was
better, were admitted to the table of M. D----, with whom also the
governor, his family and staff, messed. It may be remarked here, that
this same M. D----, advanced to the governor of the forts, in provisions
and money, to the amount of 50,000 francs; and, it was the general
opinion, found means to charge cent. per cent. on these advances, as a
small perquisite for himself; moreover, he received, at the request of
the governor, the decoration of the Legion of Honour. But I return to
that which concerns myself. My father being unable to obtain any thing,
either from the governor or M. D----, was obliged to borrow money to
enable us to subsist. We were reduced to feed on negroes food, for our
means would not allow us to purchase bread at 15 sous the pound, and
wine at 3 francs the bottle. However, we were content, and perfectly
resigned to our fate; when an English officer, Major Peddie, came and
visited us precisely at the moment we were at dinner. That gentleman,
astonished at seeing an officer of the French administration dining upon
a dish of Kouskou,[7] said to my father: "How, Mr Picard! you being in
the employment of your government, and living so meanly!" Mortified that
a stranger should have seen his misery, my father felt his tears
flowing; but, instantly collecting himself, said in a calm yet firm
tone, "Know, Sir, that I blush not for my poverty, and that you have
wronged me by upbraiding me. It is true I have not food like the other
Europeans in the colony; but I do not consider myself the more
unfortunate. I have requested the man who represents my sovereign in
this country, to give me the rations to which I have a right; but he has
had the inhumanity to refuse. But what of that? I know how to submit,
and my family also." Major Peddie, at these words, touched with our
misfortunes, and vexed, doubtless, at having mortified us, though that
certainly was not his intention, bade us good bye, and retired. Early on
the morning of next day, we received a visit from M. Dubois, mayor of
the town of St Louis in Senegal. That good and virtuous magistrate told
us he had come, at the instance of the English governor, to offer us
assistance; viz. an officer's allowance, which consisted of bread, wine,
meat, sugar, coffee, &c. As my father had not been able to procure any
thing from governor Schmaltz, he thought it his duty to accept that
which the English governor had so generously offered. We thanked M.
Dubois; and,