fused. When at length she did rise, it was with fear and trembling; presently, however, we were again trying it on, and free of water, but still full of apprehension and anxiety.

Train now sent a message by young Cornwallis, who brought a speedy an answer as two slides, one coupé, and a fall would allow him, and over went the two twelve-pounder forecastle guns, next the two foremost guns of a side on the main deck. After some trouble and smashing of limbs, another pitch, another shipping of water, another heavy send aft, when orders were given to pitch over the two guns in the captain's cabin.

While that was doing, a cry was raised that the frigate had sprung a leak forward that the water was rushing in on the orlop over the breast hoops below. The carpenter was sent for, who reported truly enough that her wooden ends were opening. I looked over the stem with Train: true it was; all the oakum was hanging in shreds, and the stem evidently working.

"Up with two ends of nine-inch hawsers to the bridle ports. Down, Simcoe, try and pass them out and round; we'll watch here to help you. Up with the eight-inch here, on the forecastle."

The forecastle being furthest from the water was not long in doing; six turns were passed and hove taut inside by handspikes; four frapped together brought, as they tautened to tackles, and the upper part of the stem was actually hove into its place. The work below was slower two poor fellows were much hurt -all but drowned-when dropped down from the head; but the work was evidently accomplished. Instead of pouring in, the water only came through by dribblets, with a wheezing noise that proved that at any rate all was tight, if not entirely stopped.

These ties or frappings were doubled as the sea began to run fair, which it did with the new north-east wind more and more, hour after hour, until the old swell was forced to assume a new shape: before evening we were

going eight knots before a moderate gale in fine clear weather. From this time to our arrival at Quebec, which happened on the fourth day after, the fair wind never left us; and, if we except the frappings forward, the jury mizen mast, the spare main topmast lashed to the stump of the old one, top gallant mast over, and appropriate canvass, the 'Rokeby' sailed up the St. Lawrence as though nothing had ever been the

matter.

As we knew the

Here, after being received with all the honours, yards manned, salute fire, we landed; and soon afterwards came the wounded to the hospital, for some had broken limbs, and very severe contusions. ship would remain in the river many weeks, there were no adieux to be made to the kindhearted officers and jolly 'mids' with whom for nearly a month we had been domiciled. The General presented a purse of dollars for the crew-a dollar for each man, and two for the petty officers; and, on leaving the craft,

VOL. I.

U

we flattered ourselves we had the hearty good wishes of all hands for our health and happiness.

CHAPTER XII.

'Tis so ridiculous, but so true withal,
A bully cannot sleep without a brawl.'
DRYDEN.

I NOW come to an eventful era of my life; but, before I enter upon my Canadian experiences, I look with singular pleasure over the many pages of my journal, filled to overflowing with anecdotes and occurrences, which it now strikes me as most marvellous to have come under my observation in the space of one fortnight, and with many transactions in which circumstances-regard for a cousin the most prominent, probably-the love of fun,