was of the truth of all such unauthorised and underhand stuff, and how lightly I valued anything they said. Tom answered me never a word, but thrusting his hand into his bosom, forth he pulls me a London newspaper, and bids me read and satisfy myself from the Parliament's report. I did so directly, you may be sure; and in faith, I must confess I was very unwillingly soon convinced, that so far Tom's paper was correct, and that silence on all our story had actually been strongly enjoined.

"Well, Adams,' cried Tom Allen, triumphantly, are you convinced at last that we have been most cursedly bitten ?'

"No, Tom, I can't say I am,' replied I,-for, 'pon my soul, Davies, I couldn't bring myself to believe that the whole was a hoax,-'I can't say I am,' says I. "The newspaper does indeed say, that silence has been strongly recommended--but we don't know for what reason, and possibly it is not proper that we should. In the meantime, Tom, until we get better information, I'd have you to follow my plan, and be content with knowing, that all we've asked for has been solemnly granted us

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'Come, come, Adams,' interrupted Bill Senator, 'don't go to be running the rig on us in that sly manner; for I can tell you, my lad, all we've asked has not been solemnly granted us, for at the utmost stretch it has only been solemnly promised us; and, in my eye, there's the devil's own difference between what is promised and what is given. I think every man of common sense must agree to that; and I also think that it is high time we were once more stirring our stumps in the good old cause. -What d'ye say, my jolly hearts ?-don't you think so?'

"His appeal seemed at once to burst the flood-gates of passion in every individual, for such another scene of noise and tumult ensued as beggars description. I assure you, Davies, I've seen a good many brawls in my time, but you may take any word for it that they all sink into utter insignificance when compared with the remembrance I have of the universal burst of indignation and frantic violence which immediately followed this appeal to them of Bill Senator's. Fortunately every one on whom they could properly

wreck their vengeance was out of their reach, since I am as certain as I exist, that had they had even Lord Bridport himself that moment in their power, they'd have torn him in pieces.

"In this state of mind matters were not slow in assuming the determined aspect of defiance with which we were all now so very familiar;-so that after having arranged a regular plan of procedure for the future conduct of the ship, the deputation departed to pay a visit to the next in order. On the following morning, accordingly, the riot began. We had hardly got our breakfast swallowed, ere the Admiral dropped his foretop-sail and fired a gun, as the signal for instantly getting under weigh, which, you may depend on't, was paid not the smallest attention to. The officers, to be sure, brushed about the decks bawling like madmen, and did everything in their power to enforce the order-nay, headed even by Captain Lock himself, they traversed the decks sword in hand, threatening some, flattering others, and even almost supplicating a third party;-but all would not do they were speaking to determined and daring spirits, who were not to be very easily daunted-and in spite of all their united endeavours, the old Charlotte continued fast at her moorings.

"All this conduct, however, you may very easily guess, naturally drove us to do something decisive; and of course it excited little surprise on board the Charlotte, when a Court of Delegates was announced to be held forthwith, on board the London, lying at Spithead. The different boats immediately got under weigh for the place of meeting; and I was not a little astonished, on our boat nearing the London, to find that all admittance was refused us, by no less a personage than the Admiral in person. Breasting the gangway passage, my boy, and backed by his officers sword in hand, and his marines under arms, there stood the old blade crowing for all the world as bold as a turkey-cock. The ques tion, however, admitted but of little delay; for we were all sensible that we were placed in ticklish circumstances, and that the sooner the parley was pushed to a point the better.

"So you won't allow us to settle our business peaceably aboard your ship, my Lord?' said Jack Morris, from his boat alongside.

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No, no, my lad, indeed I will will not,' answered Admiral Colpoys; 'for I really see no end to this business of yours-since the more you get, seemingly, the more you would have. It is high time such turbulent conduct should be put an end to. Return therefore to your respective duties, and bless your stars and be content with what his Majesty has already granted you.'

"Pray, what has he granted us,' cried Tom Allen, 'more than your Lordship is doing now-giving us a very pretty treat of your chin-music? -Bah! To the devil I say with all such grants!'

"You are indeed a well-finished scoundrel,' cried the Admiral, clenching his fist and shaking it at Allen; 'and were it not you are seated where you are, and I might injure a better fellow, I'd order a ball to be sent through your head directly.-Away with you! It is such knaves as you, you villain, famous alike for your turbulence and cowardice, that bring honest simple men into tumult and disgrace.' "Away with me, my Lord!' cried Allen, standing up in the boat; faith, and I must e'en be telling your beautiful person, I came here for no such a purpose as to be scouted off so very easily. I'll go, I believe, as soon as I discharge the duty entrusted to me by my shipmates, and the never a moment sooner. You may therefore chime away on me as long as it pleases you, and welcome; and though I may be possibly turbulent in your eyes, which, thank God, better people don't see through, I can flatly give you the lie as to cowardice-Here stands Tom Allen of the Mars, whose ears have heard the whistle of ten shots to one more than ever your Lordship didhere he stands, I say, open before you -fire upon him if you dare!'

