A TAR OF THE LAST WAR.

CHAPTER I.

Sir Richard Strachan-Embassy to China-A Cape Monkey-Sharks versus Dead Sailors, and Live Sailors versus Dead Sharks-General Meadows and the Cannon Ball-Tippoo Saib in Action-The Lynch Law of an Elephant-Night Attack of the Mysoreans on the British -Narrow Escape of Charles Richardson from the Foe and Crocodiles -Desperate Action between the Phoenix and Resolue Frigates-Tippoo's wounded Elephant-Richardson joins the Alexander, 74 gunsReasons for leaving that Ship-Becomes Master's Mate of the Royal George, 100 guns-Love Adventure in a French Dungeon.

A.D. 1787 TO 1793.

In this endeavour to pourtray the eventful times and stirring life of a brave sailor, I will not tax the patience of my readers by a record of alternate infant showers and sunbeams, nor the success or failure of the pedagogue's administrations and admonitions; but I shall at once introduce my middy, with his traps, and twenty guineas in his pocket, stepping, with a light heart and laughing blue eye, on board a frigate at Spithead. It was on the 23rd of November, 1787, that Charles Richardson joined the Vestal, of 28 guns, and com

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menced to take no mean part on that eventful stage where Britons were engaged in the most desperate, bloody, and expensive struggle for national honor and freedom that had ever occurred since this island became renowned among nations.

The ship was destined for China; and her commander, Sir Richard Strachan, had been first lieutenant to Richardson's father, when that officer fell, in Admiral Hughes's last action with Suffrein, in 1782. Sir Richard was a strict, hasty, yet kind captain, and soon won the respect, obedience, and admiration of the boy, who, from his readiness and quickness in obeying the wishes and orders of his superiors, promised fair to make a good and active sailor. The good old rule observed in most schools in those days was always held as imperative on board a man-of-war, and every freshman was expected to display his prowess by fighting a boy of his own age. Charles Richardson was soon told that he must pass this ordeal, and engage somebody about his own size; and, on asking the reason, a tall youth of sixteen gave him a smack in the face, and declared that it was no use shirking." In an instant the speaker received a stunning blow between the eyes, and a challenge to immediate combat, from the sturdy Westmorland lad. The midshipmen cheered, and quickly removed the trunks and other impediments, while the combatants prepared for the struggle. The first half-dozen rounds ended to

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the disadvantage of Richardson, who fell every time beneath the superior strength and weight of his opponent. Still he sprung up again, and was ready at his post when required, until at last his wearied adversary lost his temper at such an unexpected resistance. This was immediately taken advantage of by his hardy and cool foe, who redoubled his efforts as the tide of battle turned in his favor, and, after an hour's fight, Charles Richardson was declared the conqueror.

England being at peace, the government deemed it a favorable opportunity for sending an embassy to China; and the Hon. Colonel Cathcart was appointed ambassador, although he was dangerously ill at the time, and totally unequal to undertake such an important mission. The frigate stopped at the Cape for six weeks, where an immediate supply of fresh provisions, wine, and fruit was procured, and the sick, as well as those who could be spared from the vessel, were permitted to go on shore. The crew suffered severely from scurvy; but in a few weeks every one had recruited his strength, and was again desirous to go to sea.

The middies purchased at the Cape and brought on board a monkey, which had won their hearts from the following ridiculous circumstance-In the yard of the farm-house in which they lodged, a long pole, with a small box on the top of it, comprised the domain of a monkey. He was kept within the limits of his territory

by a light chain, having a moveable ring round the pole, while a ring at the other extremity encircled his body. In the same yard dwelt an old hen, with a dozen chickens, and, whenever the food which the middies threw to Jacko fell out of his boundary, the youngsters rushed in and carried it off, notwithstanding the jabbering and threatenings of the monkey. To be thwarted and mocked by such insignificant, half-fledged animals, fostered a spirit of revenge, which only waited a favorable opportunity for a savage retaliation. This soon presented itself,

when a handful of broken bread was thrown on the debatable ground, and a silly chick ventured to rush within the well-trodden circle that bounded the extent of Jacko's liberty. In an instant he seized his victim and ran up the pole, notwithstanding the screams and entreaties of its terrified mother. Here he sat in the doorway of his house, with the chicken on his knees, and commenced leisurely plucking the screeching animal, and throwing the feathers down to its anxious parent below. At last, having completely finished his task, he chucked the bird down to its mother, with a wink and grin, which seemed to say, "There, take your brat since you make such a fuss and noise about it!"

Jacko became a source of daily amusement to his young friends, but fell a victim at length to his imitative propensities. A man, who was painting a hen-coop, went to his dinner, and the monkey, which had been

attentively watching him for some time, slipped down the mast, and proceeded, with the utmost gravity, to finish the job. He had seen the painter put the end of the brush into his mouth while turning the coop, and Jacko, of course, thought that he must do the same. Instead, however, of putting the handle into his mouth, he put the brush itself, full of red lead, and, consequently, swallowed a quantity of deadly poison. When the painter returned the poor monkey was lying down in great agony, and, before night, the pet of the ship was consigned to the deep by the sorrowful middies.

The ambassador rather revived with his rest at the Cape, and was an object of commiseration and attention. to all the ship's company, from his amiable and resigned spirit, and his grateful sense of the slightest kindness. Charles Richardson, who had profited by a good classical education, became a great favorite with the sick man, to whom he read during days of bodily weakness, and amused him by his stories of Westmorland characters, pourtrayed in their own native tongue. The colonel promised to appoint him as his aide-de-camp on reaching China; and he lost a kind friend and patron when the ship arrived in the Straits of Banca, where, at midnight, the ambassador was taken ill, and breathed his last in a few hours. Now came an instance of ministerial foresight and prudence. No one on board was commissioned to succeed him in the possibility, or rather certainty, of his