istracted France, and he will have a
very fair chance of making prize money, and in time will gain his
promotion."

"Quit the room a short time, my love," said my mother to me. In about a
quarter of an hour, which I thought an hour, I was sent for. Captain
Elphinstone had taken his leave. I found my mother still very pale. "I am
afraid, dear boy," she began, "that Captain Elphinstone has almost
persuaded me against my will. He has spoken of the prospects of the Naval
Service in so favourable a manner that I am nearly tempted to let you
enter it, and should war unhappily be declared against our unfortunate
neighbours, the French, and my friend Captain Markham be appointed to a
ship, I believe I must make up my mind to be quite persuaded and let you
have your wish." "Thank you, my dear mother," replied I, overjoyed at what
I knew nothing about. A short time after this conversation, war was
declared against France, or rather France provoked it, and Captain Markham
was appointed to the _Blonde_ frigate. My mother instantly wrote to him;
his answer was favourable, and he requested her to let me join him as soon
as possible. All now was bustle and preparation. My brothers were sent for
home, and begged to be allowed to go with me. Poor fellows! they little
knew what they asked. In a few days I was fully equipped. I mounted my
uniform, and I thought my brothers and the young friends who came to take
leave of me appeared to envy me my finery, particularly my dirk, which
they examined so often that I began to think they would wear it out. At
length the evening arrived for me to quit my dear, happy home. My mother
was sensibly affected, my sister looked serious, but my brothers, who were
younger than myself--little rogues!--only looked disappointed that they
could not go with me. I am sorry to say that my spirits were so buoyant
that sorrow did not enter my head.

Captain Elphinstone was kind enough to accompany me to the coach, and on
the 12th day of October, 1793,--oh! happy day, at least I thought so--we
repaired to the sign of that nondescript bird, the "Swan with Two Necks"
in Lad Lane, Cheapside. After taking an affectionate farewell of those who
came with me, I stepped into the vehicle of transport with a light foot, a
light heart, and, I fear, a light head, as I fancied by the people staring
at me that I was the lion of the occasion. When we stopped for supper a
gentlemanly person, who sat opposite, asked me what ship I b