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I am truly happy to hear that Brenton is getting better. I hope he will soon renew his professional duties, at which he is so distinguished a character. Yours, &c.

That happiness which he so fondly anticipated on his return to Godwick, was damped in a great measure, even before his arrival, by the extreme difficulties to which his father's pecuniary affairs had reduced him and his family, an account of which reached Captain Hoste while yet he was at Malta. To relieve him instantly, at any sacrifice, was the first wish of his most dutiful and affectionate heart. But his means were not equal to his wish.

"You know, my dear father, I have ever been ready to assist you, and God knows ever shall be; but it is right also I should make you acquainted with my own affairs; and at the same time that I freely offer you the assistance you require, to state to you my present situation and future prospects."

All the prize money he had gained in his arduous services was very trifling in amount; yet that "all" he desired his agent to sell out

at any loss to supply whatever was required; at the same time writing to his father in a manner beautifully expressive of that sweet disposition which gained him as much love in private society, as his ardent spirit had gained him admiration in public life. He concluded,

"Do not build too much on the promises of the great, for, indeed, in these times, self so far predominates over all other feelings, that connexions and even friends are almost forgotten in the general eagerness for wealth and preferment. I think I could be happy at old Godwick with a little; and believe me, were duty put aside, no power on earth should make me go to sea again, for my health will not stand it.

"If, therefore, a peace should take place, or any thing prevents my serving again, what chance of comfort or happiness have I with the half-pay of a captain in the navy ? The generosity of our Government to those who are dragging on a solitary existence, and are fighting the battles of their country, has left no recompense for old age or disease; and the prime of life, spent in the service, is not well repaid by poverty and neglect."

BOOK IV.

FROM 1811 TO 1814.

"Married to victory."

MASSINGER.

"Swift glides yon vessel o'er the sportive main,
Proud of her freight, exulting in her fame,—
And well she might,-for noble Hoste she bore,
Whose deeds outrival those in days of yore;
Amphion is her name. From Lissa's strand,
She longs to gain once more her native land;
To hear those praises she so well deserves,
To view that country she so nobly serves.
Hail, matchless frigate! to thy country dear;
Hail, valiant chief! proud Gallia's shame and fear:
And welcome, welcome, to thy country be,

Whose hopes, whose wishes, fondly dwell on thee."

BOOK IV.

FROM 1811 TO 1814.

APPOINTED TO THE BACCHANTE.-SAILS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. -STATIONED IN THE ADRIATIC.-DISTRESSES THE ENEMY'S TRADE. -GUN-BOAT ACTIONS.-BLOCKADE OF CATTARO.-UNPARALLELED EXERTIONS OF HOSTE DURING THE SIEGE. IT SURRENDERS TO HIM.-CAPTURE OF RAGUSA.-EXTREME ILL HEALTH.-FORCED

ΤΟ

RELINQUISH THE COMMAND OF THE

LEAVE TO RETURN TO ENGLAND.

BACCHANTE.

HAS

THE Amphion reached England in June, and on the arrival of Captain Hoste in London, and paying his first visit at the Admiralty, he was received (as might be expected from the able and elevated mind of the Hon. Charles Yorke, who then sat at the head of that Board) with warm congratulations on his splendid success. Every expression was used to assure him of the high confidence reposed in his activity, vigilance, and abilities. Such officers as he recommended were promoted, and for himself, he was request

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