THEATRICALS OF THE MEN. 171 



spirits, and while away the long hours of our 

 winter evenings. The most trivial cold or other 

 complaint induced despondency, and an attack 

 in the joints of the legs and limbs attended with 

 extravasation of blood, for which it may be re- 

 marked there was some difficulty in accounting, 

 excited the most discouraging apprehensions. 

 Under these circumstances, I was not a little 

 delighted when informed that they had contrived, 

 in imitation of the officers, to get up a play, and 

 had appointed Christmas Eve for its performance. 

 In due time two farces were announced for 

 representation, the " First Floor" and the * Be- 

 nevolent Tar ;" and these went off with unbounded 

 applause in a stifling atmosphere between decks, 

 though outside the thermometer stood at 30° — . 

 Christmas Day which succeeded, was duly and 

 religiously observed ; neither were the personal 

 comforts, more majorum, neglected, for, as we 

 were on two thirds' allowance, I directed a 

 double portion to be served of all but spirits, and 

 thus gave the men a treat without intoxication. 

 The officers also dined together ; and, among other 

 luxuries which the providence of the caterer had 

 furnished, was a haunch of the rein-deer, shot by 

 Mr. Gore, and what every one most anxiously 

 looked forward to, a smiling plum pudding, the 

 considerate and substantial gift of Sir James 

 Gordon's amiable family, who in this way had 



