grace and mercy you seem to have so just a sense, will not now
forsake you. Your dear aunt is as must be expected in such a
trying situation, but more from your present sufferings than
any apprehension of what is to follow,' &c.

With similar testimonies and most favourable auguries from
Commodore Pasley, the Rev. Dr. Scott, of the Isle of Man, and
others, young Heywood went to his long and anxiously expected
trial, which took place on the 12th September, and continued
to the 18th of that month. Mrs. Heywood had been anxious that
Erskine and Mingay should be employed as counsel, but Mr.
Graham, whom Commodore Pasley had so highly recommended, gave
his best assistance; as did also Mr. Const, who had been
retained, for which the Commodore expresses his sorrow, as sea
officers, he says, have a great aversion to lawyers. Mr. Peter
Heywood assigns a better reason; in a letter to his sister
Mary he says, that 'Counsel to a naval prisoner is of no
effect, and as they are not allowed to speak, their eloquence
is not of the least efficacy; I request, therefore, you will
desire my dear mother to revoke the letter she has been so
good to write to retain Mr. Erskine and Mr. Mingay, and to
forbear putting herself to so great and needless an expense,
from which no good can accrue. No, no! Mary--it is not the
same as a trial on shore; it would then be highly requisite;
but, in this case, _I_ alone must fight my own battle; and I
think my telling the truth undisguised, in a plain, short, and
concise manner, is as likely to be deserving the victory, as
the most elaborate eloquence of a Cicero upon the same
subject.'

At this anxious moment many painfully interesting letters
passed to and from the family in the Isle of Man: the last
letter from his beloved Nessy previous to the awful event thus
concludes:--May that Almighty Providence whose tender care has
hitherto preserved you be still your powerful protector! may
He instil into the hearts of your judges every sentiment of
justice, generosity, and compassion! may hope, innocence, and
integrity be your firm support! and liberty, glory, and honour
your just reward! may all good angels guard you from even the
appearance of danger! and may you at length be restored to us,
the delight, the pride of