He had sabred Frenchmen by dozens during the unsuccessful campaign in Holland under the Duke of York.

He fought his battles over again with all the ardor and energy of an Othello, and to an audience as attentive, although, it may be, not so high-born or beautiful.
There was also present during my stay a young native of the Emerald Isle, who had seen service in the British navy.

In an obstinate and bloody battle between English and French squadrons off the Island of Lissa, in the Adriatic, about nine months before, in which Sir William Hoste achieved a splendid victory, his leg had been shattered by a splinter.

After a partial recovery he had received his discharge, and was returning to his home in "dear Old Ireland," when a relapse took place, and he took refuge in the hospital.

He also could tell tales of wondrous interest connected with man-of-war life.