Six years in the navy myself, and twenty-eight years a soldier, I flatter myself my judgement will not prove erroneous.

That Power, my dear Peter, of whose grace and mercy you seem to have so just a sense, will not now forsake you.

Your dear aunt is as must be expected in such a trying situation, but more from your present sufferings than any apprehension of what is to follow,' &c.
With similar testimonies and most favourable auguries from Commodore Pasley, the Rev.Dr.Scott, of the Isle of Man, and others, young Heywood went to his long and anxiously expected trial, which took place on the 12th September, and continued to the 18th of that month.

Mrs.Heywood had been anxious that Erskine and Mingay should be employed as counsel, but Mr.
Graham, whom Commodore Pasley had so highly recommended, gave his best assistance; as did also Mr.Const, who had been retained, for which the Commodore expresses his sorrow, as sea officers, he says, have a great aversion to lawyers.

Mr.Peter Heywood assigns a better reason; in a letter to his sister Mary he says, that 'Counsel to a naval prisoner is of no effect, and as they are not allowed to speak, their eloquence is not of the least efficacy; I request, therefore, you will desire my dear mother to revoke the letter she has been so good to write to retain Mr.Erskine and Mr.Mingay, and to forbear putting herself to so great and needless an expense, from which no good can accrue.