1835
The Talavera returned to England in February and William left the ship.
[6-gun Brigatine]
FIRST CARLIST WAR (1833-38)
In 1833 Ferdinand VII of Spain had died leaving his three year old daughter, Maria Isabella as heir to the Spanish throne and his widow Maria Christina as Regent. This arrangement was contested by Ferdinand's brother Don Carlos on the grounds that a woman could not succeed to the Spanish Crown.
What at first sight might appear to be a simple family dispute turned into a long and bloody civil war because the two participants, Maria Christina and Carlos, represented two opposing sections of Spanish Society. Maria Christina's supporters, known as Christinos, came mainly from the urban liberal elements of Spanish society, while Don Carlos's supporters, the Carlists, came from the reactionary and traditional rural elements which included the Church. The Carlist strength lay in the North, particularly in the Basque provinces and Navarre.
Following the outbreak of the civil war in the autumn of 1833 a Quadruple treaty was signed by Britain, France and the liberal elements of Spain and Portugal to act against the Carlists and the forces of Dom Miguel, the reactionary pretender to the throne of Portugal.
In May 1835 General Alava, the Spanish ambassador in London obtained the permission of the Melbourne government, to raise a force of 10 000 men in England for the service of the Queen of Spain. This force was known as the British Legion and its command was given to General De Lacy Evans, a soldier with a distinguished record from the Napoleonic wars, who was also a radical MP. There was however considerable opposition to the scheme, especially from the Duke of Wellington, which discouraged many suitable recruits from joining it.
When General Evans took command of the legion in August he found it poorly trained and ill equipped. However despite its condition and lack of support from the Spanish Government he conducted operations between Bilbao and Vitoria, raising the siege on the former city.
In May the British Legion, supported by Royal Marines from the naval forces of Lord John Hay, raised the siege of San Sebastion and subsequently defended the town against Carlist attacks. This is the action described below by William.
In 1835 Viper was based at Lisbon. Her main task was to carry dispatches between Portugal and England and to the commander of British forces on the north coast of Spain. Having arrived in Lisbon from England in April Viper made two round trips to Falmouth from Lisbon during the summer and a third trip in the autumn. The shortest of these trips took 17 days and the longest 27 days. She also visited Azores in August.
LISBON TO SANTANDER
May 3rd
Sailed for the North Coast of Spain with dispatches for Lord John Hay. After a tedious passage of 19 days, we arrived at Santander. Found the Castor here, but Commodore Hay is at St. Sebastian with the Tweed, Phoenix and two or three other steamers, a transport brig and several marines, as well as the greater part of the Castor's company, co-operating with General Evans, who made a sortie and forced the Carlists' lines, with a loss of two hundred killed and seven hundred wounded. They also took the bloody flag which the Carlists displayed as a sign of no quarter, neither was there a prisoner taken on either side. 1500 men went in a steamer from here three days ago, and 500 this morning in the North Star steamer, to reinforce General Evans, who is going to make another sortie as soon as possible. The Tweed's men are all landed and I suppose we shall also, but more will be known when we arrive, which we are in hopes of doing to-morrow, it being only 70 miles off, as we have started immediately.
SAN SEBASTIAN
May 25th
Arrived at St. Sebastian. Found the Phoenix here, with Lord John Hay; Tweed, Comet, Royalist and two Spanish steamers. A sortie had been made on the 5th. After being repulsed three times, they had driven the Carlists over the River which runs round the town and taken their bloody flag, which was hoisted in their lines as a sign of no quarter, but with a loss to the British Legion of 200 killed and 600 wounded, amongst whom were a very large proportion of officers. General Evans rode to the rampart in face of 70,000 bayonets and stuck his sword there, saying, "Follow me, my lads." Colonel Tupper of the Scotch Regiment fell leading on his regiment in a most gallant manner. General Evans, who was getting cut up by a very strong position said, "Tupper, you must take that." He said, "General, it is impossible." He said, "You must." He said, "I will try, but I know I shall get shot." He advanced, took the place, but was shot, and died shortly afterwards. The Rifle Regiment had 10 officers killed and 190 men killed and wounded before they had been 10 minutes engaged. Major Fortescue, who was leading them said, "Follow me, you sweeps, follow me," and charged down a steep hill, dislodging three times their number of Carlists, but they would not have done so much had it not been for the Phoenix, who was pitching her shell in right and left, and struck one gun which was annoying the Legion like the devil and capsized it. They took three guns from the Carlists, the next shell blew up a magazine.
