LETTERS. 77 
return, he was transferred to the Hector^ a 74-gun 
ship, commanded by Captain Montagu, which 
was, for upwards of eighteen weeks, his prison. 
Many letters passed between Heywood and 
his family after his return. Mrs. Heywood, his 
widow, has in her possession some affecting com- 
munications from himself, his sisters, and others 
interested in his case. That lady, who cherishes 
her late husband's memory with reverence and 
affection, kindly placed in the hands of the 
author papers and letters throwing light on the 
severe trials, as well as on the amiable and 
honourable character of Mr^ Heywood. With 
regard to the rescued Prayer-book, she said that 
her dear husband had often found it a source of 
much comfort under his afflictions. 
This little work would be incomplete without 
some further notice of one, who was enabled, by 
the good providence of God, in whom he trusted, 
to live down the scandal and heavy imputa- 
tions, which, in consequence of his position and 
circumstances, in relation to other and older 
men, had fallen upon him in his youth. The 
following letters, which are classed according to 
their dates, cannot be read without emotion. 
Heywood was now a prisoner on board the 
Hector , at Portsmouth, awaiting his trial. 
" Escaped with life, in tatters," 
as the sea-song has it, he had reached Spithead, 
distressed and moneyless. The cheap and poor 
suit of nankeen in which the youth was clad, he 
had bought out of the produce of some straw 
hats made by himself, whilst his hands were in 
manacles. 
