more by the continued mission of wretches among us, under pretext of punishment, to betray the ignorant and unwary, irritated as they then were, into unguarded expressions, and afterwards distort them into treason, for their des truction. This practice, though regularly persevered in, totally failed of success. Numerous as the prisoners were, not a sentence was elicited, or even forged, on which charge could be founded, or trial instituted. On the contrary, the only wretch, who made such attempt, by a forgery against two of our number (a Dr. Nixon, and the rev. John Smith, presbyterian minister of Kilrea) bungled the business so completely, that he narrowly escaped a flogging, and was disgracefully dismissed, as unfit for service.

Towards the end of September, our situation became less distressing. The heats had abated. We had gotten the port-hole in our quarter glazed, to keep out the spray, when it blew hard; and procured a small table, with a few folding stools. Several of the poorer prisoners, from whom information against their superiors had been vainly expected; others, equally poor who had been committed on unsupported charges, and some invalids, had been sent on shore. Hence, we had more room, less distur bance, and a better air. We had also gotten a canvas curtain put up, to draw round us occasionally, and afford us a kind of privacy. This last circumstance gave us occasion to observe how

how quick-sighted the people are to every affectation of seclusion from, or elevation above, them. From the time this curtain was erected, we were denominated "the court," and our corner "the castle." Thus good-humouredly distinguished, and apprehending that we were in no danger of a sudden dispossession by the superior forces of a greater castle, as our lives which alone they had hitherto aimed at, had proved uncomeatable, we began to amuse ourselves with farther plans of fortification against the attacks of the approaching winter-the most formidable enemy, as we vainly imagined, which we had then to fear.

Here, however, we were mistaken, as usual, and all our plans proved visionary. On the arrival of Sir John Borlase Warren, in Carrickfergus road, with his squadron, and the French ships, taken off the N. W. coast of Ireland, my messmates and I were hurried into a boat, without a moment's previous notice, carried back to Belfast, and reinstated in the prevost prison, the place of our first confinement. From various causes, we found it less crowded than before, but still well peopled. In each apartment, we had room for our mattresses, a table, and some chairs. Sentinels were placed, only on the outside of our doors. The parade of loading with ball cartridge, and the terrific orders attending it, were dispensed with; and

our

our rest was undisturbed by nocturnal visits. Our friends, too, were admitted with less difficulty; and our intercourse with each other was less restricted. Hopes of information having expired, overseers were no longer placed among ús, to watch for our souls; and pen, ink, paper, and books were allowed us, so that we could amuse ourselves with writing, reading, or conversation, as circumstances might admit. Still, however, we had difficulties and distresses sufficient to exercise our patience. The resources of some of us were nearly exhausted and we were placed on our former allowance of TWELVE PENCE IRISH, per day. The windows of our apartments had many broken panes. Some of the rooms had neither lock, nor latch; and dirt and stench continued to prevail over all. As winter came on with its severities, our inconveniencies and expences were greatly increased. Fuel became necessary, not only from the inclemency of the season, but the ravages of the soldiery. The sentinels, having none for themselves, began, early in November, to tear off bases and surbases; mouldings of doors, windows, and fireplaces; and, latterly, doors, door-frames, and window-shutters: all which they burned in the rooms of the poorer prisoners for their own comfort. And, as no notice was taken of this, they proceeded to such partitions, as were constructed with wooden uprights and Jaths. Hence, before the middle of December,

the

f

the house was pervious to every blast. And, as these depredations were made by night, our rest was so much disturbed, that our situation was truly uncomfortable, and some of us suffered, severely, in our health. In a word, we continued prisoners; and these circumstances, added to the loathsomeness of our prison, as before mentioned, did not permit us to forget that we were such, or to enjoy the few indulgences with which we were favoured.

Thus situated, our only comfort arose from the expectation that, if any change should hereafter be made, in our situation, it could not be for the worse, as that, in the aspect and state of the country, was so much for the better. In fact, the country had become perfectly tranquil, and the public mind composed. Of this there could be no clearer evidence than Belfast exhibited. A patriotic band, many of whom had been united Irishmen, and some of them active in promoting the union, who had taken up arms to keep the rabble of their townsmen in order, laid down their muskets, unrigged their black cockades, and returned to their amusements, their country-houses, and their pulpits; and the gallant yeomen of the place were relieved from permament duty. I have inserted "pulpits," because, in refutation of Mr. Pollock's vile calumny against the presbyterian ministers of Ulster, two of the number, resident in Belfast,

had

had regularly done duty, as private soldiers, in the brave and loyal band of BLACK COCKADES.

Notwithstanding all this, to the fresh surprise of us and our friends, we were hurried out, on Christmas-day, and carried back to our former apartment, on ship-board, to enjoy the remainder of the winter. Our old inmates received us with great civility, and permitted us to take peaceable possession of the castle. Here, we were put on our former allowance of provisions, instead of our TWELVE PENCE IRISH, per day, and permitted to walk the quarter-deck* as before; but this indulgence the inclemency of the season now rendered unimportant. Indeed, when the sea ran high, the ship pitched so much, that walking the deck was extremely dangerous, as we had not gotten sea-feet. Hence, necessity alone compelled us to attempt it, as severe falls were generally the consequence; and one of us (Mr. Tennent) had his leg dangerously fractured, and nearly lost his life, in attempting, by a little smart exercise, to restore heat to his half-torpid limbs. Whether he had reason to regret this accident may be doubted, as it procured a removal to his own house, by which

he

• When I mentioned formerly that most of the prisoners were allowed to go on deck, only once a day, and for a short time," I should have added that we, the court," enjoyed the use of the quarter-deck, a pleasure, during the day.