often understood, and thought it quite confirmed by Bourrienne and other authentic quarters, that Bonaparte was no gentleman. Sir Pulteney seemed amused at this attack; but after a little consideration, replied good humouredly, that he was afraid there was too much cause for the remark; that really he was so extraordinary a man, that the thought of gentlemanly manners was little considered when in his company. There was certainly very often in his manner an overbearing brusquerie and abrupt vulgarity, which reminded one of the parvenu; and, what was still worse, he told lies on all occasions, when it suited his purpose— insulted ladies to their faces; and what appears most extraordinary, always cheated at cards. But it was impossible to deny that his talents were transcendent, his persevering energy quite unprecedented, and even the brusquerie, so natural to him, could be abandoned on great occasions for an insinuation quite seducive, and a smile that was irresistible.

LETTER SEVENTH.

PISA, August, 18

MY DEAR

The B-Consul at Leghorn, Mr. C————, a fine old Scotch gentleman about sixty years of age, of frank pleasing manners, and deservedly popular with every one, has lately returned from England with a young wife, a beautiful biondina, the daughter of an earl; and certainly a most talented, lady-like young person. They occasionally drive over to Pisa, which, though a dull place, is aristocratic in comparison, is more classical and congenial than a mercantile town, and to the taste of genteel persons, preferable to Leghorn. The people here admire her exceedingly. The subject of good looks is an ever-engrossing topic with this elegant people, and the beautiful golden ringlets, the blue eyes, the white skin, and fresh complexion of Lady A-forming a strong contrast to the darkeyed, dark-haired beauties of Etruria, become a con

stant subject of criticism and eulogium. I cannot help thinking, however, the sort of beauty which Lady Apossesses is of a more ephemeral nature than the more regular and classical features which characterise the people of Italy, and which continue to be interesting even when the bloom of youth has faded, the lustre of the eye is dimmed, and fell time, with withering blast, has scared away the once fresh and radiant complexion. Lady A has given a ball at Leghorn-a few of us have had the honour of being invited from this placeand an immense assemblage was present. The A——— frigate has lately arrived in the roads; and the ball was enlivened by the presence of Captain D, and several of his officers. He is a gentlemanly-looking man of high family; but I should say with nothing of the sailor about him. His officers, however, have all the frank, jolly, generous, open manners so characteristic of the noble profession, and were the delight of every one at the ball. They were full of fun and in high spirits, dancing a great deal, jabbering bad French and Italian to all and sundry-and laughing heartily at their own blunders. Captain D- was wholly absorbed with Lady A-, monopolising her hand all the evening, to the annoyance of many other worthy aspirants; paying to her alone all his attentions; and engrossing so exclusively all her conversation, that he was soon pronounced by the foreigners una seccatura,

suppers.

which means a bore. We had a most elegant standing supper, or, I should rather say, a succession of standing Everything was sumptuous and elegantinnumerable ices-oceans of champagne-a delightful orchestra; and we continued dancing monferino, quadrilles, and country dances, till about six in the morning. The officers of the A- frigate invited a few of us to dine with them the following day on board; and, having never been in a ship-of-war, I felt delighted in accepting the invitation. Nothing can be more beautiful than the cleanliness and order of this fine frigate, the perfect discipline maintained, and the manly, energetic, and bold appearance of the officers and sailors. A glance seemed sufficient to convince the most stolid that it was a ship of the first navy in the world—that its company had that skill and energy necessary to secure their object, and that determination which would make them conquer or die.

Our dinner and wine were excellent, and nothing could exceed the frank, kind-heartedness of the officers; while the midshipmen who joined us after dinner, and with whom the officers had a great deal of fun, were the smartest, most intelligent boys I ever saw-the embryo heroes of the deep. The officers informed us of a little bit of private history of the ship, which was exceedingly interesting to an unpractised ear. Some one had asked for Mr. G, the purser, who is a great favourite with

I

every one; and we were amazed to be informed that Captain D-- had put him under arrest. It appeared that on their arrival off Leghorn, the purser, according to custom, had landed and made purchase of a great variety of articles necessary for the ship. Soon after, the captain demanded the accounts-examined them with minute scrutiny-accused the purser with having overcharged many of the stores, and in an arbitrary overbearing manner, without consulting any other officer, which they say he is bound to do, ordered poor Ginto close confinement. The officers then overhauled the accounts, declared there was nothing unusual in the charges, and petitioned Captain D for his liberation. This was refused, and the whole officers and midshipmen determined to send the Captain to Coventry, and to draw up a memorial to Lord Nelson, who was then at Malta, petitioning D-'s dismission. We inquired jocularly how they could send to Coventry their own captain and commander. They replied that there was nothing more easy. They could treat him as their captain, but refuse the courtesy usually adopted to a gentleman-they could decline seeing him when he approached-they could decline conversing with him, excepting shortly about the matters of the ship; and and though one officer and one midshipman dined with him every day, they could decline having any conversation with him. They said, also, that there were many