fered, and the health of the lady duly toasted by the bar; that at the next assize town came news of the birth of a second child; whereupon the same ceremonies were renewed; and the happy parent had actually reached a third assize town before the full extent of the blessing was made known to himself and his professional friends, who, of course, had no objection to drink health and happiness to father, mother, and infant again." We have found it impossible to compress into a single article, as we had at first intended, the incidents of Mackintosh's life. In the spring of 1803 he was appointed recorder of Bombay. The appointment was creditable to the government. It is referred by his son to the friendly intervention of Mr. Canning and the Lord Chief Commissioner Adam, with Lord Sidmouth. By a well-informed writer in the Quarterly Review, it is stated that neither Canning nor Adam had the slightest share in the appointment "that the favor was asked by Mackintosh without intermediation, and granted by the minister without condition." Mackintosh's friends felt surprised at his accepting it, as he was then in the receipt of 12004. a year by his profession, was admired and idolized in society, and brilliant prospects of the highest professional success were opening out to him; but he wished to escape a life of labor-he wished for leisure to cultivate the best powers of his mind. The same true taste and genuine good feeling which had in early life made him propose to himself the means of happiness in the humble quiet of a professorship at Aberdeen, were the influencing causes which separated him, at a time when an ambitious man would have undoubtedly remained at home, from the literary and political society of Europe. We think his choice was in all respects a wise one. His journals which he kept on his voyage to India, and during his residence there, form an interesting part of his son's volumes. But, for the present we conclude. SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF EDWARD LASCELLES, GENT, CHAP. XXI. OFF ALGIERS. "O God! it is a fearful thing, I've seen it rushing forth in blood; Strive with a swollen, convulsive motion; THE proceedings of our fleet during the last expedition to Algiers, are long since matters of history. Upon these, therefore, I do not mean at present to enter; and indeed if such were my purpose, I could do little more than repeat what has already appeared before the public in shapes more authentic than any my rambling narrative can pretend to. The event was one of too much importance to be overlooked by the indefatigable "chroniclers of the day," whose business it is to be ever Prisoner of Chillon. 66 on the alert for the interesting and the attractive; and accordingly, in the numerous "Memoirs," "Residences," "Journals," and so forth, which have from time to time appeared, every detail of the blockade, from the exploits of "fighting Bod," (whom I beg, in passing, to accept of my best remembrances,) to the colour of the Dey's slipper, has been carefully recorded. In a political point of view, too, the subject has already been sufficiently lauded. Government has had its share both of censure and applause; and though, like the humorist in the comedy, "I have my own ideas o' the matter," I shall not pause to state them, but proceed, without farther remark, to what more immediately concerned myself and my shipmates. Although the season of the year at which we commenced operations was exceedingly unfavourable for blockading a port like Algiers, yet the arrangements of the admiral were made with so much sagacity and foresight, and such was the vigilant activity of the various commanders, that among the numerous attempts made to break the blockade, there was not a single instance of success. During the day, indeed, when our ships were cruising in shore, and in constant communication with each other, it was impossible for any vessel to elude our vigilance. It was during the night, when the squadron had taken an offing of from twelve to fourteen miles, that the attempt was usually made; and as darkness and distance were then equally against us, it required all our activity to prevent the blockade being broken. On board the flag-ship I performed the duty of signal midshipman. This post was certainly no sinecure, as I had to be constantly on the watch to observe and report signals from whatever quarter they were made, and the slightest inattention on my part would justly have called forth the severest reprehension. While on duty, therefore, the glass, either by night or day, was seldom out of my hand. I was all anxiety to acquit myself at least creditably of the task allotted to me; and as it was impossible to tell from what quarter, or at what particular time any signal might be made, the utmost vigilance on my part was requisite. One morning we were lying becalmed at no great distance from the shore, and as it chanced to be my watch as signal midshipman, I was, of course, at my post. But the brightest eye, aided by the best Dolland, would have availed me nothing on the present occasion. A heavy fog hung in one unbroken mass over the surface of the water-dense, white, motionless, impenetrable. Not a breath of air stirred; the vapour clung, as it were, to the VOL. VI. ocean, veiling all around in the most utter obscurity. At length, as the sun advanced, its influence became apparent. Slowly the vapoury veil arose, like the curtain of a theatre which the skilful manager causes to be slowly lifted, in order to display with the greater effect his scenic illusions, and by degrees the face of the water became visible. The first object I descried was a vessel, the hull of which only was revealed, lying at about a cable's length a-head. Gradually as the cloud of fog ascended, the lower parts of her rigging were exposed, and in a few minutes her top spars emerged from the mist, leaving her entirely open to observation. She was a low, rakishlooking craft, and from the cut of her canvass I had no difficulty in recognizing her to be a French schooner. She had apparently been attempting to beat in within the Mote with the land breeze; but this having failed her, she was left in her present position. For some time all of us had entertained very strong