Mrs. Loudon

“Through the wide heaving of the strife,
Are the strides of Fingall, like some strong ship
Cutting through wintry seas. The dark tumbling
Of death, the gleams of broken steel, mingle
Round him; the waves of war part before him
And roll along the field.”

Now followed that most brilliant era of our naval history, which confirmed to the British flag its supremacy on the world of waters! Lord Fitz-Ullin had the good fortune to command in some of the greatest, and, in their results, the most glorious engagements of the period: and, in each of these, Edmund distinguished himself. Lord Fitz-Ullin consequently made such creditable mention of our hero’s name in every account he sent home, that, after being about two years in the Erina, he was appointed to fill an Admiralty vacancy, as commander of the Desdemona, a sloop-of-war, on the same station.

Shortly after, another general, and to the English successful, engagement took place. On this occasion the services of the vessel commanded by our hero proved so important, that when the glorious affair was drawing to a close, Lord Fitz-Ullin appointed Edmund to the command of a post-ship, the Euphrasia, a very fine frigate which had that day lost her captain.

“The vacancy is one which I am entitled to fill,” said his lordship, as he signed dispatches in which the name of Captain Montgomery again stood conspicuous: “and were this not the case,” he continued, “I could have no doubt of the Admiralty confirming such an officer. Oscar,” he then said, turning kindly to his son, “I am sorry to leave you behind, my boy; but I cannot, even in a public point of view, pass over merit so distinguished as Montgomery’s: and, you know, Oscar, you have never taken the trouble of doing more than the mere routine of duty required. In short, I have never been able to make you fond of the service. Yet you shall have the very next ship, though it is thus I have ever spoiled you. I have made every step too easy,” he added, after a moment of silence.

“I know it, sir,” replied Oscar: “you have always been kind and indulgent.” Then turning to Edmund, and shaking hands with him, he continued, “Montgomery well deserves his promotion, and I am the first to give him joy of it.”

“Well, Oscar,” said the earl, “you certainly have a good heart; and that, after all, is, perhaps, the first of good qualities.”

In the next three years, every newspaper was emblazoned with the brilliant deeds of the gallant Captain Montgomery! We need scarcely add, that each such newspaper was, with proud enthusiasm, read aloud by Mr. Jackson at Lodore House; and, by the quiet home circle there, listened to with the liveliest interest. An immensity of prize-money also had, from time to time, been shared by the fleet; and Edmund having been one year a commander, and nearly two a post captain, his proportion of the various sums so shared was very considerable, amounting, in all, to upwards of fifteen thousand pounds.

Henry, whose advancement had, as we have seen, received a check, happened to be lieutenant in the Euphrasia, when our hero was appointed her captain.