the stock.

I had just sealed the letter, when Mrs Trotter, who had attended the
ship since our return to Portsmouth, begged to speak with me, and walked
in after her message, without waiting for an answer. "My dear Mr
Simple," said she, "I know all that is going on, and I find that you
have no lawyer to assist you. Now I know that it it is necessary, and
will very probably be of great service in your defence--for when people
are in distress and anxiety, they have not their wits about them; so I
have brought a friend of mine from Portsea, a very clever man, who, for
my sake, will undertake your cause; and I hope you will not refuse him.
You recollect giving me a dozen pairs of stockings. I did not refuse
them, nor shall you refuse me now."

Mr Trotter's advice was good; and although I would not listen to
receiving his services gratuitously, I agreed to employ him; and very
useful did he prove against such charges, and such a man as Captain
Hawkins. He came on board that afternoon, carefully examined into all
the documents, and the witnesses whom I could bring forward, showed me
the weak side of my defence, and took the papers on shore with him.
Every day he came on board, to collect fresh evidence, and examine into
my case.

At last the day arrived. I dressed myself in my best uniform. The gun
fired from the admiral's ship, with the signal for a court-martial at
nine o'clock; and I went on board, in a boat with all the witnesses. On
my arrival, I was put under the custody of the provost-martial. The
captains ordered to attend pulled alongside one after another, and were
received by a party of marines, presenting their arms.

At half-past nine, the court was all assembled, and I was ushered in.
Court-martials are open courts, although no one is permitted to print
the evidence. At the head of the long table was the admiral, as
president; on his right hand, standing, was Captain Hawkins, as
prosecutor. On each side of the table were six captains, sitting near
to the admiral, according to their seniority. At the bottom, facing the
admiral, was the judge-advocate, on whose left hand I stood, as
prisoner.

The court were all sworn, and then took their seats. Stauncheons, with
ropes covered with green baize, passed along, were behind the chairs of
the captains who composed the court, so that they might not be crowded
upon by those who came in to listen to what passed.

The charges were then read, as well as