village,
or ever seeing my poor father, when an object presented itself to my
sight, that for a moment startled, and, I must confess, a little alarmed
me. The moon was just peeping from behind the high towers of the fort,
and shedding her bright rays through the tree near which I stood, when
by her light I perceived that the object which arrested my attention was
a European soldier, prostrated on the ground--as I supposed, dead. I
approached him, but could not hear him breathe. I laid my hand on his
cheek; it was cold and chilly; which confirmed me in my first opinion,
that he was dead. At last, I ventured to grasp his icy hand, which
roused him, and he rose up and said, "Why did you disturb me? I have had
a sweet sleep." Then, looking at and suddenly recognizing me, he said,
"Is that you, Shipp?" I replied, "Yes; what brought you to this dreary
spot?" He replied, "The same, in all probability, that guided you here."
"What," said I, "do you suppose that to be?" He replied, "To reflect on
the scene before us to-morrow. Yes, sergeant," he continued, "I have
this night stolen like a thief from the riotous parties I have too long
joined, to spend an hour or two alone; and, if I must confess it, in
prayer. Having offered up my prayers, I felt my poor heart relieved of a
burden I cannot describe, and thus I fell asleep, and am now glad to
meet a friend in this lonely spot." We then, together, made the earth
our communion-table, and offered up our poor but fervent devotions to
the throne of mercy. It was the will of the Almighty to call my
companion in prayer the next day from the world, and to spare me, but
with a wound in the head, to show my dependence upon His mercy.

Two o'clock in the afternoon of the next day was ordered for the
assault. I forgot my aches and wounds, and was at my old post.
Lieutenant Templer, of his majesty's 76th regiment (he was a little man,
but he possessed the heart of a lion) accompanied me on this occasion,
with a small union jack, to plant on the enemy's bastion. He gave me his
hand, and smilingly said, "Shipp, I am come to rob you of part of your
glory; you are a regular monopolist of that commodity." He continued, "I
will place Old England's banner on their haughty bastion, or die in the
attempt!" He fell a victim to his zeal, having first planted his colour
on the bastion.

On the way down from the camp, we met his excellency the
commander-in-chief, and suite. His lordship addressed me and