were already too many prisoners on board of the
French privateer. A day’s provision is allowed the English vessel, which
soon landed Stobo at Halifax, from whence he joined General Amherst, "many
a league across the country." He served under Amherst on his Lake
Champlain expedition, and there he finished the campaign; which ended, he
begs to go to Williamsburg, the then capital of Virginia."
It seems singular that no command of
any importance appears to have been given to the brave Scot; but,
possibly, the part played by the Major when under parole at Fort du
Quesne, was weighed by the Imperial authorities. There certainly seems to
be a dash of the Benedict Arnold in this transaction. However, Stobo was
publicly thanked by a Committee of the Assembly of Virginia, and was
allowed his arrears of pay for the time of his captivity. On the 30th
April, 1756, he had also been presented by the Assembly of Virginia with
£300, in consideration of his services to the country and his sufferings
in his confinement as a hostage in Quebec. On the 19th November, 1759, he
was presented with £1,000 as "a reward for his zeal to his country and the
recompense for the great hardships he has suffered during his confinement
in the enemy’s country." On the 18th February, 1760, Major Stobo embarked
from New York for England, on board the packet with Colonel West and
several other gentlemen. One would imagine that he had exhausted the
vicissitudes of fortune. But no. A French privateer boards them in the
midst of the English channel. The Major again consigns to the deep his
letters, all except one, which he forgot, in the pocket of his coat, under
the arm pit. This escaped the general catastrophe, and will again restore
him to notoriety, it is from General A. Monckton to Mr. Pitt. The
passengers of the packet were assessed £2,500 to be allowed their liberty,
and Stobo had to pay £125, towards the relief fund. The despatch