restrained that determined officer from inflicting upon the barbarians an equally signal chastisement at a period when it might have been done with much less sacrifice of British blood and treasure, instead of allowing them a full year (from the date of Captain Croker’s memoir) to prepare for a more sanguinary conflict.
On its being determined to send a second expedition against Algiers, with orders to fight if negociation failed, Captain Croker made an instant tender of his services, but had the mortification to find his applications for employment utterly disregarded. He even followed the fleet from Portsmouth to Plymouth, in the vain hope of being allowed to embark as a volunteer: the necessary permission was withheld; and he consequently returned to his home in disgust, at such neglect and treatment as he was quite conscious of not deserving. Since then, he has, at various periods, used every exertion in his power to obtain an appointment, but always without success. Early in the spring of 1827, he proceeded to Paris, for the purpose of requesting a recommendation from the Duc d’Angouleme to Viscount Melville, when his Royal Highness was pleased to give him an autograph letter addressed to Prince de Polignac, and desiring that nobleman, who was then Ambassador at the British Court, to make an application in his favor. On this occasion, although twelve years had elapsed since they last met, the Due de Rivière did not fail to remember and most heartily welcome his old friend, whom he informed, that the Dauphin had commanded him to be entertained at the table of the Due de Bourdeaux, during his stay at Paris. The following is the translation of a letter which he received immediately on his arrival in that capital:
“My dear Captain, – I have spoken to the Dauphin; and I have the little word (petit mot) which you are desirous of. Come and dine with us, at six o’clock to day, and I will give it you, as also a letter for Prince de Polignac. A thousand caresses from, yours sincerely,
“Thursday, 22d March.”
The letter written by the Duc d’Angouleme was presented
