Our stay was not long at this place; for the French revolution, which had occurred about two years before, now began to occasion more frequent movements and changes amongst the military. I was engaged in some hazardous enterprizes whilst lying here; and although the town was small, and our time in it short, yet there were sufficient temptations to be found for my unwary feet to fall into. From this place, a part of the regiment, consisting of two hundred picked men and a suitable number of officers, was drafted to serve in an expedition then preparing to act in the West Indies. The same quota was selected from every regiment in Ireland, then seventeen in number, and possibly from every regiment in England also. From all the information that I could ever obtain, the greatest part, if not the whole of these poor devoted fellows, the urgency of affairs just then, that, whilst then declared to be the flower of the British army, fell victims to the climate and the war. I mention this lamentable fact, although foreign to my subject, to perpetuate all in my power, the ravages of this horrid and desolating scourge of the human race. At the same time, under a deep sense of my then sinful and still sinning condition, my mind is struck with admiration, that I was not included in the above-mentioned draft, to which I was no less liable than others; were it only as a punishment which I so justly merited, for my unprecedented rebellion against a longsuffering and all-gracious Lord God.

cause, might not be quite so dissipated as for some time previous. But this could only be attributed to an accumulation of duty, and not from any change wrought in myself; for alas! the old evil root still remained in unabated strength, though dormant; which in a while did not fail to shoot forth, and produce those works of unmortified flesh, which had so long and so often been manifested in my conduct and conversation, and were now not likely to be less frequent, from my being again promoted shortly after joining this new regiment. Some progress was made in organizing the new troops, as the different small detachments arrived in the course of the winter from the interior of the country; and by the time the spring fairly opened, the whole number stipulated, was raised and accepted. Such was

in a raw and incomplete state of discipline, almost beyond conception, from the wildness of character of the class of people, of which the principal part of the regiment was composed, immediate embarkation was ordered, and transports were actually in waiting to receive it. In two days the whole were on board of three ships, which sailed with the first tide for Bristol. When the time for sending off these newly raised troops was fully come, the utmost despatch was necessary; for it was very evident, that had time been allowed for the information to spread to any material extent, the embarkation could scarcely have been effected without bloodshed. As it was, though the preparations commenced soon after three o'clock in the morning, the concourse of people

Our next remove was to Galway; where after some weeks I was again promoted, from what cause I do not now remember; but, as had been the case in the navy, so now, how-assembled together was immense, to behold ever profligate my conduct in the general, I still kept up a fair name, by being ready for all the duties that devolved upon me.

By this time several new regiments were raising by field-officers, in expectation of promotion when the number of each was completed, according to the then existing proposals of the government, at whose expense, and under whose particular patronage these measures were undertaken, for the purpose of more vigorously prosecuting the continental war. In order to expedite the formation of these new corps, application was made to the commanding officers of old established regiments for persons competent to assist in their equipment and discipline, where such could be recommended. For one of these regiments intended to be formed in Dublin of recruits raised from the different provinces, two others with myself were selected, and accordingly despatched immediately to commence the necessary operations in that city. After leaving Granard, and to the time of my again reaching Dublin, perhaps my course of life, from one or other

their unfortunate countrymen in every relation of fathers, husbands, brothers and sons, forced away from their native shores,-I may say forced away, for it was necessary to assemble a strong military force from the garrison to ensure the embarkation, which after all was not effected without some difficulty. From my own personal knowledge of the fate of many of these poor fellows, and of the destination of those remaining after I left them, I think it is possible but scarcely probable, that any of them ever returned to their families, friends, or country any more; as will subsequently appear, if this narrative be proceeded with.

