6th August 1832

Montevideo
The boats have returned. Affairs in the City now more decidedly show a party spirit, & as the black troops are enclosed in the citadel by double the number of armed citizens, Capt FitzRoy deemed it advisable to withdraw his force. It is probable in a very short time the two adverse sides will come to an encounter: under such circumstances, Capt FitzRoy being in possession of the central fort, would have found it very difficult to have preserved his character of neutrality.
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There certainly is a great deal of pleasure in the excitement of this sort of work. Quite sufficient to explain the reckless gayety with which sailors undertake even the most hazardous attacks. Yet as time flies, it is an evil to waste so much in empty parade.

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