"Thank ye, Ma'am, thank ye, but I am afraid you'll think me too bad."

"No, no, Mr. Toggle, but pray tell me what you require."

Why, Ma'am, the truth is, I ha'n't got a knife, and a sailor without a knife is like nothing on a stick."

"Oh! is that all, Mr. Toggle?" said my mother, laughing, shall not be long distressed for that."

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On his leaving, my mother put half a crown into his hand, desired him to purchase a knife, and requested him to come every Sunday and breakfast with us. The old man stammered, and tried to speak his thanks, but could not; his heart was too full. I perceived a tear glistening in his eye, which he carelessly brushed away with his sleeve, and making a "stern-board," backed out of the room.

He was punctuality itself in his weekly visits; and when he became more acquainted with the ladies, was highly amusing to them and on one occasion, while relating a story, he was so carried away by his "yarn,' that at a pause, he squirted the tobacco-juice over the floor. A look from my mother brought him to his recollection,-in an instant he was on both his knees, carefully wiping the carpet; but he could not recover himself sufficiently to finish his story, and for the only time, I believe, he was very glad to get out of the house. However, he never trusted himself to enter it again with the quid in his mouth.

On going down to Greenwich with a party to see the hospital, I was delighted with the old man's attention. He went with us over the whole building, with his hat in his hand, and would not be induced to put it on.

The ladies were most anxious to see the veterans at dinner. Nothing would satisfy my old friend Toggle, but that we must partake of his allowance. "I have, your honour," said he, "a couple of bottles of swipes in my locker, and perhaps the ladies may like a drop after their walk." The bottles were broached, and it was quite delightful to see the satisfied air he assumed when pouring out their contents.

On our leaving, the ladies could not be dissuaded from making a small purse for him, and I was deputed to present it. On doing so, I gave him a gentle hint of the black-list; he promised faithfully to take care, and kept the promise; at least, he was not so "misfortunate as to be diskivered."

Toggle continued his weekly visits for nearly two years. One Sunday we missed him, and became quite uneasy at his absence. I resolved the next day to go down to Greenwich, as I was confident nothing but illness, and that of a serious nature, would prevent his coming. The next morning brought me a twopenny-post letter, which confirmed my

fears. It was from Ben Hawser.

"HONOURED SIR,-This comes from Jim Toggle, only it is my writing. He hopes your honour is well, as he is at present, barring he was obleeged to go in the sick-list t'other day; where, your honour, bating Sunday, he has been a week. Jim says, your honour, if you wish to see him, you had better bear a hand, for the doctor tells him his discharge is made out for the other world. The bo's'ain knows I arn't much of a fist at writing, so no more at present from

"Your humble sarvant, until death,
"BEN HAWSER."

I hastened to the hospital, and arrived just in time to witness the last moments of the old sailor. I entered the ward unperceived, and saw Ben Hawser, with three other of Jem's messmates, standing on one side of his bed grief was depicted on their countenances,-for Toggle was beloved by all. They neither spoke nor moved, but seemed absorbed in their own thoughts. On the other side sat a clerk, attending to Toggle's nuncupative will; and at the foot of the bed stood the nurse, silent and attentive, but with a countenance which plainly indicated that such scenes were familiar to her.

I paused as I entered, and heard Toggle exclaiming, "Remember that-remember that I give my blessing, the blessing of every bluejacket, the blessing of God Almighty, to Mr. Robert Roberts, Es-qur, 5, Lincoln's Inn. I give him my watch, my--I give him" The exertion seemed too great, for his voice ceased; and on going to his bedside, he seemed to have fallen into a state of insensibility. I seated myself in the clerk's chair, took poor Toggle's hand in mine, and gazing on him for a few seconds, involuntarily exclaimed, "May heaven receive you, honest, honest tar!" The sound of my voice brought him to his recollection. I felt my hand feebly squeezed. His eyes gradually opened: a faint smile of recognition played upon his features. What, your honour, is it you? Stand off! let me see!— it is Mr. Robert Roberts, Es-qur. I die contented-I leave all my traps to your honour: and here is my 'bacco-box-it was the only gift of Sal's keep it." Again he became exhausted, and it was quite evident that a few minutes only were left to him; but, to my astonishment, he made a violent effort, and snatching something from his side, he almost raised himself upright, saying, "Avast! avast! belay there for one minute-keep this-keep this-for ever!" And, by using all the strength he had left, he thrust his Trafalgar medal into my hand. This was the last effort of nature: all he wished was accomplished. He sank gently back upon his pillow—and, without a struggle, died.