The cruelties practised on both sides were dreadful. What prisoners were picked up were all barbarously murdered.
The Spanish regiments behaved middling with the exception of the Chapelgises or Rifles, who behaved in a most gallant manner.
May 27th
General Espartero joined General Evans. He was a shepherd in this province and is well acquainted with all the roads and passes, and formerly commanded a guerilla regiment in the Peninsular War. In the evening, taking a walk to the outside picquet, got two shots fired at me which gave me a close shave.
Saturday 28th May.
5 a.m. I landed the seamen of the squadron to prepare the pontoon bridge which is to be thrown across the river as soon as the Carlists are dislodged from their stronghold on the opposite side. At 6, the Phoenix, with the Commodore on board, Salamander, two Spanish steam frigates and several gunboats weighed and proceeded off the mouth of the river. Royal Marine Artillery combined with that of the Legion and the guns of the citadel commenced a brisk fire of shot and shells and soon set fire to the numerous houses on the opposite side of the river, one strong convent in particular which was full of Carlists, the shell never breaking till it had passed through the roof and must have killed a great number. In about half an hour afterwards, the troops crossed the river, the Chapelgises preceding. There was a pretty smart fire of musketry for a short time, but the Carlists retreated a long way back. The loss in killed and wounded on the part of the Carlists amounted to 150 or 160, that of the Queen's about half that number.
We were employed in laying a pontoon bridge to enable the supplies to pass as well as the troops retreating. We were also very busy strengthening the Island of St. Clare, which has two 32-pounders belonging to the Castor.
Tuesday 5th June
Nothing occurred worthy of remark till Tuesday June 5th, when the Carlists, thinking that the lines were very much weakened, commenced at half past three in the morning, by giving three cheers and rushing into the Spanish picquet, driving them in, but the Spaniards and one regiment of the Legion drove them back, the ships and guns on the Island of St. Clare playing on the Carlists in the valley, who had assembled there. It would be difficult to say the number killed on either side, more especially on the Carlist side, as it is their greatest aim to prevent the Queen's party from knowing how many are killed, by dragging them away by the heels, until they can throw them conveniently or take them into their lines. I have been informed by some of the Legion that the groans of the dying and wounded are dreadful, with their heads banging on the ground and a man dragging each foot.
The firing lasted till about 5, when it gradually ceased except the popping of the picquets, which is a thing so common that one takes no notice of it, more especially as they fire at such long distances, hailing each other and calling the Queen's party, "Defenders of a Whore". The English go by the name of the Hurrahs, which the Legion give when they charge. The Carlists cannot stand the bayonet at all, but as skirmishers they are really excellent, especially about the rocks, which they travel over like goats, and are generally very lightly rigged; they are known by their white and red caps, being round ones without a peak. None or very few have knapsacks or red jackets, the six battalions of Navarese being an exception, who wear red jackets, caps and trousers, cross belted, and at a distance appear a very well-organised set of men. The greater part of the Carlists which I have seen have been in loose white jackets, caps and trousers, being the peasantry, who are nearly all Carlists, and those who do not wish to be are forced. But in the Province of Biscaya, they are all staunch Carlists owing to their privileges and immunities which they receive from Carlos, and consequently lose by the other party, such as making the ports free and several other things which I cannot clearly ascertain. But to conclude with the subject, I should say from various enquiries that the Carlists had about 10 killed and 25 or so wounded, the Queen's half that number.
June 9th.
