Kerr, most likely with his girlfriend and maybe his girl, stayed situated in Antigua regarding 1780s and you can very early 1790s

Through the those many years there is certainly thrown proof of his affairs hence removed with her allow us to obtain some understanding regarding how the guy amassed the enormous luck that introduced so you can his partner and you may dily as well as repaid at the least a couple visits so you’re able to Britain. The first, likely in 1783, would be to Kerr’s father in the Scotland. When you look at the a letter so you can Jane Apreece because the she had up coming become, most likely written in early 1806, the brand new poet and later novelist, Walter Scott (1771–1832), a relation of your own Scottish type (we.age. a distant cousin) in order to Kerr, recollected past fulfilling her during the this lady ‘a grandfather’s’ family whenever she is actually away from an ‘period of to play within Cover up and Seek’. 22

St Eustatius

Kerr’s possibility to and get a substantial luck during the early 1780s stemmed off Britain’s war that have France and you can Spain because of their service to have thirteen break the rules British territories on mainland America. Inside February 1780 George Rodney (bp. 1718 os, d. 1792) found its way to the newest Caribbean due to the fact Chief-in-Captain of the Leeward Countries station joined in uel Bonnet (1724–1816) once the second- in-command. Somewhat just how Rodney and you will Kerr found see one another are not clear, however, by the December 1780 Kerr is actually managing the expenses regarding exchange getting awards drawn because of the Rodney’s fleet; 23 actually Kerr questioned Rodney to help you recommend your as representative so you can Hood or any other banner officers and this Rodney did and you can Bonnet consented. 24 One to week The uk stated war towards United Provinces and you may orders was in fact provided for Rodney to invade Dutch property, instance St Eustatius, a tiny area in the 80 miles northern-to the west of Antigua. twenty five This nest had performed because a free vent through which arms from European countries (in addition to Great britain) had introduced dating sites for asexual people lower than natural flags towards the rebels hence evading the new Regal Navy’s blockade. twenty-six With the 27 January 1781 the transaction so you can assault and you will reside Dutch regions reached Rodney. His earlier in the day award agent was enduring an excellent ‘serious touch of the Gout’, twenty-seven which could establish as to the reasons, for the step one February, Rodney warranted Kerr is one of his true award agents even with Kerr, as he easily accepted, having never ever ‘yet over any part of the Agency line’. twenty eight Particularly, Kerr might be accountable for grabbed Dutch ships delivered of the Rodney so you can Antigua. 29

With the 3 February Rodney’s and you may Hood’s fleets, holding armed forces contingents asked of the John Vaughan (on 1731–95), featured out-of St Eustatius. Badly defended, because the reports concerning the statement out of combat got but really to-arrive, immediately after a brief a symbol resistance the latest governor surrendered this new isle. That it incorporated over 130 ships currently at the anchor there, lots, and that pursuing the further measures (plus continued so you’re able to fly brand new Dutch flag along the isle promising most other opponent ships to trust they a safe anchorage), rose so you’re able to over two hundred. 31

To maximise the values gotten, merchants off French colonies such as Martinique and you may Guadeloupe, less than flags off truce, was indeed anticipate to visit, something which attracted next problem so you’re able to Rodney

If you find yourself Rodney asked considerable honors, little had prepared your to have for example possible money that would resolve the his economic trouble (to cease their financial institutions the guy exiled himself to help you France between 1774 and you may 1779). He spent 3 months with the area making the needed arrangements acquiring far problem, together with by the Bonnet, 30 as he must have been following French collection. He and you will Vaughan seized everything it available on St Eustatius no number if it belonged so you’re able to enemy, natural or British merchants (just who Rodney regarded as traitors). 32 Its overall well worth, Ve to help you at the least ?3,100000,000, a huge share. 33 Randolph Knob have determined one to only about a 3rd from one amount are sooner or later know from inside the cash, that is a million weight, 34 at which Rodney could have relatively questioned ?125,100 as dominating admiral’s express. Just under ?380,100 of the total came from a public auction held on St Eustatius, beginning in mid-March 1781 and you will lasting from the four days. thirty five Indeed, whenever, as a result of ill health, he gone back to England to have half a year off ent (successfully) their actions with the St Eustatius. 36 Shortly after his come back to new Caribbean, during the April 1782, the guy peacefully defeated this new French collection at the race of the Saints which he had been ennobled and granted a ?dos,000 your retirement.