two letters, one signed by five captains, and the other by twenty-three
commissioned officers, containing resolutions of abandoning the service
also, at the same time handing in their commissions. To this proof of
attachment, I replied, by requesting that they would not sacrifice their
own positions on my account, and recommended them not to make their
resolutions public till they had further considered the matter, as it
might be seriously detrimental to the interests of the country.

The following letter was addressed to me on this occasion by the
officers of the squadron:--

"On board the _Independencia_, July 18, 1820."

My Lord,

The general discontent and anxiety which your Lordship's
resignation has occasioned amongst the officers and others of
the squadron, afford a strong proof how much the ungrateful conduct
of the Government is felt by those serving under your command.

"The officers whose names are subscribed to the enclosed resolutions,
disdaining longer to serve under a Government which can
so soon have forgotten the important services rendered to the State,
beg leave to put in your hands their commissions, and to request
you will be kind enough to forward them to the Minister of Marine.
At the same time that we are thus forced to withdraw ourselves from
the service, our warmest wishes will be offered up for the prosperity
and liberty of the country."

"Signed by 23 Commissioned Officers."