At ½ past 2 we were awoke by the signal for attack being given from the heights and were soon up there, although it is nearly ½ a mile and very steep and rugged. It appears that the Carlists had advanced to the very door of our picquet house, containing 40 or 50 Spaniards, while they were beating the drum for daylight, and commenced a volley at the door and windows, and even attempted to force the door open with their bayonets; the picquet returned the fire, but would certainly have been taken and massacred had it not been for Langley, a Marine officer of the Castor, who made repeated solicitation to Capt. Stevens of the Marines who commanded up there, to allow him to take his men out and cover the picquet. Having been refused, on his own responsibility, and seeing the inevitable disaster, sung out, "Thirty of the Castors, follow me." They did so and rushed from our outer lines toward the picquet house, and maintained a fire for a few minutes, when a shot struck him in the thigh and he fell. In the meantime they advanced to the right of the picquet house towards our lines, but little did they expect to receive so well directed and continual fire of musketry from the Marines at the loop holes. As they advanced, the Marines fired grape and canister which cut them down in great numbers. We had 26-pounders and 23-pounders playing on them. They began to retreat and by six they were off altogether, when to our astonishment, we saw 3 battalions or 2,400 men march away, who had been in reserve about a quarter of a mile off; behind a ridge of hills. The attacking party amounted to 380 or 400 men, - and if they had surprised the picquet as they expected, the whole body would have attacked us, but the picquet house being very strong, completely outflanked them, and the more men they had brought, the more would have been killed. The party defending amounted to about 400, including Lord John Hay, Captains Henderson and Robinson, all the officers and men of the Phoenix and Viper and 100 of the Castor, with Marines, Artillerymen, and Spaniards. The Carlists had 20 killed, including their best Colonel. We had 5 killed and 15 wounded, all Spaniards with the exception of Langley, the Marine officer. We have been very busy since in fortifying and strengthening our lines. A train of live shell has been laid between the inner and outer lines.
The Spaniards certainly are the most despicable nation on the face of the globe and have patriotic hymns enough for all Europe. Yet a few Carlists having made their appearance a few miles from here, nothing would appease their fear till they had got 30 of the remnant of the Lancers here to get under arms; the Captain of the Troop refused until they gave them a month's pay, which they would not do, but came with half that sum immediately. The Carlists not having advanced, the Lancers were not required to go out, so got roaring drunk, one man falling off his horse and is now dying.
Saturday. - Went on shore with Curtis and Stokes for a ride, admired the country, enjoyed myself exceedingly, and returned on board ready to reassume my duty, up to my eyebrows in whitewash.
Oh Spain! with your numerous patriotic songs, your martial music, your well-written bulletins of bravely fought battles, your plunder and murder, your sacking and raping, your numerous clever generals and loyal soldiery, cannot you produce one man who has the spirit to come forward and take the lead on either side for Isabella and your much talked of liberty, or Don Carlos and legitimacy?
Oh, you may be called a nation and included in the renowned quadruple Alliance, but you are surely nothing more than a name.
[LETTER FROM JAMES]
August 14th, 1836.
My dear William
We yesterday had the pleasure of receiving your letter which has afforded us much happiness by learning that you were well. You remind us of your being in hazard of being killed by shot; it was not necessary my dear William to do it, as we all knew that you are living in a state of war, and we duly pray to the Lord to preserve you. But we feel grateful to His Goodness in having already protected you; and I trust you are always retaining a lively remembrance of this, as here I entreat you, and earnestly once and for all wish to stamp on your memory this serious fact, that God alone is your protector, and friend.
Viper spent the remainder of 1836 and the early part of 1837 based at Passages, a port a few miles from San Sebastian. It is possible that the ship saw further action as the British Legion's activities were mainly based in the coastal area between San Sebastion and the French border.
AT PORTSMOUTH
On the 18th February Viper sailed from the north coast of Spain and arrived at Spithead nine days later. William was nearly twenty-one, and had been feeling depressed about his prospects, when Captain Dacres (of the Salamander) - who had noticed him during the Carlist activities offered him a vacancy on condition he passed his examination in seamanship. When Viper arrived at Spithead William asked Captain Robinson several times for leave, to be discharged for passing. Each time he was refused, and Robinson, shoving off in his galley, indulged in sarcasm:
"Get the Commander-in-Chief's permission and you can go." William made no reply, but when the Captain was clear of the ship he hailed a waterman.
