ll L8000. He had no hope of
benefiting his creditors in his present situation, or of
assisting himself. That if I would take him with me he would
immediately go on board and exercise the sharp-shooters,
(which plan Sir Alexander Cochrane, I knew, had approved of.)
That he had left his lodgings and prepared himself in the best
way his means allowed. He had brought the sword with him which
had been his fathers, and to that, and to Sir Alexander, he
would trust for obtaining an honourable appointment. I felt
very uneasy at the distress he was in, and knowing him to be a
man of great talent and science, I told him I would do every
thing in my power to relieve him; but as to his going
immediately to the Tonnant, with any comfort to himself, it
was quite impossible, my cabin was without furniture, I had
not even a servant on board. He said he would willingly mess
any where. I told him that the ward-room was already crowded,
and besides I could not with propriety take him, he being a
foreigner, without leave from the Admiralty. He seemed greatly
hurt at this, and recalled to my recollection certificates
which he had formerly shewn me, from persons in official
situations. Lord Yarmouth, General Jenkinson, and Mr. Reeves,
I think, were amongst the number. I recommended him to use his
endeavour to get them, or any other friends, to exert their
influence, for I had none, adding that when the Tonnant went
to Portsmouth, I should be happy to receive him; and I knew
from Sir Alexander Cochrane, that he would be pleased if he
accomplished that object. Captain Berenger said, that not
anticipating any objection on my part from the conversation he
had formerly had with me, he had come away with intention to
go on board and make himself useful in his military
capacity;--he could not go to Lord Yarmouth, or to any other
of his friends, in this dress, (alluding to that which he had
on) or return to his lodgings where it would excite suspicion
(as he was at that time in the rules of the King's Bench) but
that if I refused to let him join the ship now, he would do so
at Portsmouth. Under present circumstances, however, he must
use a great liberty, and request the favour of me to lend him
a hat to wear instead of his military cap. I gave him one
which was