For this service our officer was subsequently presented with the following address, by a deputation from the inhabitants of the latter island:
“Deputations from a whole community are not common, because it rarely happens that actions so brilliant as to excite general admiration are performed; but your success, Sir, is of a nature so glorious to yourself, so honorable to the service in which you are engaged, so fortunate and critical for the inhabitants of Anguilla, that a sister colony would be insensible not to feel, and ungrateful not to acknowledge it.
“It is not, however, by our acknowledgments or emotions that your deserts can be expressed; they are proclaimed by the tongues, and engraven on the hearts of the people you have saved; whom a merciless enemy doomed to destruction; and whom you rescued from the horrors with which they were menaced.
“These devoted people hail you as their deliverer; bless you for the security and happiness to which they are restored; and while they recite your actions, will perpetuate your name in the traditions of their country, and the memories of their children. Nor do the testimonies of your honor cease here; even your enemies bear witness to the value of your exertions, and the importance of your victory. They tell it whenever they mention their loss and disappointments, the destruction of their shipping, and the slaughter of their men. They tell it too, not indeed so loudly, but much more emphatically, whenever they mention your humanity and goodness, your care of the wounded, your anxiety for their preservation when the Décius was sinking, your endeavours and success in rescuing from the waves such as the fury of the battle had blindly driven into them. While saying this, they acknowledge that mercy and courage are the inseparable associates of noble minds, and that the honor of the union is yours.”
To this address, Captain Barton returned the following answer:
“Gentlemen.– I return you many thanks for the honor you have done me; and am happy that, in doing my duty, I have been so fortunate as to relieve the distressed. I must add, little was my share, as the whole depended on my officers and men, who I know are equally happy, and feel as much as I do, at any fortunate event that has been of any service to their King, their country, and the colonies.
“R. Barton”
In the course of the ensuing year, Captain Barton captured eight of the enemy’s privateers, carrying in the whole 58 guns, and 363 men. His next appointment was to the Concorde of 42 guns, and 257 men; in which fine frigate he cruized with equal success on the same station, taking and