At the Commander-in-Chief's office he asked to see the secretary, and got the first word in:
"Captain Robinson of the Viper told me that if the Commander-in-Chief would grant me permission to stay behind for passing, he would let me do so, and he told me to get permission."
"This is very irregular, Mr. Hall. Where are you from?"
"The North Coast of Spain."
The secretary had friends out there in various ships, and William was most interesting about it all.
"Well-well-we'll see what we can do for you."
"Look here, sir - if you give me the order for my discharge I can take it back and save the trouble of sending a boat in."
"Very well, Mr Hall."
Robinson, standing at the gangway when William returned, bawled our.
"Hello Mr Hall. Seen the Admiral?"
"Yes Sir, the Admiral says there is to be no delay about it."
The Captain walked below. In an hour William was in lodgings in Portsea.
1st March, 1837.
Went on board the Britannia, passed a very fair examination before [Captains] Searle, Fanshawe and Harding; on the following Monday went, with twenty others, to the Royal Naval College to work out the questions; worked several, missing Lunar 60 out; got a crash in the back by a rotten orange as I was leaving, with a salute of "You're turned back," thought to myself it was a bad omen, but commended the Collegian for telling the truth. Went to Bradley, compared my questions, found several more wrong. Was told it was very doubtful.
RNC GREENWICH
7th March
Tuesday at noon, ten beside myself waiting to be examined with the sextant. Two called into the garden at a time; got frightened at the look of the enormous sextants, artificial horizon and compass, also the length of the time the first two were kept in; summoned at last; went in; got confidence by old Inman telling me he could see I knew the use of the instrument by the way I handled it, (three hours before could not take it up properly). Went through my examination; told to measure the sun on and off the arc, at any other time could have done it readily; began to get flurried; knew I should make a mess if I tried; observed a friendly black cloud sailing towards the sun; told him his sextant was heavy and my arm tired; begged a few seconds' rest, looking at the friendly cloud all the time; just before it touched brought the sextant up with great spirit; commenced screwing. Inman took the sextant; said he could not see them both; believed him; if he saw one it was more than I did; over went the cloud, and he rather surlily informed me what I knew, that we ought to wait on the sun, as it would not wait upon us; dismissed me; made sure I was turned back. Three admirals called our names over; several were called; gave it up; thought them all d-d sulky old rascals; my name was then called; agreeably surprised, changed my opinion, and thought, nice good-natured old fellows.
Wrote to the Admiralty to know whether I was appointed to Salamander; received an answer to say that I was appointed on the 28th, and to proceed out in North Star, which ship was then at Spithead waiting for Legion blankets.
Bought a sweater and comforter; went by the mail; seated myself alongside a Jewish-looking fellow; soon recognised him as a man who had passed the college with me, although he had bought an old shilling umbrella as a disguise.
Arrived in the morning, everyone stared at us; laughed heartily when we surveyed ourselves in the glass; went to the Blossom Inn, Laurence Lane, for the Maidstone coach. Went into the coffee room and ordered breakfast; the waiter came up and very unceremoniously tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Tap, tap for you. You mustn't have it here."
Oh, never mind, said I, "I daresay I can eat here," so very quietly seated myself among the ladies and gents, who stared at me as though I were a wild animal. Finished my breakfast, gave the waiter nothing for his civility, and started for Maidstone. Fell in with two old Tories in the coach; passed off for a sailor. . .
CRANBROOK, KENT
Arrived at Maidstone about 2 p.m; hired a chaise; arrived at Cranbrook about 4; found the house and door open; went in; servants screamed and swore a drunken sailor had come in; saw my father who did not know me after a lapse of 7½ years; found him much altered, but in good health. My Mother and sister out, took a walk but I missed them; bustled myself for the coach the next morning; went home; found them all delighted upon my passing; spent my time happily.
He did not see his father again for six-and-a-half years. In fourteen years, between the ages of 13 and 27, he and James only met once for a period of less than twenty-four hours.
