lves very strongly to the
admiral in your behalf; so much so, that if another captain applies for
you, you will have no difficulty in being appointed to a ship; and as
for leaving your present ship, under any other circumstances, I should
consider it a matter of congratulation."

I returned my sincere thanks, and soon afterwards quitted the guardship,
and went on board of the brig to pack up my clothes, and take leave of
my messmates. On my arrival, I found that Captain Hawkins had preceded
me, and he was on deck when I came up the side. I hastened down into
the gun-room, where I received the condolements of my messmates.

"Simple, I wish you joy," cried Thompson, loud enough for the captain to
hear on deck. "I wish I had your luck; I wish somebody would try me by
a court-martial."

"As it has turned out," replied I, in a loud voice, "and after the
communication made to me by the captains composing the court, of what
they intend to say to the Admiralty, I agree with you, Thompson, that it
is a very kind act on the part of Captain Hawkins, and I feel quite
grateful to him."

"Steward, come--glasses," cried Thompson, "and let us drink success to
Mr Simple."

All this was very annoying to Captain Hawkins, who overheard every word.
When our glasses were filled--"Simple, your good health, and may I meet
with as good a messmate," said Thompson.

At this moment, the sergeant of marines put his head in at the gun-room
door, and said, in a most insolent tone, that I was to leave the ship
immediately. I was so irritated, that I threw my glass of grog in his
face, and he ran up to the captain to make the complaint: but I did not
belong to the ship, and even if I had, I would have resented such
impertinence.

Captain Hawkins was in a great rage, and I believe would have written
for another court-martial, but he had had enough of them. He inquired
very particularly of the sergeant whether he had told me that I was to
leave the ship directly, or whether that Captain Hawkins desired that I
should leave the ship immediately; and finding that he had not given the
latter message (which I was aware of, for had he given it, I dare not
have acted as I did), he then sent down again by one of the midshipmen,
desiring me to leave the ship immediately. My reply was, that I should
certainly obey his orders with the greatest pleasure. I hastened to
pack up my clothes, reported myself ready to the second lieutenant, who
went up for