We were favoured with a fine passage to the Severn, and landed about six miles below Bristol; in which city we remained one night, and then marched forward to an encampment, where several other regiments were previously assembled, at Netley Abbey, not many miles from Southampton. From the undisciplined condition, with but small exception, of the officers and men who composed our regiment,

it was only reasonable to suppose it had now bered with arms, baggage and provisions, reached its destination for the present; but were incapable of making much effort to save after a few weeks training, it was numbered themselves: this weight being strongly attachwith the line. We received a set of new co-ed to their bodies, they sank before they could lours, and embarked on Southampton river, extricate themselves from it. I landed on the with the other regiments which formed the main shore of the harbour, and thus providencamp at Netley Abbey, to join the British tially escaped with only seeing the float then army then on the Continent, under the com- loading, just before the accident happened. mand of the Duke of York. We dropped I do not know how it fared with others, but down to Spithead the next morning, and the it is scarcely probable, all circumstances consame afternoon, Earl Moira, the commander-sidered, that there could be any material suin-chief, having joined the expedition, we sail-periority in the accommodation of one more ed, thirty-seven ships in company, under proper convoy to the coast of Flanders.

than another. On the morning that we landed, I might doubtless have been supplied with a blanket, in common with others; but as I occupied a station, in which little rest could be expected, even when others slept, and supposing that I should be able to borrow from some of the others, when they could not be used by themselves, this opportunity was lost; but I afterwards regretted the non-acceptance of it. From the day we left the transports, several weeks elapsed before I got to sleep under the cover of a tent; as these, with the rest of the luggage and stores, were left on board the ships to be conveyed to Helvoetsluys, as a place more secure from the French than Ostend. We remained upon the sand hills near Ostend three days and nights after landing, and then commenced a march which could scarcely be equalled for fatigue and hardship; as we were wholly unprovided with provisions, and every common necessary, with which the generality of troops are usually furnished at the opening of a campaign.

The weather being thick, with light airs of wind, our passage, though fine, was rather tedious, before reaching an anchorage off the port of Ostend. From circumstances of an unfavourable cast, unknown to us at the time, it was judged most prudent for the expedition to be free from every incumbrance likely to retard or impede its movements through the Netherlands; the success and safety of the enterprise wholly depended upon its ability to evade and elude, by the rapidity of its movements, in forced marches by night, the greatly disproportionate strength of the enemy. The number of troops then under Earl Moira, was little more than 7000; whilst the French force, through which we had to pass, was estimated at 80,000, and they were at the time so posted, as seemed to prohibit our junction with the Duke's army. It was therefore concluded, that every article of baggage and stores belonging either to officers or soldiers, beyond what they could themselves carry, should be It would be no very difficult task for me at left on board the ships. At an early hour of this day, to enter into minute detail of particu the morning after our arrival in the roads off lar circumstances, were it consistent with the the town of Ostend, every officer and soldier declared object before me, in setting about to was furnished with a blanket, and an allow-pen this memoir; for although so many years ance of three days' provisions and water from the stores of the transports; it being very uncertain whether any supplies could be obtained for some days to come. Thus provided, the troops were disembarked under cover of two large floating batteries, prepared for the occasion, to prevent any attempt to frustrate their descent. As the boats employed had many times to pass to and fro, between the ships and the shore, before the whole were conveyed, it was near night when the landing was fully accomplished. To expedite the landing, a large float was made use of, to assist in crossing a narrow space of water connected with the harbour; so that the troops were enabled to land at more than one point at a time, and then unite. It was well for those who had nothing to do with this ill-adapted float; for in the hurry, it became overladen with soldiers, and was quickly overturned, causing the loss of many men, who, from their being encum

have rolled away since these miserable scenes were actually shared in and witnessed,—yet such are the strong impressions stamped on my memory by the sufferings endured, and the manifold deliverances which followed, that while endeavouring to insert such incidents. only as are needful to preserve the chain of history, in sufficient links of connection to enable me to proceed with correctness,-transactions that have long been forgotten, though they once formed a prominent feature in the toils of the day, are recalled from oblivion in a remarkable manner. I must however forbear to intrude them here, and proceed again with saying, that on leaving the neighbourhood of Ostend, we passed through Bruges, and penetrated into the country by way of Ghent. The first halting place of the army, in the evening of the same day that it left the coast, was called the Pigeon's Nest;' but it did not prove a very quiet one,-for by two o'clock

CHAPTER III.

