LADY PECHELL 115 



commander, and subsequently to that of post-captain. He 

 commanded a frigate on the American station, in the 

 last war with that republic/ After acquitting himself 

 most honourably in his profession, and distinguishing 

 himself on several occasions, he retired at the end of the 

 war, and lived in the neighbourhood of Plymouth. He 

 has long since been summoned to his last account. 



I frequently contemplate with retrospective pleasure 

 my intimacy with this valuable member of the profession 

 I was so j^artial to ; and " through all the changing 

 scenes of life " have cherished in my memory his 

 friendshi]), and j^reserved to this day his correspondence. 

 Through him and others I was introduced to many 

 distinguished officers of both services. Indeed, my 

 acquaintance became so general, that I may here boast 

 of having entertained the heirs of earldoms and dukedoms 

 at my table. ^ 



Through him, too, I was introduced to a lady of title 

 in London, ^ at Avhose house he was a frequent visitor 

 Avhen there. Callino; with him one mornino-, I remember 

 her ladyship asked us both in so pressing, yet graceful 

 manner, to sto|) and dine, that we could not refuse. Her 

 features, regular and handsome, had not yet thrown off 

 their matronly beauty, but a deep-set and habitual 

 melancholy fixed a gloom upon a most expressive 

 countenance, this gave a sombre charm to her otherwise 

 engaging conversation. In her temporary absence I 



^ Captain Robert Rowley. 



2 The late Earl of Egremont, and the present Duke of North- 

 umberland. 



3 Lady Pechell. 



