I am of opinion that his Majesty’s service would have suffered very materially had you not been there * * * * * * * * * * * * On the various occasions of service which have occurred whilst you have been serving within my command, I have had frequent occasion to express my approbation to you: these certificates of your attention may be serviceable, to shew your constant attention in the discharge of your duties with which 1 have on all occasions been satisfied.”
On the 27th May, 1816, Major-General Sir Sidney Beckwith, K.C.B. wrote to Lieutenant Woodriff as follows:–
“In quitting my situation of Quarter-Master-General in Canada, I consider it an act of justice to the service and to yourself to bear testimony, to the zealous co-operation and support I have on all occasions experienced from you in the execution of those duties connected with my department, and I have great pleasure in stating on this occasion the satisfaction I have felt on witnessing the delicacy and attention shewn by you to the accommodation and comfort of the numerous families called from this country on the great body of troops leaving it. With very sincere wishes for your health and success, I have the honor to be, &c.
Lastly, Lieutenant Woodriff was thus addressed by the Naval Storekeeper at Montreal, Aug. 22d. 1816:–
“Permit me. Sir,– (although a subordinate officer in his Majesty’s service) as you are about to quit Quebec, to offer you the thanks of the civil naval establishment in Canada, for the cordial co-operation, prompt, able, and undivided attention, which have at all times been combined with your official zeal and abilities, in the many transactions (particularly in the lower province) which your situation as resident agent for transports, &c. rendered absolutely necessary for the good of the public service; and believe me to be, with the highest esteem. Sir, &c.
On the 4th Mar. 1819, Lieutenant Woodriff was appointed to the command of the Whitworth revenue cutter, stationed on the N.W. coast of Ireland, in which vessel he continued (although suffering much from rheumatism, with which he is still frequently afflicted) until Sept. 22nd, 1822, when he received a commander’s commission dated four days previously.
This able officer is married and has three children. One of his brothers, John Robert, is a lieutenant in the royal navy; another, Robert Mathews, who held the same rank, died in 1822.
