Londonderry, the cure of souls" in the vicarage of Newtown-Ards and, as many alleged, by virtue of this office, the keeping of some consciences. Thus robed in office, and vested with authority, sacred and prophane, his influence owned no control; and access to the secrets, and secret places, of the town, was said to have been open to him. Of these places, the post-office was not the least likely to supply entertainment, or even the information yet hunted after at Newtown-Ards. The postmaster had long been a servant in the Stewart family-even for years before it had a peer to boast of; and, from the known force of habit, may be supposed to feel and act as a servant still, not only to them, but to their accredited agent, political organ, and spiritual guide. Be this as it may, letters to my family were generally opened before delivery, except such as were franked by a Mr. Taylor* of the secretary's office, Dublin. That this was done in Newtown-Ards was taken for granted; and very plain hints were given Mrs. Dickson that Mr. Cleland was suspected to be the doer, as he was the only person, not under oath of office, who was indulged in the frequency and length of his visits there, as to have opportunities of opening and perusing letters.

* To this gentleman, the prisoners and their friends must ever feel particular obligations; as he not only enclosed, but franked, all the letters from Fort-George, which came to his office, and forwarded them immediately.

However these insinuations may have been founded, or whoever may have been the agent in this vile business, its being done in NewtownArds turned out to be matter of certainty. Mrs. Dickson, wrote to lord Castlereagh on the subject, after which the offence was never repeated. Now, as this vile business was carried on, at the very time of the forementioned deliberations and delays, is it not highly probable that its object must have been what I have alleged.* Omitting

"Conscious that your lordship considers me and my concerns totally beneath your notice, I should not have dared to obtrude, either myself or them, on your lordship's attention, did I not suppose that your humanity must attach you to the interest of an old, perhaps faithful, domestic of your father's house-one whom I do not wish to hurt, else I should have taken a more certain method of obtaining redress.

Since my coming to this place, my letters have been opened both those which I have written, and those I have receivedand I am certain that some, which were not opened, have been detained, perhaps for the inspection which was not dared to be given them.

As I have before said, I do not wish to hurt Trevor, for thus improperly gratifying the meanness and impertinent curiosity of a low-minded individual. I wish your lordship would take the trouble of signifying to him the impropriety and danger of persevering in this practice; otherwise I shall be under the disagreeable necessity of exhibiting a formal complaint against him, which, I have good reason to say, will be strengthened by others. If through your lordship's goodness, I shall be the means of saving the poor old man from injury, it will give me real sure. I shall now no farther trouble your lordship than by subscribing myself.

Your lordship's most obedient humble servant,
IS. DICKSON."

Newtown-Ards,

December 11th. 1901,
Right hon. lord viscount Castlereagh,

Dublin-Castle.

Omitting a variety of vile circumstances, equally symptomatic of meanness and malignity, such as listening at windows, tampering with dependents, &c. &c. I shall subjoin only one transaction, which carries in it the fullest proof of that gratuitous malice, which continued to seek the destruction of me and my family, even after my unsolicited release, honorable convoy, and happy return, as I vainly thought, to the bosom of my friends and my country A release and convoy, which carried, in their very face, the fullest and fairest acquittal, not only from every charge, but even suspicion, of criminality.

My reportation, as I have already mentioned, was in January, 1802. In the Spring of that year, a David Thomson, who had been proscribed by proclamation, and obliged to make his escape in 1798, after years of distress on the continent, had returned secretly to Ireland. As he could not appear with safety, much less follow any business, he applied to Mr. Cleland, through a Mr. John Cogheran, for his interest with lord Castlereagh and Mr. Price, to pro cure that safety and indulgence. Mr. Cleland received the application with great good-nature; expressed sorrow for Thomson's sufferings, on account of his youth and inexperience. added, that he wished him well, would be glad to see him, and would candidly give him his advice. He took care, however, to hint that

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there were men farther advanced in life, and of more experience, who had been active in leading young men, such as Thomson, to their ruin.

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To these wishes, professions, and hints, Mr.: Cogheran replied that, as the proclamation was still in force, Thomson might, be afraid to call on him; and, if any information respecting other people was expected, he was certain that he would neither see him, nor purchase his liberty by giving such information. Mr. Cleland declared, upon his honor, that he would neither detain him, nor require any such information.'

This being reported to Thomson, he, after consulting with some friends, waited on Mr. Cleland, in Newtown-Ards, in the Summer of 1802. On his name being announced, he was immediately admitted, and, door and windows being carefully shut, a conversation was introduced by the expression of regret for his sufferings, the bad, counsel which had led him to incur them, and particularly that of his own clergyman Thomas L. Birch, and Dr. Dickson who had long preached politics instead of the gospel.

To this Thomson replied "that he had neither the one nor the other to blame-that all his actions were voluntary-and that he was initiated in the united system, for years before he had the slightest acquaintance with Dr. Dickson.'

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On this Mr. Cleland asked him: " were you not one of a deputation, from the county of Down committee who gave the doctor a high appointment, at Killinchy fair?" On this Thomson got up, said the conditions settled with his friend Cogheran were violated, and begged leave to withdraw.

Mr. Cleland apologised, assured him the question arose merely from curiosity, and so earnestly entreated Thomson to sit down, that he complied. A long conversation ensued, in which Mr. Cleland complimented the abilities, infor mation, and spirit, of Thomson; and declared that he would rather have twenty such men, as his body guards, than a thousand ruffians.

Again, however, Dr. Dickson's name was introduced, and followed by more questions. Thomson assured Mr. Cleland, that he would answer no questions, except what respected himself; reminded him that his object was to obtain his interest in procuring permission to reside safely in the country; and that, as all informations and examinations were in the hands of Mr. Price and him, requested his interference with lord Castlereagh, Mr. Price, and government, for that indulgence.

After many manoeuvres for the attainment of something gratifying to Mr. Cleland, this interview closed by his pledging himself to interfere

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