Nimeguen-many dangers-attacked by fever

hospital treatment, heavy mortality among the sick-disasters of the British army-retreat to Bremen-returns to England.

in the morning, the advance of the enemy was in the above description, not one half has been announced by the firing of the picquets, by old of that marvellous mercy which was still which we were surrounded. Whether this at- extended for my preservation, when many fell tack was intended to alarm only, or to endeav- by the sword, or were taken captives by the our to take us by surprise, I never understood; enemy,-when thousands were swept off by if the latter, it certainly failed, for the troops pestilence,—and whilst unhurt myself, I saw were literally sleeping on their arms, covered the wounds of others bleed. Once whilst with their blankets, so that in a few minutes, gone to Helvoetsluys in search of some baga line was formed, with the commander-in-gage, I entirely missed a contest, in which our chief present. It was however considered regiment was deprived of twenty-eight men; prudent to remain there no longer, and in half and, when at last overwhelmed with sickness an hour this post was abandoned, and the and distress, the same divine and compassionmarch continued until noon the next day, ate arm of everlasting love and strength, was when a stoppage occurred, from the French still underneath to bear up my helpless head, having occupied a bridge over which we had and in his own time to rescue me from the to pass. Notwithstanding the men were al- very jaws of death, to celebrate his praise, most ready to faint for want of food, having and to declare in humble thankfulness and scarcely tasted any thing for twenty-four gratitude of soul, "his wonderful works to hours; yet on its being proclaimed through the children of men." the line that volunteers were wanted to force the passage over the bridge, a sufficient number immediately offered, apparently glad of such an opportunity. After three hours' detention, the obstruction was removed, I am inclined to think by its being found that the force advancing against it, was much too strong for that by which the bridge was occupied. The army then moved forward until midnight, As the winter approached, the health of although its course was much impeded by a the troops began to fail to an alarming and tremendous storm of thunder, lightning, and awful extent, from exposure to cold rains heavy rain, which commenced at nine, P. M., which fell almost daily; and yet we were and continued several hours. I do not see compelled to keep the field, being constanthow I could have sufficiently exalted the name ly on the retreat before the greatly supeof my God, and his gracious dealings with a rior force of the enemy. As we drew near poor benighted and rebellious creature, with the walls of Nimeguen, the British forces out mentioning the two facts just related; in- made a stand, probably to afford time for preasmuch as they magnify in my view, his long-paring a floating bridge across the Waal, to suffering and protection, to one who was utterly insensible of his loving-kindness, and who then knew Him not: and I trust I shall not be permitted to overlook or pass by any thing that will show forth his praise, and tend to his glory; or be prevented from acknowledging his power and his might; who hath, according to his mercy, so many times delivered me out of every distress. For, notwith- The last two or three days the contest bestanding the constant exposure to every show- tween the two armies became more severe, by er of rain that fell, without covering over my the continual arrival of fresh divisions of the head, and with no couch but the earth, and French at this point: on the last day the canthat at times soaked with wet; whilst harassed non scarcely ceased to roar from sun-rise to with fatiguing marches night after night, and sun-set. The regiment to which I belonged, with little rest by day; amidst hunger and thirst, was ordered on the reserve with three others; being often short of food for days together, two of which were British, and the third and occasionally no water to be had, without Hanoverian. As the cannonade increased, digging a well to procure it, to avoid the un- the first regiment of reserve was called upon, wholesome waters of the stagnant pools; and in two hours after, the second was summoned, although for several weeks together my clothes and by eleven o'clock in the forenoon, the were never taken off, but to renew a shirt, third. The direction from which the sound and my shoes but seldom off my weary feet; of the conflict issued, left no doubt that it was yet through all, my health was not materially rapidly approaching the ground on which we affected, till near the approach of winter. But | stood ; and although, as the last reserve, we VOL. VII.-No. 1.

secure our retreat behind that river. At the same time, the French used every effort in their power to intercept our retreat, by endeavouring to get between us and Nimeguen, which, from the strength of its fortifications was capable of affording a cover for several days, or until our army had passed in safety over the bridge.

