er-spout, which
fell "alike on the just and the unjust," for both the dockyard men and
the spectators who came within its compass got a good ducking. This
prank created an infernal confusion, and our trick having been twigged
by the first lieutenant, the chief actors in this notable exploit were
ordered up to the mast-head to enjoy their frolic for a few hours,
which evidently much gratified the unfortunate sufferers from the
effects of the operation.

* * * * *

Maitland, knowing how he stood with "the powers that be," was
determined not to commit himself by accepting of any present of value
from Napoleon, as he knew it would be directly made a handle of to
injure his character as a British officer. He, therefore, I believe,
refused to accept of a gold snuff-box tendered him by the Emperor as a
mark of his esteem, but he did not refuse the offer of a few dozens of
French wine, as a present to Mrs Maitland, who had been personally
introduced to Napoleon, as far as introduction was possible, that is,
she had been permitted to come within a foot or two of the ship, and
Napoleon most condescendingly stepped to the gangway, smiled and bowed
to her. Mrs Maitland was a charming little woman in those
days,--alas! we are all getting old now,--a daughter of green Erin,
and Napoleon seemed greatly pleased with her appearance, hence the
offer of this trifling present as a token of respect. The captain took
it on shore in the gig, and no sooner had she struck the beach than
the custom-house officers jumped on board, and made a seizure of it,
hauled the boat up upon the beach, and clapped his Majesty's broad
arrow upon her, that fatal mark indicative of being in "the hands of
the Philistines" of the revenue. I shall never forget Maitland's
countenance when he came on board after this ridiculous and provoking
affair. Being deprived of his own boat by "the land-sharks," he was
obliged to hire a shore boat to bring off himself and his boat's crew,
and she was nearly alongside before the first lieutenant discovered
that there was a naval officer in her, and on taking a look with his
glass, he exclaimed, "Good God! there is the captain coming off in a
shore boat." The side was manned, and when Maitland stepped on board,
he turned to Mott with a most rueful countenance, remarking, "they
have seized the wine." This was petty work, and to make the thing more
provoking, they had poor Maitland stuck up next da