r Nessy, however
favourable circumstances may appear, our martial law is
severe; by the tenor of it, the man who stands neuter is
equally guilty with him who lifts his arm against his captain
in such cases. His extreme youth and his delivering himself
up, are the strong points of his defence. Adieu! my dearest
Nessy; present my love to your mother and sisters, and rest
assured of my utmost exertions to extricate your
brother.--Your affectionate uncle, T. PASLEY.'

This excellent man did not stop here: knowing that sea-officers have a
great aversion from counsel, he writes to say, 'A friend of mine, Mr.
Graham, who has been secretary to the different Admirals on the
Newfoundland station for these twelve years, and consequently has acted
as judge-advocate at courts-martial all that time, has offered me to
attend you; he has a thorough knowledge of the service, uncommon
abilities, and is a very good lawyer. He has already had most of the
evidences with him. Adieu! my young friend; keep up your spirits, and
rest assured I shall be watchful for your good. My heart will be more at
ease, if I can get my friend Graham to go down, than if you were
attended by the first counsel in England.'[22] Mr. Graham accordingly
attended, and was of the greatest service at the trial.

Nessy Heywood[23] having in one of her letters inquired of her brother
how tall he was, and having received information on this point,
expressed some surprise that he was not taller. 'And so,' he replies,
'you are surprised I am not taller!--Ah, Nessy! let me ask you
this--suppose the two last years of _your_ growth had been retarded by
close confinement--nearly deprived of all kinds of necessary
aliment--shut up from the all-cheering light of the sun for the space of
five months, and never suffered to breathe the fresh air (an enjoyment
which Providence denies to none of His creatures) during all that
time--and without any kind of exercise to stretch and supple your
limbs--besides many other inconveniences which I will not pain you by
mentioning--how tall should you have been, my dear sister?--answer, four
feet nothing: but enough of nonsense.'

Nessy Heywood had expressed a strong desire to see her brother, but was
told the rules of the service would not allow it; also, that it would
agitate him, when he ought to be cool and collected, to meet his
approaching trial. This was quite enough:--'But as for myself,' she
s