3

In this position I remained for some time; and after having painfully beheld the last of the rear of the regiment pass on and leave me behind, there seemed to be no hope left, as the only men in the world from whom I could expect a helping hand were all out of sight. But, although apparently forsaken by all, and left to perish unseen and unknown, yet that evercompassionate Arm, which had so often been with me in extremity, was again stretched out, and did not long allow me to remain in this deplorable condition; but in adorable mercy, my gracious Lord was pleased to put into the hearts of some of the regiment who knew the real cause of my absence, to send two of the men back to endeavour to find me out, and render assistance in their power. As I every had not gone from the place where I stopped, they had no difficulty in finding me, although it was by that time nearly dark; but as I could not possibly go forward to the regiment, they at last concluded to leave me in the hands of a picquet of cavalry, which was left to cover the retreat of the army through the city. Having helped me to the place, and left me in charge of the picquet, they made off with all haste to overtake their companions. Here the wife of a soldier gave me some ground pepper mixed with heated spirits; and although, from the state of my throat, I could scarcely swallow the fiery mixture, yet it proved useful, considerably relieving the pain in my stomach, and renewing the general warmth. As it was expected that the enemy

had not been ordered to march, yet our tents it, and was leaning against the wall of a were struck, and every thing prepared to move house, no longer able to proceed from inon the first alarm.* I had been going about increased illness. the wet for several days previous, without the practicability of obtaining dry clothes; and this day being colder and more rainy than usual, with the increased exertion necessary on account of the threatening aspect of things close upon us, might hasten an illness, the foundation of which had already been deeply laid, and which began with shivering fits, just in the interval of waiting for the expected courier to call us to the field of slaughter. About three o'clock in the afternoon, a light dragoon arrived with a dispatch, but instead of its hastening us to the scene of action, it proved to be an order for us to join the rear of another regiment then retreating towards Nimeguen. Our army, after sustaining for many hours, with great loss, the unequal combat, was at length compelled to retire. Thus were we preserved when on the very brink of danger, in a manner as unlooked for as unmerited, from sharing in the disasters of a day, in which much human life was wasted, and which entailed great suffering and distress on many who survived it. After we had moved forward two or three miles, the coldness and shivering I had previously felt were succeeded by violent heat and fever, and my throat seemed almost closed up. For several days I had found swallowing very painful and difficult, from its extreme soreness, but had taken little notice of it. In this condition I was still able to keep up with the body of the regiment; but after entering the gates of Nimeguen, from the frequent stoppages which took place in the miry streets of the city, would attack the batteries in the night, which owing to accidents constantly occurring with the floating bridge, occasioned by the fire of the French upon it, I became more and more affected with something of the cramp kind, which nearly prevented my standing upright. As the night drew on, it became colder, and my pain increased, but I kept going on as well as I could; at length we came in sight of the bridge, when we were again stopped for some time. I was near the colours of the regiment, and an officer who carried one of them, made some remarks to me about the bridge; but feeling myself much worse, I told him I should never go over that bridge. He endeavoured to cheer me up, saying, that I should go over that and many more; but however, my assertion proved correct, for before the line again moved forward, I had left

however was not the case, although they kept up a heavy firing, I was helped into a loft to be out of the way; here I remained until the morning, and was then assisted on board of a galliot, provided for the reception of those, who, like myself, were disabled by sickness or other causes. The hold of this vessel was filled with as many people as could lie close to each other: they were in the various stages of a violent epidemic disorder, and from the heat occasioned by so many being crowded together, the air was very oppressive, and difficult to breathe. Two other galliots of a similar description, proceeded in company with us up the river, in hopes of getting round a neck of land, at which the Waal and the Rhine unite. But although considerable exertions were made by the sailors, aided by such of the sick as were at all able to stand, of

*Our expedition landed without any tents, but whom I made one, they had not succeeded a supply was furnished about six weeks after-in warping round the point, when a party of wards, I think whilst we were encamped on the plains of Breda.

