yself, no
great connexion to support me if inclined to fall; therefore my good
name, as a man, an officer, and an Englishman, I must be very careful
of. My greatest pride is to discharge my duty faithfully; my greatest
ambition to receive approbation for my conduct."

The chicaneries of the law were brought to bear on the captain of the
Boreas, and by means of a writ for his arrest, (on the trumped-up plea
of detention and imprisonment of some fraudulent Americans--true
ancestors of the repudiators of the present day,) he was forced to
remain on board ship for several months, but was at last released from
durance by the tardy undertaking given by government to be answerable
for his defence.

The lukewarmness of his superiors, and the villanies of law, were not
enough to fill up his time, and, in the very midst of these agitating
matters, he adds a third: he met Mrs Nisbet, and fell in love. His
letters, however, are not entirely composed of sighs and lightning;
and it gives a high idea of the lady's sense to perceive the calm, yet
real, affection she inspired. We shall only quote one of his letters
to his lady-love, to show the style of them all, and also to show his
feelings towards Prince William Henry, (King William IV.,) who was at
this time under his command as captain of the Pegasus.

"Off Antigua, _December 12, 1786_.

"Our young prince is a gallant man; he is indeed volatile, but
always with great good-nature. There were two balls during his
stay, and some of the old ladies were mortified that H. R. H.
would not dance with them; but he says he is determined to enjoy
the privilege of all other men, that of asking any lady he
pleases.

"_Wednesday._--We arrived here this morning at daylight. His
Royal Highness dined with me, and, of course, the governor. I can
tell you a piece of news, which is, that the prince is fully
determined, and has made me promise him, that he shall be at our
wedding; and he says he will give you to me. His Royal Highness
has not yet been in a private house to visit, and is determined
never to do it except in this instance. You know I will ever
strive to bear such a character as may render it no discredit to
any man to take notice of me. There is no action in my whole life
but what is honourable; and I am the more happy at this time on
that account; for I would, if