TO PORTSMOUTH
9th March
The next morning started at half past 7; arrived at 4 p.m at the Golden Cross, Charing Cross; took the coach on and arrived at Portsmouth next morning at 6.30 a.m.; went out to Spithead, giving boatman double fare, as sails of North Star were being set; climbed up the cable and hauled in at the hawse pipe by the Lieut. in charge of cables with "Who the devil are you'?" "Mr. Hall, going out to join the Salamander" and as there was a scarcity of Mids, I was put into a batch at once, and a few days afterwards joined the Salamander at Passages
[4-gun Steam paddlers]
Having passed his exam William joined the Salamander at the end of March as a Midshipman and Mate. The ship was employed between San Sebastian and Bilbao sometimes carrying troops and sometimes landing her own men as a Naval Brigade. At times William would land and join General Espartero's Army for the day to witness a battle. In early 1838 he heard the sad news of his brother James' death in India.
[LETTER FROM JAMES]
Cranbrook Dec 20th 1837
My dear William
This letter will impart to you information of a melancholy nature and will [bring] forth deep sorrow. While you yield to your natural feelings keep in remembrance that the Almighty [who] disposes of human affairs is Lord of all his creatures, that our sojourn on this earth is for a time so short in the longest life, as to be lost in the immensity of duration of life hereafter, and that when one sorrows over the death of one of those that were dear to one, we have to pray that we may be spared a little longer to enable us to profit it by the awful warnings we have received, when we are told to put our own house in mourning.
Your dear brother James is alas!, no more. This sad intelligence, My dear William, came in a letter from one of his friends a few days ago stating that poor dear James died of Dysentery at Bombay on September 1st. His widow was very ill and unable to write: he has left three children; the eldest a fine boy aged about 4 years, the youngest an infant. Poor fellow, what miseries his rash conduct exposed him to for some time. Now see the consequence of an indiscreet early marriage, for I know his dying moments must have been disturbed by thoughts on his wife and dear children. he was an affectionate father and kind husband, and it will be to you, as it is to me, a pleasing fact to reflect on that later days were passed in the enjoyment of domestic happiness. He walked uprightly, did his duty with zeal, was kind to all his subordinates, courteous and obedient to his superiors and living in harmony with his equals. Thus he acquired the love, esteem and friendship of all who knew him, and I know from what Ii saw, and from all I heard, he has left behind him a good name and many are now suffering with ourselves that grief with which hid death now afflicts us. I hope that the Masonic Society, of which the dear boy was the favourite Secretary, as well as the Company Regulations, made provision for the distressed Widow and Orphans. However my heart may be warm with a desire to aid, my means alas, all [used] up. God grant my daily prayers that you may be made prosperous and spared with long life, be able hereafter to do justice to the feelings of your generous, whenever it shall please the Lord to remove from you, not only your dear brother, but him whom on yourself, your mother, sister and remaining brother, look on as your friend and guardian next to a Merciful and bountiful heavenly father.
I would not give any outward sign of your melancholy loss as I feared you might be too suddenly [?]. I trust my dear boy you will bear up as strongly as you can under the grief this sad letter will bring you, and that you will have impressed on your mind the necessity of a well spent and industrious life, for the want of our necessities here and for the happiness of our souls hereafter.
We are thank God in good health and pray you are so. We shall write again soon and tell you all the domestic news, but at present we cannot say other than that our affairs are as usual; no improvements. We all unite in [love] and yers for your happiness and promotion.
I remain,
My dearest William
Your affectionate father
James Hall
The Salamander's boiler began to leak badly, and in the summer she returned to Sheerness and the crew were turned over to the Gorgon. In September Gorgon went out to Spain and took part in the closing operations of the Carlist War.
NORTH COAST OF SPAIN
October
It is gratifying to see that although the French ships are larger and better manned than ours, they are in very slack order, and the other day the whole squadron drove in a treble-reefed topsail breeze ½ mile before they could let go their 2nd anchor. Their three-decker the Montebello is an unsightly, misshapen lump of wood. They all work particularly slow aloft.
Thinking it would forward the work, I was left at Santina to get the troops ready, whilst the ship went to Castro. After much trouble, I got them under way, and there being only 2 or 3 boats, a difficulty was on that point started.
