Clare Hall July 30th 1825
Sir,
Since I had last the pleasure of writing to you I have had a smart attack of Illness which confined me to my Bed nearly two weeks, since which I have been to Barbuda from whence I am just returned; I had there a relapse in consequence of sleeping two nights on the sand attending a French ship from Guadeloupe which got on shore on the 25th of last month, but got off after my taking out part of her Cargo. She was injured, and obliged to run for St Thomas; leaving what I had landed in my possession (viz) twenty nine Hhds Sugar & 13 Puncheons of Rum these I retain as a compensation for the assistance rendered the ship. I have had some correspondence with the French Consul, particulars of which you shall have by the first vessel for England, if possible by the Schilling bank which sails tomorrow.
I write this in here in order to give you an account of a very heavy Gale which took place on the 26th Inst. And which I fear has been very fatal to the Southern Islands. The Eight day Boat to follow the Packet which has just arrived and which sails immediately report the sea to leeward of Dominica & Guadeloupe to be covered with wrecks of Houses and at Barbuda we had more rain than wind. This Island has suffered little some Mills blown down, and about twelve Negroes but in Boats. This Estate has not suffered in the least.
In haste as the Mail Boat is now detained for (???)
I am
Sir
Your Most Obedient
Servant
(signed) John James
<<The Ship that was grounded was “Amerique” >>
Reference: Gloucestershire Records Office, Microfilm no.351, Section no.6, D1610 C24
Accessed through Simon Fraser University library