French hussars made their appearance on the shore. It was fully expected they would en

deavour to prevent our escape, by opening a fire with cannon; but before they had time to bring any near enough to bear on us, we had got fairly into the current of the Rhine, and were soon beyond their reach. Being much exhausted I went below, but soon became very ill from the closeness of the place. Whilst under this and other distressing circumstances, both of body and mind, one of our companions who lay next but one to me, was removed by death from all his troubles; and although none of us could expect at the time, but that a similar fate would in all probability soon overtake us,—yet, in my own case at least, notwithstanding I was worn down with fatigue and sickness, and without a glimpse of any thing to make life any longer desirable, except the fear of death,-still nature could not but feel appalled, when the dead body of a fellow-sufferer was dragged past, to be taken on to the deck of the vessel. As the evening came on, I became much worse; and although the night was cold and frosty, I thought it better to get on deck, where I could breathe more freely, rather than remain any longer below: accordingly three or four of the people helped me up, for I was now so faint for want of support, that I had scarcely any strength left. I remained on deck all night and got a little sleep; in the morning, the cold compelled me again to go below, but I felt a little refreshed, and better able to bear the closeness of the place, keep-delirium soon came on, I was but a short time ing near the hatchway, where there was a greater circulation of air. In two days more we arrived at Rhenin, a town close to the bank of the Rhine, where an old monastery was fitted up as an hospital for the British sick,

which had the desired effect for a short time, by enabling me to get on shore. With his assistance I was conveyed to the hospital, where he soon procured one of the surgeons to examine me, and being very desirous to render every assistance in his power, he suggested to him the propriety of giving some particular medicine, which had often proved useful in bad cases; to which the surgeon replied, not aware that I heard all that was passing between them, he will not want any thing long.' By this it was evident that mine was considered a hopeless case; which could not be wondered at, the disorder having been so fatal, that those who had recovered were said not to average more than one in fifty; and as my attack had been so long neglected, the conclusion was reasonable, although it did not prove correct. In a few days I was so much recruited as to be able to walk about the town: but it was a distinguishing characteristic of this complaint, that having once had it, was no security whatever against a second attack, and that those who got well through it the first, or perhaps the second time, were frequently its victims on the third encounter. I found by experience that this report was not without foundation, for instead of being fully restored to health again, as for the first few days seemed probable, the disorder returned a second time, and with much more violent symptoms. As a state of high

Sometime after reaching this place, a person came on board the galliot to see if there were any amongst the newly arrived sick, with whom he was acquainted. He came down below, and after looking round was about going away, when I made what effort I could for some one to stop him. He had looked at me amongst the rest, but I was so much reduced and altered in appearance that he had not recognised me, but passed by, although he had once known me very well. When brought back, he soon recollected me, and feelingly expressed great regret at finding his old acquaintance in such a weak condition. He had been a patient in this hospital himself, and when restored to health again, being found an active and useful person, he was retained as a ward-master for the benefit of others. Having had the fever, he was tolerably well acquainted with the best mode of treating it; and soon after finding me, he administered a small quantity of strong cordial,

sensible of what transpired, after the application of a large blister; except the workings of a terrified imagination, some of the impressions of which, even at this distance of time, are not wholly obliterated from my memory, so deeply and strongly were they engraven. From the treatment which followed when no longer delirious, the disorder must have been of the nature of typhus,-as at one time a liberal allowance per day, of equal parts of brandy and port wine was given me, as hot as could well be taken. How long this continued I am not aware, but I was confined to my bed for such a length of time, as to be wholly unable to move in any direction from extreme weakness; and so generally was this the case in this disorder, that a man was appointed in every ward to go round occasionally, to turn from one side to the other, such of the patients as were incapable of turning themselves.

I was at length brought so near the brink of the grave, that, to all appearance, no alteration for the better could be expected. I am not aware that I had even a wish to live; but my mind was so reconciled to the prospect of death, which then seemed near and inevitable, that I had given my watch into the hands of