this is a favourable circumstance.  I have been at the Admiralty, and read over all the depositions taken and sent home by Bligh and his officers from Batavia, likewise the court-martial on himself; in none of which appears anything against Peter.  As soon as Lieutenant Hayward arrives with the remainder of the Pandora’s crew, the court-martial is to take place.  I shall certainly attend, and we must have an able counsellor to assist, for I will not deceive you, my dear Nessy, however favourable circumstances may appear, our martial law is severe; by the tenor of it, the man who stands neuter is equally guilty with him who lifts his arm against his captain in such cases.  His extreme youth and his delivering himself up, are the strong points of his defence.  Adieu! my dearest Nessy; present my love to your mother and sisters, and rest assured of my utmost exertions to extricate your brother.—­Your affectionate uncle, T. PASLEY.’

This excellent man did not stop here:  knowing that sea-officers have a great aversion from counsel, he writes to say, ’A friend of mine, Mr. Graham, who has been secretary to the different Admirals on the Newfoundland station for these twelve years, and consequently has acted as judge-advocate at courts-martial all that time, has offered me to attend you; he has a thorough knowledge of the service, uncommon abilities, and is a very good lawyer.  He has already had most of the evidences with him.  Adieu! my young friend; keep up your spirits, and rest assured I shall be watchful for your good.  My heart will be more at ease, if I can get my friend Graham to go down, than if you were attended by the first counsel in England.’[22] Mr. Graham accordingly attended, and was of the greatest service at the trial.

Nessy Heywood[23] having in one of her letters inquired of her brother how tall he was, and having received information on this point, expressed some surprise that he was not taller.  ‘And so,’ he replies, ’you are surprised I am not taller!—­Ah, Nessy! let me ask you this—­suppose the two last years of your growth had been retarded by close confinement—­nearly deprived of all kinds of necessary aliment—­shut up from the all-cheering light of the sun for the space of five months, and never suffered to breathe the fresh air (an enjoyment which Providence denies to none of His creatures) during all that time—­and without any kind of exercise to stretch and supple your limbs—­besides many other inconveniences which I will not pain you by mentioning—­how tall should you have been, my dear sister?—­answer, four feet nothing:  but enough of nonsense.’

Nessy Heywood had expressed a strong desire to see her brother, but was told the rules of the service would not allow it; also, that it would agitate him, when he ought to be cool and collected, to meet his approaching trial.  This was quite enough:—­’But as for myself,’ she says, ’no danger, no fatigue, no difficulties, would deter me—­I have youth, and health, and excellent natural spirits—­these and the strength of my affection would support me through it all; if I were not allowed to see you, yet being in the same place which contains you, would be joy inexpressible!  I will not, however, any longer desire it, but will learn to imitate your fortitude and patience.’