286 HEROES OF SCIENCE. 



we were fast approaching the rocks on which the 

 Castle of Antonio stands, and on which at least five 

 transports similarly circumstanced to my own were 

 wrecked, the men being saved with difficulty, after 

 losing their arms, colours, and baggage. 



"I have often reflected on the extraordinary 

 want of all due arrangement on the part of our 

 admiral, in command of a splendid fleet, who 

 allowed those miserable transports to anchor in 

 such a position without placing a frigate or two 

 near them to silence the puny battery and prevent 

 the dismay which seized the skippers. 



" Not missing stays, the Reivard floated away, 

 and was soon going fast before a strong nor'-easter, 

 with the rest of the fleet helter-skelter for the 

 Channel." 



In 1 815 Murchison met Charlotte Hugouin, the 

 daughter of General Hugouin, and as she was 

 attractive, piquante, clever, and higly educated, she 

 made a conquest of the gallant soldier. They were 

 soon married, at Buriton, in Hampshire. 



Hitherto he had lived at his own free will. 

 From this time he came under the influence of a 

 thoughtful, cultivated, and affectionate woman. 

 Quietly and imperceptibly that influence grew, and 

 she led him, with true womanly tact, into a sphere 

 of exertion where his uncommon powers might 

 find full scope. To his wife he owed his fame, as 

 he never failed gratefully to record ; but years had 

 to pass before her guidance had accomplished what 

 she had set before her as her aim. 