suspicions that the Dey, if he were not actually assisted by the French, was, at all events, countenanced by them, and encouraged to make as obstinate a resistance as possible. The admiral was therefore particularly anxious to cut off all communication between the shore and vessels belonging to the government of France; accordingly, as soon as the necessary reports had been made, one of our midshipmen was sent in a boat to board the schooner in question. In little more time, however, than was requisite to row the distance that divided the two vessels, and to return, our envoy again appeared on board. Well, Mr. ————————," said the captain, when the midshipman had reported himself, "you have certainly been very expeditious. What does the Frenchman say?" "I don't know what he says, sir," replied the midshipman, somewhat abashed; "I can't get a single word of English out of him." "He speaks French only then?" demanded the captain. "Yes, sir; but he articulates so rapidly that I cannot make out a word he says." 66 Pshaw!" said the admiral, who came up at the moment, "why didn't 2 N you send some one who understands French ?" "I believe, sir,” replied the captain, "that this youngster is the only one in the watch who is at all acquainted with the language." At this juncture one of the officers happened to hint that I could speak French fluently; and having myself acknowledged an acquaintance with the language, I was immediately despatched on board the schooner. Being arrived on board, I found her commander on the quarter-deck. For the rank he held, he might be termed a very young man, as he did not appear much to exceed twenty. His dress was arranged with an exactness almost approaching to foppery; his fingers adorned with rings, and his fine, light-coloured silken hair brushed and braided with the most scrupulous care. He certainly more resembled the elegant frequenter of a Parisian soireé than the commander of a vessel of war, and it required but a single glance at his open, inexperiencedlooking countenance, with its delicate, untarnished complexion, to discover that he had not seen much service. After the usual salutations, I came at once to the point, and told him, in the best way I could, that I was ordered to bring him on board the admiral with his despatches. At this intimation the Frenchman stared, and announced to me with some warmth, that I must be well aware that it was as much as his place was worth to part with his despatches. To this I replied that it was no business of mine, and that I could only repeat my orders. "I fear, sir," I said, as I was leaving the gangway, you will be detained here until the blockade is over, an event which will not probably occur for some time." "Indeed!" said the Frenchman ; "do you think this likely, sir?" "There is not the slightest doubt of it," I replied. “The admiral is not a man to be trifled with or turned out of his course when he has made up his mind how to steer. Sir, I have the honor to wish you a good morning. Bear a hand there!" "Stop, sir," cried the Frenchman, in no small alarm, when he saw me about to descend into the boat; "if I thought the admiral wished merely to examine the papers, and that I would be allowed to" "I make no conditions for the admiral, sir," I replied; my orders are to bring you and your papers on board; if you think proper to go, I am now ready to accompany you." At knitted his brows, and folding his The unfortunate young commander deck for some time in a state of no arms on his breast, paced about the very pleasant embarrassment. length, without uttering a word, he descended to the cabin, and presently returning with his papers, he made me a very stiff bow, merely saying, in the coldest possible manner-" Monsieur je suis prêt !" As soon as we reached the flag-ship, my companion was received on the quarter-deck by the admiral, to whom he was not aware that Algiers was in a he delivered his papers, observing that state of blockade. without his papers; the admiral was inexorable. “All this, sir,” said he, "you should have thought of before you came here. As it is, I have only to say, that when the blockade is at an end, your despatches shall be landed; in the meantime they must remain with me. You are now at liberty, sir, to return to your vessel, which I give you half an hour to carry out beyond our line." "Mais, Monsieur, -"remonstrated the unlucky Frenchman. I have nothing more to say, sir," interrupted the admiral, pulling out his watch, "excepting that you had better make what use you can of the time I have allotted you." Finding all remonstrance fruitless, the captain was at last obliged to depart, and within the given time, his schooner was seen standing out to sea. The poor fellow, I believe was afterwards broke for allowing himself to be eajoled out of his papers. The blockade having now continued for some time, we were daily expect ing the arrival from England of the squadron destined to bombard the town. The prospect of the approaching bombardment, indeed, occupied all our thoughts; and as we anticipated nothing less than certain victory, not to mention promotion and loads of prize money, the thoughts of this enabled us to endure with patience the monotony of our present duty. One day, shortly before the arrival of the squadron, our blockading party had run in and anchored out of gunshot of the batteries. A small cutter, which served as a tender to the flagship, and which had lately joined us with despatches from Marseilles, was at the time under weigh waiting to receive fresh instructions previous to her departure for Malta. As soon as these were prepared, a signal was made for the officer commanding her to come on board the flag-ship; a summons which he lost no time in obeying. The cutter, in the meanwhile, which was thus left under the charge of a young midshipman, the only other officer on board, made a stretch in shore. The breeze being exceedingly light at the time, I watched her progress with some anxiety, as I could not help thinking she was continuing in this course too far. She, however, still held on in the same direction for some time longer, and when she at last tacked to stretch off again, she found herself, as I had anticipated, baffled by a head ground-swell, which