On the 14th. April my Father had an assault with a Frenchman, but he got only £ 1. by it; Fencing and the
fine arts are not valued in Jamaica,
everything here is show, trade and making money. 4 packets have arrived and no letters for my Father,
he does not know how to act, or what to do; nor I either; I could get a book–keepers place in the mountns
but I should not like to live here when my Fathers gone besides he cannot do without me, I go to market
every day, (the custom here) cook the vituals, get his breakfast and dinner etc. make his bed, carry his
foils etc. etc.
1st. June, Thursday.
My Father has just received a letter from his son at San Jose. tis the first time he has heard from him,
since he left him at Salt Creek 11th. December 1836. The insults my Father received from him personally
before the Captain and all the crew (to say nothing of his shocking treatment to me) has so altered my
Father's opinion of him that I don't think he will venture to put himself again in his power; for my part
I think he's mad I mean the Colonel, for, who but a madman would have sent my Father to govern a country,
belonging to another power and behaving like a great ruffian to my Father for leaving the place
'tho he had not, nor could he
get one soldier, nor one shilling !! his conduct was alike, he landed at San Juan, where there is a
garrison, (such as it is) good Heavens!! his dress was without shoes or stockings, in his short and
trousers and he is Colonel
and commander of all the forces !!!
My Father is distracted not knowing what to do. Neither does he hear from any body in England to know
what impression is made on their minds.
My Father has unfortunately lost 3 of his best friends, Colonel Johnstone and Major Light are dead and
Dr. Binns has gone home What he will do I cannot tell, but whatever he determins on, I hope it will
not be to
return to the Colonel; I know my life would not be long, he would
contrive (which he might easily do in his country) to get me put out of his way; and I am sure he
would not serve my Father much better.
2nd. July. Sunday.
The last month, June has been a little better than the former ones,that is we have had more money
consequently more comforts. I have drest some very good dinners, which my Father enjoyed very much;
he has now, thank Heaven; made up his mind not to return to Central America to live upon the bounty
of his son who would treat him as he did before and like the ancient monsters of antiquity, Pharnaces,
Tiberius, Nero etc. who
murdered their parents !! My Father advertised that he intended shortly to leave Jamaica, when Mrs
Dight forbid him in all the papers, saying 'If any master of a vessel or owners dared to take him
off the Island they should pay the debt which (she says) he is justly indebted to her!'