Through the the individuals many years there is thrown evidence of their points and this pulled together allow us to gain certain knowledge how he obtained the huge chance you to introduced so you’re able to their spouse and you will dily and paid off at the least a couple check outs so you can Britain. The original, most likely from inside the 1783, would be to Kerr’s dad from inside the Scotland. For the a page so you can Jane Apreece because the she got then getting, most likely written in very early 1806, the brand new poet and later novelist, Walter Scott (1771–1832), a connection of one’s Scottish kind (i.age. a faraway cousin) in order to Kerr, recollected history conference the woman in the the girl ‘a good grandfather’s’ house whenever she try out-of a keen ‘age to try out at Mask and Seek’. 22
St Eustatius
Kerr’s chance to to get a hefty fortune in early 1780s stemmed out-of Britain’s war that have France and you may The country of spain due to their support to have 13 push back United altcom kingdom colonies for the mainland North america. Inside March 1780 George Rodney (bp. 1718 operating-system, d. 1792) found its way to this new Caribbean as Leader-in-Master of your own Leeward Islands channel inserted in uel Hood (1724–1816) because the 2nd- in-command. A bit how Rodney and you can Kerr stumbled on understand each other are unclear, but of the December 1780 Kerr is actually managing the expense from replace to possess honours taken by the Rodney’s collection; 23 indeed Kerr requested Rodney so you’re able to recommend your because broker in order to Bonnet or other flag officers and this Rodney performed and you will Bonnet agreed. 24 That times Great britain stated battle on Joined Provinces and you will commands had been taken to Rodney so you can inhabit Dutch assets, eg St Eustatius, a small area from the 80 miles north-to the west of Antigua. twenty-five It colony had performed because a free vent whereby possession out-of Europe (and additionally The uk) had introduced under neutral flags for the rebels thus evading the brand new Regal Navy’s blockade. twenty-six Into twenty-seven January 1781 the transaction so you can assault and you may inhabit Dutch territories reached Rodney. His early in the day honor representative was suffering from an effective ‘significant contact of your Gout’, twenty seven that could define as to the reasons, into the 1 March, Rodney justified Kerr getting one of his honor agents even with Kerr, when he easily admitted, which have never ‘yet done any part of this new Agencies line’. twenty eight Specifically, Kerr is accountable for seized Dutch ships sent by Rodney in order to Antigua. 30
Towards step three March Rodney’s and you can Hood’s fleets, carrying military contingents required from the John Vaughan (throughout the 1731–95), checked out of St Eustatius. Poorly defended, once the reports about the report off combat had yet to reach, just after a short a symbol resistance the newest governor surrendered the fresh area. Which included over 130 ships currently within point there, lots, and that pursuing the next methods (as well as proceeded so you’re able to travel the new Dutch flag along side area encouraging other adversary vessels to believe it a safe anchorage), rose to help you more than two hundred. 31
To maximise the values acquired, merchants out-of French colonies for example Martinique and you may Guadeloupe, significantly less than flags from truce, was basically invited to visit, something drawn then issue to help you Rodney
When you find yourself Rodney asked considerable awards, little got wishing your to own for example prospective wealth which would solve the his economic issues (to prevent his creditors the guy exiled himself to France ranging from 1774 and you may 1779). The guy spent 90 days to your area deciding to make the required arrangements finding far problem, along with by the Bonnet, 30 because the guy should have started pursuing the French fleet. He and you may Vaughan seized that which you it available on St Eustatius zero matter if it belonged so you can opponent, natural or United kingdom resellers (which Rodney thought to be traitors). thirty two Its total worth, Ve to help you at the least ?3,one hundred thousand,one hundred thousand, a colossal contribution. 33 Randolph Dick enjoys calculated one only about a 3rd regarding one count was sooner knew in dollars, which is a million weight, 34 from which Rodney will have fairly requested ?125,000 given that commanding admiral’s display. Just below ?380,one hundred thousand of your own overall originated an auction kept to your St Eustatius, originating in mid-February 1781 and lasting in the five days. thirty-five In reality, when, through ill-health, he gone back to England to have half a year from ent (successfully) his tips towards St Eustatius. 36 Immediately following his return to this new Caribbean, for the April 1782, he soundly beaten this new French fleet on competition of one’s Saints where he had been ennobled and you may awarded a beneficial ?2,100000 pension.