LAW 81 



afFectecI my brain as to (lej)rive it almost of the power of 

 retention, and to dissipate the fruits of early application, 

 and fair natural capabilities. 



To this return I cluno- with an eaorer tenacitv, 

 although with groundless hope, till learning from a high 

 quarter that, having received my discharge, the time I 

 had already served would not be allowed w^hen I should 

 attempt to pass for a lieutenant, the idea was abandoned ; 

 and the gentleman, wdio had some interest at the 

 Admiralty, and had kindly exerted it for me, observing 

 my predilection for the Xavy, offered to procure me a 

 commission in the Roval Marines. But I had, as a mid- 

 shipman, foolishly imbibed the dislike to that corps that 

 had long existed in the cockpit ; therefore, I immediately 

 declined the offer. 



Would I go back to the law ? j\Iy vacancy had long 

 been filled up, and I could fancy no other master — 

 neither had I any affection for the profession. Another 

 thing, and that which mainly contributed to my remain- 

 ing at home, was the loss of my elder brother. I had 

 now become the eldest son ; consequently my parents 

 did not promote any plan that would require a long 

 absence, or expose me to the risk of any return of my 

 recent affliction. 



Thus, then, did another twelvemonth of my life pass 

 away, the monotony of which was now and then relieved 

 by the visits of some early friends of my father ; among 

 others an old-fashioned gentleman from Cambridge, I 

 remember, with his daughter and son. The latter had 

 just then been appointed to the command of a sloop-of- 

 war, and ever afterwards made our liouse his home when 



VOL. I. G 



