Note 1 — CHAP. I.

At the time of the above insurrection I was Lieutenant in the Honourable General John Stuart’s regiment; when, impressed by the hopes of traversing the sea, my favourite element, and in some measure gratifying my curiosity, in exploring a part of the world not generally known; still more by the prospect of that preferment which might be consequent on so dangerous an expedition; I instantly solicited admission into a corps of volunteers which was preparing to sail for Guiana, and had the honour, by his Serene Highness William V. Prince of Orange, to be advanced to the rank of Captain by brevet1, under Colonel Louïs Henry Fourgeoud, a Swiss gentleman, from the Alpine Mountains, who was appointed our commander in chief.