Gabriel received the following handsome testimonials from his commander-in-chief and the mayor of Kingston:
“Sir,– In acknowledging the receipt of your several letters by Falcon, dated between the 22d July and 26th August; I have to express my full and entire approbation of your proceedings, in the disposal, of the vessels of the squadron under your orders, at Jamaica. I am &c.
(Private).
“My dear Sir, – It gave me very great pleasure to hear of your promotion, and I have now only to regret, that my intentions of serving you in other matters, should have been frustrated by your appointment to the Magnificent; for had you remained in the Columbine even a few weeks longer, it appears you would, have picked up wherewithal at least to defray the expense of your outfit; but with us all is a lottery, and truly by Dame Fortune in such matters you have not been favored. I wish with all my heart that Sir James Graham would, in farther consideration of former services, afford me an opportunity of making up to you for what you have missed, by sending you out here in command of a ship. I remain, my dear Sir, very faithfully and truly yours,
“My dear Sir,– I return you the letters, and cannot take my leave without expressing to you my warmest acknowledgments for the readiness with which all my applications on behalf of this mercantile community have been attended to. We cannot too highly appreciate the interest you have uniformly taken in our welfare, and for the zeal always manifested in promoting our commercial prosperity. I can safely say we have never missed the flag at the fore while you have had charge of the port duties; and God grant we may ever have officers like you filling that responsible situation.
DIGBY WILLOUGHBY, Esq.
[Captain of 1831.]
Was on board the Culloden 74, at the battle of June 1st, 1791.
