In this period of anxious and awful suspense, a most interesting correspondence was carried on between this unfortunate youth and his numerous friends, which exhibits the character of himself and the whole family in the most amiable and affectionate colours, and in a more particular manner, of that adorable creature, his sister Nessy, who, in one of her letters, accounts for the peculiar warmth of her attachment and expressions by their being nearly of the same age, and engaged in the same pursuits, whether of study or amusement in their juvenile years.  The poor mother, on hearing of his arrival, thus addresses her unfortunate son:—­

     ’Isle of Man, June 29th, 1792.

’Oh! my ever dearly-beloved and long-lost son, with what anxiety have I waited for this period!  I have counted the days, hours, and even minutes, since I first heard of the horrid and unfortunate mutiny which has so long deprived me of my dearest boy:  but now the happy time is come when, though I cannot have the unspeakable pleasure of seeing and embracing you, yet I hope we may be allowed to correspond; surely there can be nothing improper in a liberty of this sort between an affectionate mother and her dutiful and beloved son, who, I am perfectly convinced, was never guilty of the crime he has been suspected of by those who did not know his worth and truth.  I have not the least doubt but that the all-gracious God, who of his good providence has protected you so long, and brought you safe through so many dangers and difficulties, will still protect you, and at your trial make your innocence appear as clear as the light.  All your letters have come safe to me, and to my very dear good Nessy.  Ah!  Peter, with what real joy did we all receive them, and how happy are we that you are now safe in England!  I will endeavour, my dearest lad, to make your present situation as comfortable as possible, for so affectionate and good a son deserves my utmost attention.  Nessy has written to our faithful and kind friend, Mr. Heywood, of Plymouth, for his advice, whether it would be proper for her to come up to you; if he consents to her so doing, not a moment shall be lost, and how happy shall I be when she is with you!  Such a sister as she is!  Oh!  Peter, she is a most valuable girl,’ etc.

On the same day this ‘most valuable girl’ thus writes:—­[21]

’MY DEAREST AND MOST BELOVED BROTHER—­Thanks to that Almighty Providence which has so miraculously preserved you, your fond, anxious, and, till now, miserable Nessy, is at last permitted to address the object of her tenderest affection in England!  Oh! my admirable, my heroic boy, what have we felt on your account! yet how small, how infinitely trifling was the misery of our situation when compared with the horror of yours!  Let me now, however, with confidence hope that the God of all mercies has not so long protected you in vain, but will at length crown