"We must really come on board, my Lord,' repeated Jack Morris, from the boat; we are merely wasting time as well as words.'

"I tell you, my lad, I cannot agree to it,' replied his Lordship. 'You seem to be a fellow of some behaviour, and I would fain treat all such with civility. But I cannot hear of your present proposal. If your business is so very importunate, in God's name, take yourselves off, and meet wherever else you please, but on board this vessel, while I command her, you shan't, that's certain.'

"Bah!' cried Bill Senator, ' never mind the old fellow, Morris; he's got his jawing tackle hauled aboard, and could prate you there for a month of Sundays.-Jump up, Jack, and I'll follow you.-Come along, my jolly hearts, here's at it!'

"Marines !'-cried the Admiral, 'make ready-present!-I advise you once again, my lads, before you go farther, to keep to your boats; for by mine honour I declare, that if you attempt to force your way on board, it shall be at your own peril-you see I am all ready.'

mind

"Zounds, Morris, never him,' bawled Senator, impatiently, 'but heave a-head, and keep movingI'll stand by you, my hearty!-Come tumble up, my bucks, tumble up!Never mind his speechifying-if he dares to fire on us, he may look out for squalls, that's all.'

One delegate,

"This was encouragement enough to determined men; and the whole scrambling up the London's sides by both fore and main-chains, soon gained her deck, and confronted the armed marines, who were very unwillingly held to their ranks. Their first lieutenant, an active stout man, had zealously seconded the Admiral in opposing the entrance of the delegates; beating some back with the flat of his sword, and by main strength precipitating others from the top of the side right slap overboard. whom he had served in this expeditious manner, felt so indignant at the affront, that the moment he was dragged into a boat, he laid hold of a musket, and let fly at the marine lieutenant, who immediately fell to the deck. All was now confusion and alarm-the first lieutenant of the ship ordered the marines to fire-they did so, and a midshipman, three men, and a boy, were also laid sprawling on the deck, severely wounded. This unnecessary order immediately roused an universal indignation-the whole crew instantly joined the delegates-cast loose the foremost guns, and pointed them astern, threatening loudly they'd blow all aft into the water, unless they had an immediate unconditional surrender. The Admiral, now on his marrowbones, immediately gave in, to prevent, as he said, the unnecessary effusion of blood-but that, you know, was all in my eye, else why did he effuse blood at all? The real matter of

fact was, he could do no better; and was accordingly instantly ordered to his cabin till the council met and deliberated on his conduct. He had not luckily left the deck ere his attention was drawn to another object-no less than the preparation for immediately hanging his first lieutenant, for ordering the marines to fire. The yard-rope was rove, and he would have infallibly been run up, all standing as he was, had not the Admiral come forward and avowed that the officer was not to blame, having merely acted according to the orders of Admiralty, which he himself had received the day before.

Then I'll tell you what, my old blade,' cried Tom Allen, approaching the Admiral, ‘if you wish the life of this bloody-minded man spared, who has done more harm in the course of a few minutes than his whole rascally lifetime can ever atone for, you'll instantly make good your words, by producing us these same instructions you speak on. I must say, I've always suspected, as our good friends on shore tell us, that the Lords Admirals were all along afooling on us: but may I be hung if it ever entered my headpiece yet that they'd sent down written orders for our murder.-Come, come, no dallying, old one-produce these same Admiralty orders in an instant, if you please, or, by the cross of St Albans, away he goes.-Shipmates, man the. tacklefall !'

"Have patience, my good fellow,' said the Admiral, considerably agitated, and allow me a moment or two to recollect myself. Captain Griffiths, be so good as go aft to my cabin, and open my escrutoire-here's the keyBeaujeau will point it out to you. You'll there find my last dispatches from the Admiralty, which I will thank you to bring with you.-Oh, cast the gentleman loose, my brave fellows-I freely give you mine honour he is not to blame. He merely did his duty, and acted according to the orders given him.'

"You gave the officer these orders, then, didn't you?' demanded Vassy.

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'Pish!' cried Senator, contemptuously, 'that will never go down with us, Master Blue-at-the-fore, I can tell you, so you needn't prate another moment about force at all. Was there the smallest intention of harm in e'er a single soul, until you yourself commenced the squall? No, sir, you cannot say there was anything to be seen but the utmost civility and good-humour. It is you, sir, and you alone, that I blame for the blood which has thus been needlessly shed; and had I my will, I honestly assure you, I'd make it a very brief business indeed, the compelling some people's carcase to answer for it.'

