remark. Charles the Second never found the court of France "false and faithless." He was the mean and degraded pensioner of Louis the Fourteenth, who supplied him with mistresses and money. He abandoned the Dutch for an annuity, and stained the honour of England to indulge in his beastly debaucheries. This low sensualist has been foolishly styled "The Merry Monarch," but the papers and correspondence of Barillon, then French ambassador at the court of St. James, prove him to have been a mercenary wretch, insensible to any noble feeling, the stipendiary dependent on the coffers of the king of France. His friend Rochester has given the best description of the character of Charles in the following brief phrase: "Charles never said a foolish thing, and never did a wise one."

We must now return to the affairs of Guernsey.-The chiefs of the royalist sedition having been seized, and sent to Lord Warwick to receive punishment, as already narrated, the parliamentary commissioners indulged the hope of having brought the island into a state of permanent tranquillity. But the period of repose was short, and the following information roused them to increased exertions.

On the 12th of September, 1645, Captain Francis Mangler, of the ship Hollandia, of Flushing, of four hundred tons, and carrying thirty guns, being driven out of his course by contrary winds, sought shelter in Guernsey roadsted. He declared on oath, before the lieutenantgovernor, that, during his stay at St. Malo, Peter De Marley, commanding a Dutch ship in the service of king Charles, had informed him, that John Osdounck, admiral of the royal fleet, then in Falmouth, had sent a letter to him, Marley, who was a nephew of Osdounck, which he allowed the deponent Mangler to read. This letter ordered Marley, and the captains of all the royalist frigates, to repair to Falmouth. Mangler further deposed that, he being very curious to know the reason of this order, the said Marley told him, after much entreaty, that this naval armament was intended to reduce the island of Guernsey into submission to his Majesty. Mangler then stated that, about three weeks agone, when at St. Malo, he had embarked on board his vessel, two hundred seamen, and, accompanied by three others of his Majesty's frigates, was bound to sail to Bordeaux, to take in more men. That the time appointed for the execution of this design, if wind and weather permitted, was the latter end of the present month, September; and, that in order to effect it, Osdounck was to cross the channel from Falmouth with twenty or thirty vessels. Mangler further stated, that Marley had told him, that Guernsey, when reduced, would afford a harbour, secure in all weather, for his Majesty's fleet, and that, as it lay midway between the parliamentary trading ports and the coast of France, his Majesty's ships could avail themselves of every favourable opportunity to put to sea, and capture rich prizes, with the certainty of a secure retreat in case of danger. And the said Mangler further declared, that the Dutchman which conveyed the queen from England to France, and had since secured the Portugal, went lately from Falmouth, laden with tin, to Havre-de-Grace, there to take in ammunition and men, with the intention of landing them at Falmouth, and he expressed his belief that this vessel would form one of the fleet destined to attack Guernsey.

This intelligence excited the greatest consternation among the parlia

mentary commissioners and the jurats; and, after having maturely deliberated on the lowering aspect of affairs, they determined to depute Mr. Peter Carey as their special ambassador, to proceed to London, and represent the facts, and solicit assistance to repel the meditated attack. For this purpose, he was provided with the following passport from the lieutenant-governor :

"These are to certify to you, that this gentleman, Captain Peter Carey, an inhabitant of this island of Guernsey, has, by many able demonstrations, evidenced his affection and zeal to the parliament's cause, and, to the same has, at all times, contributed his utmost, both of power and ability. He is now by me employed for the parliament, about some urgent affairs, which concern the welfare and security of this place. Wherefore, it is my desire, that he be permitted to pass, with what shall appertain to him, both by sea and land, without any estoppel or hindrance, up to London, and from thence, with the same liberty, to return to this place. Given under my hand and seal, at Guernsey, aforesaid, this 13th day of September, 1645, (Signed) Robert Russell. Addressed to all admirals, vice-admirals, captains and commanders, both by land and sea, on the service of the king and parliament."

