ever found him. In a few days we sailed with the fleet for the Mediterranean, and were present at the glorious battle of the Nile. Poor Tom and I were stationed on the same deck, and never did mortal display more heroic bravery, more cool intrepidity;—yet there was an indefinable expression at times in his look, as if some thought lay struggling in his breast, and could not gain an utterance. Oh, what a day was that for England! The name of Nelson now has lost its charm; yet are there some who can remember its magic influence on the seaman's mind-'twas emblazon'd on the standard of Fame, which waved the bright banner of Victory. I look sometimes at his funeral car, and call to remembrance the time when a grateful country paid a just tribute to his memory. Well do I recollect the countenances of the honest tars who pass'd in succession his last remains when lying in state,-part of the crew of the Victory: they had fought they had conquer'd together,—and what can bind the tie of kindred stronger? All around us now was blood and flame,-the shrieks of the wounded and groans of the dying came mingled with the deafening roar of guns and hissing balls that struck us through and through. This is glorious,' said a little youngster, who had joined us for his first trip previous to sailing, This will be glorious news for home.' He had got a twenty-four pound shot in his left arm, and was chalking on it. 'What are you about?' said I. I'm only writing a moving billet-doux to one of the enemy's midshipmen, sir. There, 'tis done, and now let's put it in the post.' And so he claps it into the muzzle of the gun. By my faith,' said a Paddy, bowsing at the tackle, but that's a lawyer's letter, with a double charge; shoot aisey, and don't be after doing mischief.'Hoot, hoot,' replied an old Scotchman, it's cannonical law, then, and whoever stops its execution will have death without benefit of clairgy; but I rather dement 'tis an epistol deadicatory to som body. Weel, weel, these French are a ceevil sort o' bodies, and nae doubt you will have une rap-artie by prime-ier op-port-unity.' Just at this moment a fresh ship of the enemy's laid us athwart the bows, and opened a most tremendous fire that raked us fore and aft, and made our groaning timbers shiver-the midship guns came in heavily-most of their hands lay stretch'd upon the deck. Poor Will Ransom fell close to my feet; he had raised himself up by one arm, and with the other supported the little midshipman, who had been struck by a grape-shot. Oh, my mother-my poor mother!' said the lad; struggled for a moment, and expired. Will gazed upon the youth: He's gone,' said he, 'his cable's parted, and my anchor's a-trip;' laid himself down, and instantly died. I don't know how it was, but I felt as if something was choking me; my heart was almost bursting; but 'twas momentary-the angel Pity shuns the horrid scene of carnage-and revenge, revenge steels the heart against every feeling of humanity. The dead bodies were launched out at the port to clear the decks; and many a burst of unrestrained grief attended their departure. The blue wave closed over them, and they were seen no more. Another heavy broadside shook us, and poor Tom fell into my arms-a musket ball had pierced his breast. I ordered some men to convey him to the cockpit, for I dared not quit my station, and from that moment I lost every softer sensation of the mind. We were victorious; and as soon as duty would permit, I hastened to my friend. The surgeon's assistant was just quitting his cabin: Another hour,' said he in a whisper, and all will be over; or it may be earlier.' He was sitting up in his cot, with his desk before him, attempting to write. A languid smile beamed on his death-stricken countenance as I entered. See,' said he, I am performing the last duty to my parents, and to one'-here a convulsive spasm made him pause— 'to one whom I had fondly hoped to call my own; 'tis past, 'tis over, and this heart will soon cease to beat; even with that feeling it will lose the latest.' I grasped his hand, but could not speak. He continued writing, finished his letters, and directed them, with . -- the calmness and resignation of a Christian. And now,' said 'he, my friend, to your charge I commit these papers and my little property; soften the anguish of a parent's heart, and soothe the sorrows of the tender female. Tell them I have done my duty; and though I die in the hour of victory, yet, 'tis in the service of my country, and I die with resignation. This miniature was designed for- Oh! Father of mercies! spare, spareThe surgeon entered. I supported his head upon my arm, while a cordial was administering; he revived for a moment, placed the locket in my hand, uttered the name of Matilda,' breathed short, and in broken whispers, Father, into -into thy hands I-I commit my spirit!' bowed his head upon my breast, and—he was no more. The tide was setting very strong out of Portsmouth Harbour, and, having received urgent orders to use expedition, I directed the cockswain to land me on South Sea beach. The day was unusually fine, the garrison troops were manœuvring