Through the the individuals decades there is thrown proof of his points and that drawn along with her help us get certain information how he obtained the massive chance that introduced so you can his spouse and you can dily in addition to paid off about a couple of check outs to help you The uk. The first, almost certainly into the 1783, was to Kerr’s dad during the Scotland. In a page so you’re able to Jane Apreece due to the fact she had then become, probably printed in early 1806, the latest poet and soon after novelist, Walter Scott (1771–1832), a relationship of your own Scottish type (we.e. a distant cousin) in order to Kerr, recollected history appointment her during the the girl ‘an effective grandfather’s’ family whenever she are away from an enthusiastic ‘period of to play at the Cover up and Seek’. 22
St Eustatius
Kerr’s possible opportunity to and acquire a substantial chance during the early 1780s stemmed regarding Britain’s battle which have France and you can Spain for their assistance for thirteen push back British territories with the mainland America. From inside the February 1780 George Rodney (bp. 1718 operating system, d. 1792) arrived in the newest Caribbean as Commander-in-Master of Leeward Isles route joined into the uel Bonnet (1724–1816) due to the fact second- in-order. Some exactly how Rodney and you can Kerr involved discover each other is actually unclear, but by the December 1780 Kerr is actually managing the expenses regarding exchange to possess awards removed from the Rodney’s collection; 23 in fact Kerr questioned Rodney so you can recommend him as representative in order to Hood and other banner officials which Rodney did and you can Hood concurred. twenty-four One to month Britain proclaimed battle into United Provinces and you may instructions were taken to Rodney so you can invade Dutch assets, such St Eustatius, a little isle in the 80 kilometers north-to the west of Antigua. twenty-five So it nest got performed since the a free of charge vent whereby arms out-of European countries (and The uk) had passed under simple flags towards rebels hence evading new Regal Navy’s blockade. twenty six Into twenty-seven January 1781 the order to help you attack and consume Dutch regions attained Rodney. Their prior honor broker was suffering from a beneficial ‘significant contact of one’s Gout’, twenty seven which may define as to why, into the step one February, Rodney rationalized Kerr becoming one of is own award agencies even with Kerr, as he freely admitted, that have never ‘yet , done any part of the Agencies line’. twenty-eight Especially, Kerr might be guilty of caught Dutch ships delivered by the Rodney to help you Antigua. 29
Towards the 3 March Rodney’s and you will Hood’s fleets, holding military contingents required by the John Vaughan (on 1731–95), searched off St Eustatius. Badly defended, since development regarding the report out of battle got yet to-arrive, immediately after a short a symbol opposition the latest governor surrendered new area. This included more than 130 ships already from the point truth be told there, several, and therefore following after that methods (together with continued to help you fly this new Dutch flag along side area encouraging most other adversary boats to believe they a secure anchorage), flower in order to over 200. 30
To maximise the prices acquired, merchants off French colonies such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, around flags off truce, was invited to visit, a thing that attracted next complaint in order to Rodney
While Rodney asked big honours, little got waiting your getting such as for instance potential money that would solve all the his financial issues (to quit their creditors the guy exiled himself so you’re able to France ranging from 1774 and you can 1779). The guy spent 3 months into the isle deciding to make the requisite agreements receiving far problem, and because of the Hood, 31 once the he need started after the French collection. He and you can Vaughan grabbed that which you it available on St Eustatius zero count if it belonged so you’re able to enemy, natural otherwise Uk resellers (who Rodney regarded as traitors). thirty two Their full well worth, Ve in order to about ?step 3,one hundred thousand,100000, a huge share. 33 Randolph Manhood features computed you to no more than a third off you to count was sooner or later know during the cash, that is a million weight, 34 of which Rodney might have fairly requested ?125,100000 as dominating admiral’s share. Slightly below ?380,one hundred thousand of one’s overall originated from an auction kept 
toward St Eustatius, beginning in mid-March 1781 and long-lasting about five months. thirty-five In reality, whenever, thanks to ill-health, he gone back to England to possess half a year of ent (successfully) his tips to your St Eustatius. 36 Once their return to new Caribbean, within the April 1782, he peacefully defeated this new French fleet in the battle of your own Saints whereby he had been ennobled and you may granted an effective ?2,one hundred thousand retirement.