Part 171

"Could I in the course of seven or eight days (in addition to the L.250) procure about L.200, either from the Colonel or from you, on account of Colonel K's. L.1,500, for which you might hold the assignment as a security, I should be enabled to proceed immediately to the Tonnant; for I still think Lord Cochrane might obtain leave for my going on board, at all events; I yet have hopes, though his lordship seemed in doubt; perhaps you will obligingly urge his endeavours. I fear a much greater difficulty, for I have heard it hinted, that some creditors, fearful of my going to America (which I have too openly talked of), contemplate to lodge detainers against me. Among these however, Mr. Tahourdin is not; for I thought it my duty to tell him, and he handsomely consented to my endeavours against America, as the only means to recover from my many losses.

"My plan is to go on board, if possible, with a view to begin to drill the marines in rifle-shooting and exercise, and any of the crew in sword, pistol and pike use; if my creditors pursue me there, I could draw for the balance of L.900, to silence some of them (I mean after taking from L.1,500, L.200, to refund to you, in case you now oblige me with an advance, and L.400, to protect my securities for the rules); and if this cannot be completed with the Colonel time enough, and for which reason I flatter myself that you will assist me with your friendly interference, I see but one mode, that of going abroad the moment I find my creditors hostile; for although I may find L.350 to L.400, to pay the rules, I cannot find means in haste to satisfy the rest, although I have offered to assign considerable properties. In the latter case, might I not from abroad proceed to America, there to join the Admiral, as a volunteer, and at my own risk.

"Forgive my anxious and tedious suggestions, which your own feeling heart, and friendly interest in my future successes, have in some degree courted, and grant me your pardon for not attending to your good humoured hint about long letters. Even should you refuse my request, in regard to the L.200, I shall be thankful for your reply; but if it should convey your consent, the sum shall immediately be employed towards the honest but hazardous service of your country, although it hesitates by proper rank, and otherwise to encourage my loyal, and I trust zealous endeavours. Forgive the sound but frank style of this letter, owing to disappointments which would be intolerable, if the recollection of your kindness did not curb and relieve him, who must ever gratefully subscribe himself with unalterable esteem,

dear Sir, your faithful and obliged, humble servant, C. R. De Berenger."

To the Hon. Cochrane Johnstone, &c. &c. &c.

P.S. Apropos.--You have paid me L.50. on account;--may I trouble you to tender my most respectful assurances to Miss J.; that I hope most sincerely to hear that her indisposition discontinues. Should you no longer want the books, perhaps the bearer may bring them. Will lowness of spirits be received as an apology for this slovenly letter and crippled sheet?

Lord Ellenborough. This does not appear to have come by the twopenny post?

Mr. Park. No my Lord; but there is an indorsement upon it.

Lord Ellenborough. De Berenger was in the King's Bench; he had not servants to send with it?

Mr. Park. Yes, my Lord; it is sworn to by the Davidsons, that he had a man and a woman servant.

Lord Ellenborough. Probably he sent one of them, as you propose to call them, perhaps they may prove that.

Mr. Scarlett. There is a reference in that letter to an assignment of some property that De Berenger had?

A. Yes.

Q. Was such an assignment prepared at your office?

A. It was; it was an assignment from Mr. De Berenger to Colonel Kennedy.

Q. What was the subject of the assignment?

A. It was an assignment of a share of a patent.

Mr. Gurney. We are getting so very wide of evidence, that I must object, which I am very loth to do.

Mr. Scarlett. There was something referred to, that might be a security to Mr. Johnstone.

Lord Ellenborough. That refers to something which is the real thing; that is all you can prove by this witness.

A. Yes, it does, my Lord.

Mr. Scarlett. Mr. Johnstone having written you that letter which has been read, to ask your opinion about De Berenger, did you state to him what was your opinion, as to his power of extricating himself?

A. I had some conversation with Mr. Johnstone, as I had had several times.

Q. In consequence of the letter which has just been read?

A. Yes; I replied to the letter shortly, and I had conversation with him in consequence.

Lord Ellenborough. Do you know whether Mr. Johnstone made any answer to the letter?

A. To the Baron? I really do not.

Mr. Scarlett. Is that your answer to Mr. Johnstone? (shewing a letter to the witness.)