A Chasse-Marée was lying in the stream, and having a verbal order to her Captain from the Governor to get down to the town and embark as many troops as possible, I went abreast of her with some Spaniards to hail her; receiving no answer after repeated hails and growing very impatient, thinking at the same time it was probable that merely one boy was on board who had fallen asleep, I pushed off in the cutter and upon getting alongside found 6 Spaniards on deck and the Captain with his night-cap on, having just roused out of bed, and positively refusing to comply with the order except in writing. I immediately boarded and commenced weighing the anchor; the Spaniards ran below for their knives, I luckily having a musket in the boat, immediately cocked it and placed it to the ear of one fellow, threatening to fire unless they instantly assisted. The result was astonishing; they clipped on and in a few minutes we were embarking troops; shortly after, the ship arrived and we proceeded to San Sebastian.:
January 1st
Dined in the Gun Room with the rest of my messmates and shipmates. It fell far short of the last with regard to pleasure, for having had many changes, some for worse, others for better, I cannot lose the tempting opportunity of transcribing my opinion of our senior mate, who is so different from the one we had the preceding New Year's Day. . . . This is the greatest nuisance of a midshipman's berth where there are so many thrown together, that in the Navy generally, but more particularly in the junior classes, a spirit of duplicity is fostered, which in a very short time becomes natural and, as the saying goes, two faces are worn under the same hat, among many, very many, of our class.
Our Service is without any exception the most cramped, illiberal and twisted with so much vassalage, that to see a truly upright and independent man is a very rare phenomenon; many having great interest, go beyond independence and verge on rebellion or mutiny, knowing their interest will defend them. Those whose authority they lessen, Lieuts, Captains, etc., knuckle to them as bondsmen fearing their strength. Others there are who ape this class, profess to be independent, talk large and threaten to withstand orders they consider arbitrary, but are wise enough not to attempt it. Those are principally the sons of executive officers in the Navy from Admirals to Commanders, although I have known even Lieutenants sons ape equally with the others.
The third class are those like myself with no interest and who are in some ships made the 'handy Billy' of the ship, kept 8 or 9 years in slavery almost. This is the way our Navy is at present. My old friend Dumaresq is an instance of the injustice of the Service, he being still a mate 10 years passed, of unblemished character, and was actually an acting Lieut, 10 years since.
When I was in the Barham the 'young gentlemen' were sent for, at the head of whom stood old Reid, a Mate of 13 years passed, about 45 years of age and actually tottering with old age. Much as I love the Service, Dumaresq not having received his promotion disgusts me daily. He was in the same capacity in the Rapid with me when I first joined the Service. What is wonderful, he never complains, everyone who is acquainted with him dotes on him and sincerely wishes him to receive that reward he is so justly entitled to.
Even to promising young men of birth the prospect of promotion was poor. In 1834 a volunteer of the 1st Class (afterwards Admiral the Rt. Hon. Sir John Dalrymple Hay, Bt.) was told this by Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland, who commanded the Bellerophon when Napoleon surrendered after Waterloo, "You are a great fool for going to sea; go home again. There are over 14,000 Lieutenants and 1,200 mates and midshipmen."
[A PRAYER OF WILLIAM'S]
March 11th
This day I attain 23 years of age. Most Gracious God, I now enter my 24th year. I am enabled to obtain a few moments' reflection and think of past scenes, my many sins, my undutiful behaviour to my Father, and my rebellion to yourself. . . . I ought to be struck with fear and astonishment that you have not blotted me from the page of life. . . . Let me never prove a coward but let me consider thee as my stronghold in the hour of danger. . .[He went on to pray humbly for forgiveness and that he might never tyrannise over my inferiors, but he could not resist adding the entreaty that he might never succumb slavishly to my superiors.]
PASSAGE HOME
in HMS ROLLA (10- gun brig).
May 5th.
290 miles from Ushant. I left the ship with deep regret, had been happier than I had ever previously been. I have never had an angry word from the 1st Lieut. The Captain gave me the vacancy in the most handsome manner. He added his own opinion in addition to the public certificate.
The 1st Lieut. offered me money. The Captain begged that I would make use of him in the way of getting my promotion. Adieu, Salamander. The Phoenix will shortly be coming to relieve you - God bless and prosper your inmates.