ON THE UTILITY AND ECONOMY OF THE WEST INDIA REGIMENTS.

Ir appears singular that any branch of the British army should be so little known, after an interval of forty years since their original formation, as the "West India Regiments." This circumstance may, perhaps, be thus accounted for:-At the period when they were engaged, great events in Europe, the Peninsular war,-and finally, the battle of Waterloo, so engrossed the attention of the many, that only the few, who had a personal interest in friends or property, were inclined to inquire how or by what means the "Leeward Islands' warfare" was carried on. Besides, we all feel more anxious to acquire accurate knowledge, and retain recollections of actions that take place in our own immediate quarter, than to speculate on those at a distance.

The reduction of the "West India regiments" from twelve to two, and a long interval of peace, which has lessened the number of troops required from Europe to garrison the Leeward Islands, have also contributed to prevent military men from being better acquainted with the nature of these forces; so that few, excepting those that have served in or with them, clearly understand their "utility or economy."

At all times, but more particularly at the present period, economy of human life and of government expenditure is a desideratum to be effected, if it can by reasonable and permanent measures, and without injury to the service.

That West India troops are calculated to attain both these objects; that they do so at present, in a small degree, and might in a much greater, I shall endeavour to shew by the following statement of facts; for the truth of which I can safely appeal to the experience of many general and other officers, who have served and are still serving in the "West India colonies."

The great sacrifice of human life at which the European regiments were formerly maintained in the Leeward Islands is scarcely credible. From returns of the command now before me, I find the following results in the year 1796:

The 31st regiment landed at St. Lucia 776 strong, in May, 1796; by the latter end of October following, there were only sixteen fit for duty and by March, 1797, had scarcely an officer or man left!!! The 44th, 48th, and 55th regiments, and York fusileers, all strong corps in May, 1796, lost by far the greatest part of their officers and men within the same period.

The 27th regiment lost in Grenada, from June, 1796, to February, 1797, 20 officers and 516 men. The 57th regiment lost at Grenada, during the same period, 13 officers and 605 nien. It appearing from the above returns that the mortality among the black troops was so inconsiderable, their utility became obvious, and year after year they were increased; so that in 1800, they amounted to between 4000 and 5000, and were finally augmented to 12,000 men. As the white troops were, by this augmentation, relieved from laborious and unhealthy duties, the casualties among them diminished rapidly. In 1800, the military returns shew the following results, viz. :

Thus the Europeans had decreased from 20,000 to 7000 in four years. It is true that our present loss of Europeans is very insignificant, compared with this frightful bill of mortality. The cutting down of forests, and the clearing and increased cultivation of lands in most of the unhealthy colonies, have certainly tended to diminish the mortality among the European troops, no less than the great improvement in the living and habits of military men since the period alluded to. Nevertheless, European troops, on first encountering a tropical climate, are soon miserably reduced in physical strength. Over-exertion; impru

dent exposure to the sun; intemperance; facility of gratifying the too often ruling passion of the soldier-intoxication, combine to hurry to an early grave many young and gallant fellows.

Even with regiments that have been two or three years in the climate, a change from one colony to another is generally attended with serious loss of life. It may be asked, why are corps removed when such consequences are sure to follow? The answer is, it would be neither beneficial nor just to quarter one regiment always at the most healthy, and another at the most unhealthy station.

