116 ILL HEALTH. 



Portsmouth, I was sent off to London ; and 

 arriving in the evening, my father met me, 

 and took me to his residence in the imme- 

 diate neighbourhood. I shall not attempt 

 to describe the emotions of my heart at 

 once more being embraced by a fond and 

 excellent mother, as well as by my elder 

 sister, who had been my principal 

 correspondent, and had been attentive 

 to all my requests. I remained in 

 town during the winter, almost daily 

 visiting either Guy's or St. Thomas's Hos- 

 pital, but my malady was at length 

 deemed incurable. Consequently, my in- 

 valid-ticket was exchanged for a dis- 

 charge from the Royal Navy, as I was 

 considered, from the state of my health, in- 

 capable of serving his Majesty. My father, 

 not satisfied with this, took me to more 

 than one eminent physician, all, however, 

 with the same result. Indeed, my malady 

 seemed to set all medical aid at defiance, and 

 it was thought best to let it take its course. 