[LETTER FROM JAMES]
Immigration Office, Dublin.
15 June 1839
Naval Agents and women have sent many a fine officer into Prison or brought him to beggary. - Form, my dear William, no intimacy with young Ladies; remember that you have no friends to supply you with money to enable you to visit company on shore, and I am sure you have too much pride and spirit to imitate the Mates of old days who were sort of Warrant Officers; and by their dress on shore, and living, when on board, shewed their poverty. No, no, although you be poor, do not seem so; your pay ought, and in fact must keep you; if it cannot you must never think of remaining in the Navy; for if you once get a character of being a poor beggarly fellow, or a Scamp, who cannot pay his debts, you will never be a Lieutenant. - And I am sure you would not like the Merchant Service. As for the Revenue Service, you know that is not the Service for young 'Men of mettle', - who wish to rise to become Post Captains- You have of your accord chosen your present line, and may God prosper you in it. Your exertions have been laudable, and deserve every encouragement; but as it is not possible for me to afford you any assistance, even if you wanted it, you must soberly and contentedly work on, till better times arrive.
I much fear, my dear William, that you reflect seldom on your condition in life. You have not attended to this truth, that you are a poor young man, whose means are within himself. You surprise me by saying you are in want of another '5. . . and in consequence of our embarrassment your Sister suffers; she has no piano. . .
Now my dear William I must come to what you doubtlessly will consider the best part of this letter, that is, to the business part -You may draw on me at thirty days 'after date' - for '15.0.0 - and you may write to Mr. Bowie or call on him and tell him to draw on me at three months after date for the sum of '18.0.0. Thus, my dear William, you will be enabled to pay the Shoemaker and Tailors, - and have money in your pocket, - like a gentleman. I am always alarmed lest your long absence from the Barham has erased from your memory the propriety of a Mate always being smart and well set up in his dress; for I know how often young, and also old officers acquire a habit of carelessness in their manners, and slovenliness in their dress by serving on board small Vessels. Your Mother used often, and also your Sister, to tell me how particular you were about your person and dress when you belonged to the Barham; - and thinking on this, when I read your own description of 'Socks without feet' -and 'Shirts without tails,' 'I drew to my view pictures that memory furnished of old Mates who wore worsted Stockings without toes or heels, ragged jackets, dirty shirts, and were always the Slaves of the Ship. You must therefore blame yourself a little, for the Lecture you received. Push on, my dear William.
I am sorry I inflicted pain on you, especially as you now appear to have merited the highest praise from me, for your steady and officer like conduct. I am also more sorry by learning that you were then actually enduring pain from an injury! I hope I shall have a speedy and a long letter announcing your perfect recovery from all ill effects of the accident, and, also, that you are happy. I am rejoiced at your having joined the Benbow, and have reason for being proud that I have a son who is respected by all his Superiors. I, my dear William, have struggled hard, and my sorrows have been vastly more than you shall ever know, or than you can conceive; but thanks be to God who has ever corrected me for my admonition, and with His own Almighty power has brought me out of all difficulties.
Alas our family and hereditary estates are worthless - not even a blade of grass on the land. But I am happy to say that my debts are few.
[And Mary Ann wrote:]
I do hope my dear William that after you have had assistance with a fit out that you will endeavour to live without getting in debt. I cannot think how you can bear it - for as for myself I should be wretched to think that I owed so much that time only would enable me to pay it.
Now do for the future be more careful - I am afraid you will say I have varnished the picture which Father has drawn but little, however I am sure you have sense enough to know that whatever I have said is entirely for your good - Now then for a more agreeable topic- 'Gell' when last we heard was a little better. I should like her to come here as the change might benefit her. You used to tell her that she might find a better-looking fellow but a more affectionate one she could not. Do you think she could find one 'less ragged' ? - I hope when you get whole shirts-socks, etc., you will take great pains in keeping yourself respectable - and look like an officer.
[But Frank, his small stepbrother, contented himself with:]
My dear William
This is my writing and this is Fanny's birthday. And when will you come home as I wish much to see you.