plaster of Paris. As I imagined I should gratify the honest people at
Dover, particularly the female part, who might be twisting their
papillotes and talking scandal for want of other amusement, by sending in
a vessel with the English flag flying above the French, I was determined
to do so, although I knew she would scarcely pay her condemnation. A few
days afterwards I received a note from the prize agent to request I would
not send in anymore of the same description, as there was a balance of six
pounds against us for Proctor's fees, etc. Thinks I to myself, how odd.
So, as the sailor says, after venturing life and limb in capturing an
enemy's vessel, I am to pay for taking her. D----n me, Jack, that's too bad.
I'll write to Joseph Hume to bring it before the House of Commons. I know
he is a great reformer and a sailor's friend, although he terms them a
dead weight.

We were at the end of our cruise relieved, and anchored again in the
Downs, where I was informed Sir G. Campbell had been relieved by Sir Thos.
Foley, his counterpart in worth and gallantry.

I waited on the gallant admiral, left my card on Lady Lucy, and was
invited to dinner. The admiral, as he is well known, and considered one of
our most distinguished officers, I need not describe. His lady was a
lively, hospitable, agreeable person, and I often reflect on the many
pleasant hours I passed at the admiral's house. I understand she is now a
saint and is very charitable. Generally speaking, I do not admire saints.
They are too pure to mix with this sinful world, and are not fond of
sailors. A fortnight passed away when we once more sighted our anchors,
and the day after that eye-sore Boulogne. Our occupation was much the same
as the last cruise, except that I was ordered shortly after I sailed to
take charge of a large convoy outward bound, and to proceed with them as
far as Portsmouth. On my arrival there I went on shore and waited on the
admiral, Sir R. Curtis, whom I found walking, what he termed his
long-shore quarter-deck, the platform. He was a little, shrewd man, and
knew a handspike from a capstan bar. I informed him from whence I came,
and that I had fulfilled my orders respecting the convoy. I then presented
him the necessary papers belonging to my own ship. "Come with me to my
office," was the order. In going there we had to pass part of the market,
where the admiral was well-known. He conversed in passing with several
pretty market girls, and