t: but the
command of so fine a frigate must have been given upon the supposition
that it would be agreeable to my uncle, who was not only a prime
supporter, but a very useful member of the Tory government. I could not
help laughing to myself, at the idea of O'Brien obtaining his wishes
from the influence of a person who, probably, detested him as much as
one man could detest another; and I impatiently waited for O'Brien's
next letter, by which I hoped to find myself appointed to the
_Semiramis_; but a sad _contre temps_ took place.

O'Brien did not write; but came down two days afterwards, hastened on
board the _Semiramis_, read his commission, and assumed the command
before even he had seen me: he then sent his gig on board of the
_Rattlesnake_, to desire me to come to him directly. I did so, and we
went down into the cabin of the frigate. "Peter," said he, "I was
obliged to hasten down and read myself captain of this ship, as I am in
fear that things are not going on well. I had called to pay my respects
at the Admiralty, previous to joining, and was kicking my heels in the
waiting-room, when who should walk up the passage, as if he were a
captain on his own quarter-deck, but your uncle, Lord Privilege. His
eye met mine--he recognised me immediately--and, if it did not flash
fire, it did something very like it. He asked a few questions of one of
the porters, and was giving his card, when my name was called for. I
passed him, and up I went to the First Lord, thanked him for the
frigate; and having received a great many compliments upon my exertions
on the West India station, made my bow and retired. I had intended to
have requested your appointment, but I knew that your name would bring
up Lord Privilege's; and, moreover, your uncle's card was brought up and
laid upon the table while I was sitting there. The First Lord, I
presume, thought that his lordship was come to thank him for his
kindness to me, which only made him more civil. I made my bow, and went
down, and met the eye of Lord Privilege, who looked daggers at me as he
walked upstairs--for, of course, he was admitted immediately after my
audience was finished. Instead of waiting to hear the result of the
explanation, I took a post-chaise, and have come down here as fast as
four horses can bring me, and have read myself in--for, Peter, I feel
sure, that if not on board, my commission will be cancelled; and I know
that if once in command, as I am now,