threw the wind completely out of her sails. What little breeze there was, entirely failing her, she was, after an ineffectual struggle, compelled to anchor where she was. Ten minutes had scarcely elapsed, after she had taken up this position, when a line of gun-boats, to the number of about twenty-three, were ob served to issue from behind the Mole, and make for our unfortunate tender, apparently with the intention of cutting her off. Not a moment was to be lost. The ships of the blockading squadron were immediately ordered to get springs upon their cables, to be ready to cover her; and a number of boats were manned and armed, in order that we might be prepared to meet the enemy hand to hand, should this be found requisite as a last resource. The gun-boats in the mean time advanced, each having a red flag flying at her bows, which serving as an excellent mark for our gunners, operations were forthwith commenced in such good earnest, that in a few minutes two of the boats were sunk. This was a signal for the batteries to retaliate, and they presently answered us with a very heavy fire; although from the distance that intervened their gun-shots were of little avail, and their shells invariably burst harmlessly in the air. The scene was beautiful. Not a cloud obscured the deep azure of the sky; the air was motionless and sultry. A canopy of white smoke hung over the town; thin and undefined along the line of the batteries, but rolling in dense masses over the tops of the houses that stood higher up the hill. The cannon in the embrazures vomited forth their fire; while high over our heads, the tiny wreaths of white smoke left behind by the exploded shells, had a peculiarly striking effect. The cutter in the mean time was not idle. Indeed, she had the main brunt of the battle to bear; for the gunboats, perceiving the advantage their flags afforded us as a mark, had caused them to be lowered; and having now nothing to direct our aim but the flash of their guns, we could consequently do them little damage. The midship. man in command was a perfect boy, not more than thirteen or fourteen years of age, but he bore himself gallantly. The complement of men on board his little craft did not exceed eight, and she carried only four guns. These, in order that he might use them with more effect, he had got all over to one side, and continued to answer the fire of the gun-boats with a rapidity quite surprising, when the smallness of his crew is considered. But it was impossible that he could hold out long against such an host of assailants, and we were preparing to send off the boats to his assistance, when the breeze fortunately sprung up, and with no small satisfaction we saw him weigh his anchor. His sails presently filled, and we expected to see him bear up with all the speed he could from his dangerous situation. Such a course, however, though completely in his power, did not suit the temper of the gallant little commander. Instead of putting his helm up, and making the most of his way to a place of greater security, he stood right along the line of the boats, blazing away at them in most gallant style. Shot followed shot as rapidly as the small complement of his men and guns would permit, to the no small astonishment of the gun-boats; and when he bad in this manner run down the whole of their long line, he bore up and ran quietly out, having sustained no farther damage than a whole or two in his jib and mainsail. For so young a boy, the conduct of little G-n-ble on this occasion, was, to say the least, extremely intrepid. He is now, I believe, a commander; and I trust he will excuse an old shipmate for recording this instance of his carly prowess, which has, as far as I am aware, escaped the vigilance of the Panantis of the day. At length the bombarding squadron arrived, and we were all in the highest spirits, with the anticipation of a little active service. In this, however, we were doomed to be disappointed; for scarcely had the squadron taken up its position, when the Dey, apparently not much liking the appearance of so formidable an armament, aud retaining too, perhaps, some unpleasant recollec tion of Lord Exmouth and the Queen Charlotte, gave notice, by a flag of truce, that he was ready to listen to terms. An interview was accordingly arranged between the admiral and his Algerine Highness, which was to take place at the palace of the latter. As this was a mission of great importance, and promised to be not a little gratify. ing to the curiosity of those engaged in it, much interest was used with the admiral for the honour of forming part of his suite. For a poor youngster, like myself, however, there was no chance of such preferment; and I considered myself extremely fortunate in being appointed to take charge of the barge which was to convey the party on shore. Accordingly on the morning of the day appointed for the interview, we left the ship in great state; and having arrived safely within the Mole, the admiral and his suite were landed, and I caused the barge to lie off on her oars to await their return. While in this situation the scene around us was certainly unique. We lay near the centre of an immense basin, as it were, of blue rippling water; on one side was the town, rising in amphitheatric beauty before us, the flat roofs of its houses, as they mounted one above another, on the slope of the hill, having exactly the appearance of some immense cyclopian staircase; on another side stretched the long line of the Mole batteries; on the third was the Mole itself, of whose gigantic dimensions the reader may form some idea, when he is reminded that thirty thousand Christian slaves were employed for three years in its construction; and through the fourth and last side, the only one in which there was any opening, a perspective glimpse was afforded of the sea, and the distant receding hills on the coast of Barbary. Here then, I was, in the very centre of the place which Tasso has designated the Nido di ladri inflame ed empio ; and the prospect awakening all the romantic associations of Algerine history, I was soon back in imagination among the daring days of Haydin, Barbarossa, and Doria. I was reclining under the awning in the stern-sheets, sometimes indulging |