, he thereupon sailed for Bahia, to complete his water and provisions; having only the disagreeable alternative of allowing the government of Pernambuco to suppose that they might with impunity accuse a British officer of dishonorable conduct, if he remained and took supplies; or of leaving the English merchants under considerable alarm, as was strongly expressed in a letter to him. On his return, however, in a fortnight afterwards, he had the infinite satisfaction to find that no British subject had been molested in anyway; and he subsequently received a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir George Eyre, acknowledging the receipt of his despatches on the subject, and perfectly approving of his conduct.
Many other disagreeable circumstances occurred during Captain Johnstone’s stay at Pernambuco, but more particularly on the 22d of June, 1824, when two midshipmen of the Doris and a boat’s crew were made prisoners, on landing, by the populace, under the impression, we believe, that her boats had assisted in an attack made on the previous night by the blockading officer. In consequence of this outrage, a lieutenant was sent with a letter to the President, demanding “an explicit and ample apology;” and next day, Captain Johnstone received in writing “His Excellency’s regrets at the occurrence,” and found that a strong proclamation had been issued to enforce civility to all foreigners.
The blockade being raised a few days afterwards, and tranquillity restored. Captain Johnstone rejoined his Admiral at Rio Janeiro, proceeded from thence to the Rio de la Plata, and then sailed for England, where he arrived in Dec, 1824, and paid off the Doris, Jan. 12th following.
Captain Johnstone’s next appointment was, June 6, 1828, to the Asia 84, fitting out for the flag of Sir Pulteney Malcolm, commander-in-chief on the Mediterranean station, with whom he is now serving in the Britannia 120, having removed with him into the latter ship, April 28, 1830.
Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, & Son.
