CALAMITY 119 



of the vessel from the quarter-deck to the keel, and was 

 killed ou the spot. 



It may be possible to conceive, but not possible to 

 describe, the revulsion such a sudden and awful cata- 

 strophe would cause in a heart so sensitively alive to all 

 the tender passions and sympathies of our nature as his. 

 The object of a long-cherished affection, which absence 

 had onlv rendered more dear, was Id a moment snatched 

 away — the vows made with all the ardour of youthful 

 love, and faithfully kept, were scarcely consummated 

 when death dashed the reward of his constancy to 

 the ground, and with it all his hopes of haj^piness in this 

 world. 



This melancholy accident caused a great sensation 

 through the fleet, as well as in the town, and for a time 

 dej^rived the lieutenant of his senses ; and though he 

 was eventually restored, I for one thought he was never 

 the same man afterwards. He was constantly employed, 

 and distinguished himself as a brave and skilful officer, 

 when first lieutenant of the Revolutionnalre, forty-four 

 gun frigate, in Basque Roads, under peculiar circum- 

 stances. 



The Bevolutionnaire was the inshore look-out frigate, 

 and the captain had brought her to anchor almost within 

 gun-shot of the French squadron, while he in the barge 

 went to make a further reconnoissance. This was early 

 in the morning ; when, some few hours later, the boat 

 was observed pulling towards the ship, with three or 

 four others of the enemy in pursuit, and a large ship, 

 under sail, bearins; down and firino; her bow-chasers. 



It was evident that the frio'ateAvas in imminent dano;er 



