Very little will be expected in thefollowing pages when coming fromthe pen of a Soldier; but that littlewill be found to be his own; andthis on a Subject of much doubt andimportance may possibly protract itsexistence in an age of compilation!He is however, better satisfied to considerit as a small emanation of gratitudeto a singular man, who inthe possession of extraordinary power,did not use it unworthily.

The object of public attention is everthe sport of public rumour; and truth isnot infrequently affected by the fabricationsof the idle and the ignorant, when menand things are misrepresented by popularprejudice.

The present armament of Bonaparteagainst St. Domingo, and the general alarmfor the safety of our colonial possessionsfrom the powerful situation of the Brigandsin that island, have occasioned much conjecture,but produced no authentic information,while on a subject of such importanceit becomes a duty in those competentin any degree, to relieve the anxietyof the public mind. Had Bryan Edwardslived, we should not so long have fluctuatedin uncertainty.

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