My father would repair to the grog-shops to have a dance and carouse
with his messmates, and my mother would not accompany him to such a
vulgar place; consequently he went alone, was out very late, coming home
very drunk, if indeed he came home at all. Moreover, the wives and
companions of the other seamen would insult her when she walked out, for
pretending to be better than they were.

One day when she was walking out arm-in-arm with my father, unluckily
she was met by one of her Woolwich acquaintances. This was the severest
stroke of all, as she had intended to return to Woolwich; but now she
was discovered, and avoided by one party, as well as insulted by the
other. I cannot defend my mother's conduct; nor indeed was she deserving
of pity, as her treatment had been brought about by her own folly and
pride. The effect of all this was, however, that of souring her temper
still more; and the constant vituperation poured out upon my father so
roused his indignation that one evening, when more than usually
intoxicated, the "lady's ladies' maid" received such a severe box on the
ear that the one candle turned to a general illumination. This blow was
never forgotten nor forgiven, although my father was very sorry for it,
and begged her pardon the next day, with promises of amendment.

Just at this time the French Revolution commenced, and there was
expectation of a war with France; the press-gangs were ordered out, and
the seamen, aware of it, remained concealed until they should leave the
town. But my mother had made up her mind. She found out an officer who
commanded one of the press-gangs, gave her address, and, having supplied
my father with spirits until he was stupefied, she let in the gang, and
before morning my father was safe on board of the tender lying off the
Tower. This treachery on her part my father did not discover until some
time afterward; and it was the occasion of a scene between them, as I