"If you have lost every regard to propriety of behaviour, fellow,' said the Admiral, warmly, you'll oblige me much by your silence. Ever keep in mind to whom you are talking.'

"To whom I am talking, forsooth!' cried Senator, scornfully. 'By the hookey, that's not difficult to guess

for he's no great shakes, I'll be bound to say. I am talking to one, sir, who seems to have forgotten that he is no more than a man, and that he has a life to lose as well as his neighbours.'

"Do you threaten me, you ruffian!' menaced the Admiral, clapping his hand on his sword.

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"It don't depend on my good will, most mighty sir, else mayhap I would do more,' rejoined the dauntless delegate.

"Come, come, Billy,' interrupted Morris, 'belay, if you please :-for we've other fish to fry than the standing up here a-listening to you two jawing each other. You, Anderson, get a boat lowered directly-take the doctor with you-and hurry ashore to the hospital with Master Simpson and these poor unfortunates. Jack Adams, see you the Admiral safely to his cabin -a small restriction on your personal liberty, my Lord, will be absolutely necessary, until we see how this unhappy business is to end.-Captain Griffiths, I will expect a similar behaviour from you, and that you will keep your cabin-unless, to be sure, you'd prefer going on shore with Lieutenant Bover, who must go at all events, as it is impossible for me to answer for his

safety amongst a highly enraged and irritated ship's company. What say you, sir?'

6

"If I'm allowed to have a choice,' replied the Captain, I'll rather prefer, at every hazard, to stay along with my superior officer."

"Well, Captain, be it so,' said Jack Morris. 'See that you take every necessary precaution, Adams, to prevent either of these gentlemen from being unnecessarily disturbed or insulted. I can do no more for you-so good bye, gentlemen.-Come now the whole of you, my lads, and let us dispose of the other officers and these rascally marines.'

"This was speedily accomplished, the officers being generally ordered on shore, and the marines disarmed, and strictly confined to the cable-tier. The President now proceeded with the delegates to the state-room, for the purpose of examining the Admiral's dispatches, which were found to be by no means so hostile to their interests as he had led them to imagine ;-for though they no doubt strongly recommended the exertion of his utmost influence, firmness, and promptitude in enforcing the necessary duties of the ship, they left him a complete discretionary power to act in all cases that might occur according to the best of his judgment. This discovery aroused considerable spleen against the Admiral, who, it was now plainly seen, had acted in the whole affair entirely on the suggestions of his own mind; and it also called forth some very bitter remarks on his conduct, both from Tom Allen and Bill Senator, who loudly insisted that an extraordinary meeting of delegates should be instantly held, for the purpose of a strict inquiry into the conduct of both the Admiral and his officers, particularly Captain Griffiths. After a good deal of noisy altercation, it was at last finally agreed, That for the purpose of holding this meeting next day, on board the Royal Sovereign, with convenience and decorum, every ship that wore a pendant then at Spithead, should immediately get under weigh and rendezvous at St Helens-that all officers, excepting the Masters, should be immediately ordered on shore-and that, in the meantime, Admiral Colpoys and his Captain should be strictly confined to their cabins. After coming to this

decision the Court broke up, and the delegates shortly afterwards retired to their respective ships. An hour had hardly elapsed ere the resolution of the meeting was visibly in full operation; craft of every description you could think on being seen making for Sallyport, laden with officers of all grades-while they had the mortification of seeing their vessels, some under weigh, and some weighing anchor, standing majestically down towards St Helens, and there bringing up in the most regular and beautiful order around the Royal Sovereign.

"Next day, at an early hour, we went on board the Sovereign, at whose lofty main the signal for a meeting of the delegates was by this time flying. While the Court was assembling, I took a stroll round the decks, and had not gone far when I was accosted by Joe Green, one of the delegates of the ship, with a familiar slap on the shoulder, coupled with the usual salutation of,Aha, matey !-the top of the morning to you, my boy !-Hast any

news?'

"What!' asked I, interrupting him, hadst to put 'em ashore ??"

6

"Ay, that we had, my boy,' replied he; and the devil's own job it was ere we got rid of 'em. Why, lad, you'd have thought Admiral Gardner, for one, had lost all the little judgment ever he'd been possessed of. I never saw a man in such a sad taking; and 'pon my soul I were very sorry for him indeed, for he's by no means a bad fellow, though somewhat passionate. After a vast deal ado, however, (for opposition was nonsense, you know,) we succeeded in bundling him and his clerk into one boat, and the rest of his officers into another; and so they were shoved off for the shore, he crying all the way like a mere child.-My eye! it was a rare frolic for the boats' crews! -and in faith they had a glorious cruize on shore by the shift; for the never a man of 'em returned till this morning; and, as I were going to tell you, you'll not hinder some of 'em from popping into Haslar in passing, where they learnt, that the poor boy