The bailiff and jurats then gave Mr. Peter Carey the following instructions, by which he was required to regulate his conduct during this important mission :

"1st.-You will be pleased to go from hence to the admiral, who, as we are informed, lies before Dartmouth, and represent to him the imminent danger in which we are placed, unless assisted with ships, to oppose those that the king intends, as we are informed, to send against this island.

"2ndly. You will petition the right honourable the Earl of Warwick, that we may have ships to guard us during this winter; and we desire, that you will follow his lordship's orders and instructions.

"3rdly. That the parliament will order what shall be done with the prisoners, who are detained in the belfry, and ascertain whether they are to be sent over to England, or released upon bail. Many of them have not been the chief actors in the late commotion, as you may represent, but silly fellows, who have large families. "4thly. If you obtain ships from the admiral, be pleased to write by them, that we may know they are our friends.

"5thly.—In consequence of what we have written to the committee of both kingdoms, we desire you to do your best endeavour that we may have our licenses for wool, and other things concerning this island, by the means of the right honourable the Earl of Warwick.

"6thly.-Being in London, pray write to us by way of France, and all other opportunities.

"(Signed) Peter de Beauvoir, bailiff. John Bonamy. Michael de Saumarez. Thomas Carey. John Carey."

All these matters having been concluded, Mr. Peter Carey left Guernsey, with a contrary wind, on board a vessel commanded by a Captain Williams, and arrived at Portsmouth on Friday, the 19th of September. He immediately dispatched a courier with his letters to Captain Buttins, to inform him of the object of his journey, and requesting him to use his influence to send vessels to Guernsey. He, then, mounted on horseback, the usual mode of travelling in those days, and arrived in London on Saturday, the 20th of the same month, late in the evening. On the following Monday, he attended the committee, and produced his credentials, and Lord Warwick then presented his letters and instructions. These were instantly read, and the committee resolved to nominate Lord Warwick governor for another year. They also engaged to give Mr. Carey letters to the vice-admiral, desiring him to furnish the vessels prayed for, to the extent of his ability, and further empowered him to receive two hundred muskets, for the use of the island, which Mr. Carey ordered Mr. Henry De La Marche to forward, he then being in London, on his private affairs.

The parliament issued the following orders on this subject:

"Die Martis, 23d September, 1645. It is this day ordered, by the lords in parliament assembled, that the committee for the admiralty do give present orders to the vice-admiral to send sufficient shipping to defend the island of Guernsey."

"Die Jovis, 25th September, 1645. Resolved by the House of Peers, that the Earl of Warwick is hereby made governor of the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, for one whole year, next after the date hereof, as formerly he has been. And the concurrence of the House of Commons is desired thereon.'

The following is a copy of the parliament's letter addressed to the vice-admiral, procured by Mr. Peter Carey :

"Vice-Admiral.-Upon some representations, made to the committee of both kingdoms from Guernsey, and from their lordships, reported to the House of Peers, the said house has, by an order of Tuesday last, (a copy whereof we send you enclosed herein,) directed this committee to give you present orders to send sufficient shipping to defend the said island, the necessity whereof will appear by the information itself, a copy whereof we have herewith sent you, and of the execution of which order, we would have you be very careful. We have this day, by another letter, acquainted you with the danger of some of our merchant ships homeward bound, which may, for the present, weaken your abilities to supply these several services; but we desire you to do for both what you are able, whereupon relying we rest, your very loving friends, (signed) Denzil Hollis. Giles Green. Essex. Warwick. Philip Stapleton. Christopher Wray."