on the common, and large parties of ladies and gentlemen, attracted by the beautiful scene which ever presents itself to the view, were strolling on the shore. The boat grounded, and instantly, with my dispatches under my arm, my feet pressed the dear land of my nativity. Only those who have been long absent from their native country can tell the thousand delightful sensations, mingled with anxiety, which pervade the mind at once again treading on British soil. Joy swelled my heart, while tears started from my eyes. There is a degree of selfishness in our richest pleasures-an epicurean delight, which seldom admits of participation; but when this feeling has in some degree subsided, we share our gratification with our friends. At this moment I thought only of myself the next, parents, brothers, sisters, all rushed upon my memory. I should see them, hear their voices, grasp their hands; oh, there was rapture in the idea! Pride, too, whispered, The despatches you carry contain certain recommendations to the higher powers for conduct in battle. 'I have forgot it,' said ་ 1, feeling my pockets; what shall I do!' for by this time I had walked some distance from the boat. 'Twas his last dying request, poor fellow, and to neglect it is neither kind nor honourable; I'll run back. Accordingly I hastened my return, and was much surprised to find a crowd of people assembled near the spot. The cockswain ran to me: 'Oh, sir, she's dead, she's dead! I would willingly have given all my prize-money to have saved her.' Who's dead?' said I, what do you mean? Jump into the boat, and bring the parcels and letters I have left there.' 'That's it, sir,' replied the poor fellow; she took it up, and, before I could prevent it, burst it open.' A gentleman now approached. I believe, sir, I am speaking to the officer of the ?' You are, sir; I hope no accident has happened; but I really cannot wait. Cockswain, fetch the parcels, and follow me to the admiral's office directly.' Then turning to the stranger: Will you do me the favour to walk up with me, and explain?' 'Most willingly.' We proceeded onwards, and he began. Previous to your landing, a party of ladies and gentlemen were strolling on the beach, and admiring the many beauties of the surrounding prospect. When you quitted the boat, curi. osity drew us towards it. "Tis the -'s," exclaimed Miss springing forward; "My brother, my brother!" Another young lady rushed towards the boat at the moment the cockswain was jumping ashore with several small packages under his arm, and dropt a letter close to her feet.' What is the lady's name?' said I. E,' he replied. Had a thunderbolt struck me at that moment I could not have been more paralyzed. The truth rushed upon my mind with tenfold horror, from the unknown extent of mischief my negligence had occasioned; and I should have fallen to the ground but for the timely support of my companion. I looked in his face with agony and shame. Do not tell me,' said I, do not tell me, but run back, if you have pity, gain what information you can, and bring me intelligence at the admiral's office.' He shook me by the hand, and instantly returned to the beach. With a spirit almost wrung to madness, I rushed forward, but was spared the agony of a formal introduction, as fortunately the commander-in-chief was absent. I delivered my dispatches, and was ordered to wait. Oh what torture, what anguish did I undergo for upwards of an hour! and when released flew to the spot: but all were gone, and solemn stillness reigned around. I now remembered the orders given to the boat's crew to come for me at the sallyport. Thither I hastened, and, grasping the cockswain's arms, 'Where, where are they?' said I; 'how came this accident to happen? be quick, and do not trifle with me.' 'Oh, sir!' replied the man, she snatch'd up the letter, and was going to hand it over, when her eyes caught the direction: "It is for me, (said she,) it is for me!" Avast, there, young woman, says I; but before I could get it away, she made sail, and then broke open the hatches. I gave chase directly; but before I could come alongside, she uttered a piercing shriek, and dropt down dead.' 'Dead!' exclaimed I, my blood curdling with horror. Dead!' repeated the man, with an involuntary shudder. At that moment I felt some one touch my arm: 'twas the person who had promised to bring me intelligence at the office. He drew me with him, and I followed, almost unconscious of what I did. Does she yet live?' said I. A convulsive sob was the only answer. We entered a neat but elegant house in Anguish was pictured on every countenance. elderly gentleman approached, with his hand extended, but speech was denied him: 'twas my poor messmate's father. My companion motioned me to be seated, but I continued standing; when an opposite door was thrown open-a female rushed in, and threw her arms around my neck. She lives! she lives!' said I; and, pulling Tom's picture instinctively from my pocket, held it to her view. She raised her head; I saw her features-'twas his sister. Yes (replied she,) Matilda still lives; come, come, you shall see street. An |