Are we then, it may be asked, to have no European troops in the West Indies? Certainly we are; for as long as Great Britain retains the Leeward Islands, she must furnish troops for their protection; and for this purpose it would be neither safe nor expedient to rely solely on the African soldiers. The only measure, therefore, to be adopted is, to render the duty as light and innoxious to our European regiments as possible. This very measure the West India corps alone are capable of effecting, and for the following reasons:

First, they can endure the burthen and trial of the service. Secondly, they can execute the duties that must be done in the day, when the heat of the sun is so injurious to Europeans. Thirdly, they can garrison unhealthy posts for years, where white men would perish in a few months. Fourthly, they can act in situations where inducements tempt and opportunity permits the white soldiers to commit excess. I would not be understood by this last assertion to cast the slightest imputation on the discipline of "regiments of the line,"-far from it. The decrease of crime and mortality in them affords convincing proof that their internal economy is justly and efficiently conducted; but all officers must allow, who have served in the West Indies in different garrisons, and with different regiments, that dissipation and unnecessary exposure to climate should, above all things, be avoided with the white soldier.

The following are among the principal duties of West India garrisons which cause the greatest mortality among European troops :-Guards that have to march a fatiguing distance from their barracks, as from Morne Fortuné to Castries, St. Lucia; or the town guard in St. Vincent. Out-post duty in swampy situations, as at the Dock-yard, Antigua; Sea Fort, Trinidad, &c. &c. Unhealthy garrisons, as Prince Rupert's, Dominica. Low and marshy situations, where intermittent fevers and ague are most injurious to Europeans, as Essequibo, Berbice, Cocorite, Trinidad, and many other such places. Non-commissioned officers' guards in towns where rum-stores and grog-shops in every direction invite the too-thirsty European to allay his thirst with (frequently) a poisonous and adulterated spirit.

Of those duties some are, but all ought to be, taken by black soldiers, and for the following reasons:

1st, In the West Indies the African is "in his element;" the heat of the noonday sun, which to the European soldier (clothed in warm regimentals, and burthened with musket and heavy accoutrements) is a source of painful annoyance and great bodily fatigue, is unfelt by him. 2dly, The negroes generally dislike ardent spirits, and if they do use it, it is with moderation. The religion of some tribes (the Mandingoes for instance) forbids the drinking of it altogether. Now I do not mean to

hold the black troops up as models for the Temperance societies, but let any one compare the court martial and defaulters' books of an European and West India corps of equal strength, and he will find that the proportion of men tried for " habitual drunkenness" in the latter will not amount to a tithe of the former.

3d, You may march and counter-march them during the hottest time of the twenty-four hours without their being distressed or making complaints. 4th, Two nights in bed are sufficient for them; consequently, one half the number would suffice to perform the duty allotted to Europeans, who have four or five nights. Nay, I have known them (the black troops) at Antigua and St. Lucia to have but one, and yet no troops could be more efficient, contented and healthy. Officers that have served in West India corps are aware that more than three nights in bed is rather injurious than beneficial to their men.

In proof of my assertion I may mention, that at the present time one regiment of African soldiers is detached to eight different colonies*, exclusive of the head-quarters, (consisting of two companies,) which has five detachments among all the colonies. The laborious share of the garrison and fatigue duties is borne by them, as far as their numbers admit, besides supplying orderlies to the general and staff officers; and the strength of this corps is what?—590 rank and file !-fifty below its establishment; and many of these men have served twenty-five, thirty, and even thirty-five years. That the duties required of them are efficiently performed, is at once proved from the anxiety evinced by the general officers who have them in their colonies, to obtain more of them from the head-quarters. With even the full complement of 639 rank and file, the colonies which absolutely require them could not be supplied. As it is, I have no hesitation in asserting that 590 men are doing duty equivalent to twelve companies (1008 rank and file) of the line, allowing them two nights in bed; it would, therefore, be but just and reasonable that they should be allowed this rest, at least, in every garrison where they are employed.

I do not mean it to be supposed that I would desire to see the European troops remain in idleness and inactivity in the West Indies. On the contrary, I would have them labour and exercise frequently to preserve their health; but it should be at proper hours, and in suitable Occupations. Much of the duty now performed by them, and which is destructive to their health, can be executed equally well, and with perfect impunity by the black troops. By attention to these points, a considerable diminution of the numbers annually sent home as invalids would be effected, while there would be a corresponding decrease in the "drafts" required from the reserve companies to complete the esta blishments, besides a very considerable reduction of expense in pensioning men debilitated after a short service.

While on the subject of the "utility" of the West India regiments, it may not be irrelevant, and it certainly is but just to mention, that on