Mr. Peter Carey then procured the following letter from Lord Warwick to the vice-admiral, which he was ordered to deliver with his own hand :

"Vice-Admiral. The parliament have been pleased to command me again to undertake the government of Guernsey and Jersey, upon some late informations given them from the said island of Guernsey, of an intention to disturb the peace and safety thereof, which were communicated to yourself. The House of Peers have given order that a convenient number of ships be sent for the defence of the island, a copy of which order was sent to you from the committee of the admiralty, to which I shall only add my particular desire, that, from time to time as there shall be occasion, you will be careful of that island, the preservation of it, in the parliament's power, being of much importance. For this end, you will spare as many vessels as you can conveniently, until the danger, lately represented, be over, for which end, I hope also to obtain an order for land soldiers, to be sent from hence. This gentleman, the bearer of my letter, Captain Peter Carey, goes down purposely, according to the desire of the lieutenant-governor, lately imparted to you, to whom I pray you give as quick dispatch as you can; and so I rest, your very loving friend, Warwick. Dated London, 29th September, 1645."

On the 1st of October, Mr. Carey finished his negotiations in London, and being most active and indefatigable in discharging the important trust confided to him, he left the metropolis on the following day, and proceeded to Gravesend by water. Landing there, he instantly set out for Canterbury, where he slept that night. Early on the following morning he reached Dover Castle, where the vice-admiral was residing, to whom he presented his letters, and then acquainted him with all the particulars relative to the reported invasion of Guernsey. After a conference of two hours, the vice-admiral granted him seven vessels, which number he affirmed were indispensable, and Mr. Carey immediately embarked on board the Nicodemus, which sailed to Portsmouth, to procure a pilot, at which harbour they arrived on the evening of the 4th October. They quitted that same night, and reached Guernsey on the following day. This armament consisted of seven vessels. The Star, frigate, Captain Constable; the Greyhound, Captain Cottein; the Robert, Captain Rue; the Lily, Captain Lambert; the Welcome-Pink, Captain Green; the Dove-Pink, Captain Hazarl; and the Nicodemus, Captain Passé. With the exception of the Nicodemus, they all remained in

Guernsey, till the plan of the royalist marine was rendered abortive, and the danger had passed away.

Mr. Carey was no sooner in Guernsey, than he announced his arrival to Lord Warwick, in the following letter, which shows that his patriotism was sleepless and indefatigable :

"My lord,-I very humbly thank your excellency for the assistance you wer pleased to give me on my last journey, which, through your instrumentality, has been so prompt and efficacious, that the whole island owe you everlasting obligations. For myself in particular, I know not how to express my gratitude. We have now, God be praised, and your excellency thanked, six frigates, which will render us great assistance, in case we should be attacked by the enemy. Two of them, however, those of Captain Cottein and Captain Green, have only provisions for fifteen days. May I hope that your excellency will be pleased to order that their deficiencies be supplied. The vice-admiral had promised me, that he would send over the Providence and the Expedition. Will your excellency be pleased to command those vessels to repair to this station. We specially require the presence of Captain Williams, who would be very useful in this island, and also a Major Russel, with the soldiers for Serk. Your excellency will be pleased to excuse the importunate boldness that I take; but our condition is such, that, under Providence, we entirely depend on the vigilance and protection of your lordship.

Yours, &c.

(Signed) PETER CAREY." Lord Warwick duly appreciated the zeal and talents of Mr. Carey, and, as we learn from the following letter, he appointed this trustworthy gentleman to the office of senechal, a post of confidence and honour in those troubled and eventful times:

“ My lord,—In addition to the many, and very great favours, which you have been pleased to confer on me, you have now added to those distinctions, by nominating me to the office of senechal, for which, as well as for former kindnesses, all that I can do in return is most respectfully to thank your lordship, and to entreat you to continue to me your esteemed patronage, and to this poor island, your benevolence, and good will. After God, we are indebted to you for our preservation, which depends for the future on your excellency, as an instrument of Providence, for its subsistence; to whose divine protection, I, as in duty bound, recommend your lordship by my prayers, and in all humility remain, your very humble and obedient servant, PETER CAREY."

Mr. Carey did not limit his gratitude to Lord Warwick for receiving the appointment of senechal, but also returned his thanks to the two secretaries of his lordship, as it appears by the following letters. We have no means of ascertaining what present he made them, though it is evident he gave them some token of his esteem.

