war, and, on being investigated, the result generally was, that
the captains defended their officers, and the military gentlemen
obtained no redress. The active service, however, did not admit of any
notice being taken of it at the time; but after the island had
surrendered, these unfortunate animosities were resumed.

A few days after the capture of the island, the prisoners and troops
were embarked an the fleet sailed, a sufficient garrison being left upon
the island for its defence. The admiral also thought proper to leave
two or three men-of-war in the harbour, and our frigate was one. For
the first few days everything went on smoothly. The French inhabitants
were soon on good terms with us, and balls and parties had commenced;
but the seamen and soldiers, when they met at the liquor-stores, began
to quarrel as to which branch of the service had done most towards the
taking the island. This will always be the case with people so addicted
to intoxication. Several severe wounds were received in the various
skirmishes which took place, and at last the seamen were interdicted
from going on shore. Indeed, as they were not armed, and the soldiers
carried their bayonets, it was too unequal a contest when an affray took
place; but the ill-will spread, and at last arrived to the superior
officers.

The consequence was, that a challenge was given to one of the captains
of the frigates by an adjutant. It was accepted; but not an hour after
it was accepted, the captain was taken with a fever, and on the morning
of the following day, when the duel was to have taken place, he was not
able to quit his bed; and the military gentlemen, on arriving at the
ground, found an excuse instead of an antagonist. Whether it was really
supposed that the fever was a mere excuse to avoid the duel, or that the
animosity prevailing gave rise to the report, certain it is, that there
were many sneers on the part of the military men, and great indignation
on the tart of the naval officers; who, if they could have so done,
would have gone on shore on purpose to insult every officer they could
meet who wore a red coat; but in consequence of this excitement being
known all leave was prohibited.

Captain Delmar, who was the naval commanding officer, had taken up his
quarters on shore; he had done all he possibly could to prevent the
unpleasant feeling from continuing, and had shown great forbearance and
good sense: but it so happened that, bei