leg) James Purdie, Private, Artillery, native of England, 27 years.'
(1787) 'Was shot and buried for desertion on Madura-face, William James, Private, Artillery, native of England, not fully 28 years. I was attending him with the Revd. Mr. Kohlhoff to the place of his execution.'
(1787) 'Buried Nicholas Twineham, Private, Recruit lately arrived, a native of Oxfordshire, 16 years.'
(1787) 'Buried William Fluke, Private, European Infantry, Native of Wiltshire; arrived on this coast in August last, and died last evening, being drowned in a tank; aged 18.'
(1788) 'Buried Thomas (formerly Benjamin) Lewis, Private, 1st European Infantry, native of Devonshire, admitted to the service June 1786, died of consumption, aged 19 years; was baptised by me 25th June last.'
In the baptismal book under that date is the entry:
Thomas Lewis, born a Jew, a native of England, county Devonshire. Since the llth year of his age he has left his parents and been to sea. Present beside myself were Mr. Ch. Daniel Klein, Myles Fleming and John Chapman, both Privates, and a number of those in hospital.'
There is no further record to explain the circumstances of William James's desertion. At that time there was a great temptation to desert to the enemy's ranks for the sake of the large bribes offered by native princes. Experienced gunners were especially sought. A smart soldier with some knowledge of his profession had a good chance of receiving an important command with the commissioned rank of major or colonel under the colours of a reigning Rajah. As such he had the opportunity of amassing wealth, and at the same time he lived like a prince.
The drowning fatalities were unfortunately frequent.