"Sir, I have seen by the letter which you have addressed to the bailiff, that you are pleased to continue to me your accustomed favours, which proceeds entirely from your kind disposition, and cannot be attributed to any personal merit of mine. As you have done me the honour to exert yourself in procuring for me an unexpected appointment, I beg you to accept my affectionate gratitude, and also to present my best respects to his excellency the earl. I wish, with all my heart, that I could sufficiently testify to you the sense of my obligations, and the desire that I feel to express myself with becoming propriety. I beg you to accept a small token of my gratitude, which Mr. Marrett will present to you in my name. Your very humble and obedient servant, (Signed) PETER CAREY. Addressed to Mr. Jessop, secretary to the Earl of Warwick.

"Honored Sir,-Besides the several courtesies and favours, which I have received from you at several times, you have been pleased to reiterate the same, in the procuration of an unexpected place, which my lord has been pleased to honour me with, and for which I humbly thank you. If it were in my power to serve you, it would be a great honour and happiness to me. I have desired Mr. Marrett to present you, in my name, a small token of my engagement to you, which you will be pleased to accept, as an humble acknowledgment of your services to your servant, PETER CAREY. Addressed to Mr. Coitmore, secretary to the Earl of Warwick." (To be continued.)

Vol. III.-No. 1.

3

MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN THOMAS PICKSTOCK,
OF JERSEY.

ALL nations have felt a peculiar satisfaction in possessing authentic records of the lives and actions of their countrymen. The orator delights to make them the subject of his harangues; the historian dwells with pride and pleasure on their achievements; and the verse of the poet crowns them with an immortal and unfading wreath. The sister arts also pay their tribute of homage to the memory of departed greatness, and the chisel of the sculptor, and the pencil of the artist, revive, on marble and on canvass, the lineaments of the hero and the patriot. But the department of biography, in our humble opinion, has hitherto been narrowed within too limited a sphere, confining itself to the chief actors in the drama, who frequently have merely nominal claims to national respect, and overlooking the less emblazoned, but more arduous exertions, of individual enterprize. The general of an army, and the admiral of a fleet, too often monopolize those honours which ought to be divided with the subalterns and the privates.

We have been led into this train of thought, by reflecting on the numerous gallant actions performed by the privateersmen of Guernsey and Jersey, during the late war. If their sufferings and triumphs were allowed to pass away without any memorial or record, such neglect would brand us with national ingratitude, and nullify all our pretensions to patriotism. Had the writer of this article been brought up in Guernsey from his infancy, and thus possessed the facilities for obtaining copious and accurate information on this subject, he would not now solicit from the public the materials for composing a naval biography of the sailors of the Channel Islands. But not having had that advantage, and being personally acquainted with very few families, his means of narrating facts are inadequate to his wishes, and he therefore invites that assistance from those who love their country, which is essential to the performance of the proposed undertaking. As a commencement, to what we hope may prove a series, we shall now briefly sketch the career of Captain Thomas Pickstock.

This gentleman was a native of Jersey. His ancestors were highly respectable, as he descended from an old family in England, the possessors of "Pickstock's Township," situate in the parish of Edmond, in the Drayton division of the Hundred of Bradford, three miles N.W. of Neport, in Shropshire.

In early life, he displayed a warm predilection for the sea, and, when very young, he had charge of an hired cutter in the king's service, at Portsmouth. But his free and active mind languished under the systematic rule and punctilious discipline to which he was subjected, and he determined to quit a command, which shackled his spirit, and curbed his love of adventure. He, accordingly, returned to Jersey, and was soon appointed to the Herald, a letter of marque, brig, trading from that island to Labrador and the Mediterranean. On the 25th of February, 1798, when entering the Bay of Naples, the Herald was suddenly assailed by three privateers, with whom a desperate conflict ensued. In the evening of the same day, Captain Pickstock was further attacked by a felucca, armed, and full of desperate fellows, who at