by John Marshall

“ My dear Astley, – I congratulate you on your good fortune in getting the Childers cleared with so little loss of men. You ought to be particularly grateful for having escaped a disease which spared so few who came within the focus of its powers. ”

“ Sir,– Captain Wales having arrived in H.M. sloop Brazen, to resume the command of the Childers, which you have held with so much credit to yourself during his illness, I feel on this occasion great pleasure in expressing to you the very high sense I entertain, as well of your zeal in taking charge of that sloop, at a most distressing period of disease and mortality, as of the ability you displayed in bringing her to this harbour with only fifteen hands capable of doing duty, and of your exertions since your arrival in getting her cleared and fumigated. ”

“ You have now served under my immediate command nearly six years as midshipman, and eighteen months as senior lieutenant of my flag-ship, during the whole of which time I have carefully watched your character, and am gratified by stating, that for zeal and ability, temper and judgment, in fulfilling all your duties as an officer and gentleman, I have been most perfectly satisfied, and think myself called upon to offer you this tribute of my approbation. I wish you every possible health and happiness, and hope that you will believe me always very faithfully your friend. ”