LE DU TEILLAY

' A Dieu vat ! '

The 19th June 1745, towards dawn, on the poop of a little vessel anchored at Bonne Anse, distant about 6 kilomètres from Saint Nazaire, at the mouth of the Loire, a young ecclesiastic, his eyes raised to heaven, waving his hat with a noble and graceful gesture, pronounced this old word of comniand of the French uavy, at once the signal for action in important circumstances and a pions prayer.

The tide going out, the sparkling sun risiug in the horizon, the wind, a light gentle breeze from the east, was most favourable, everything betokened a prospérons voyage. The lips of the Abbé had scarcely uttered the formula when the light ship, spreading out her white sails, already set towards the east, left her solitary anchorage.

The Du Teillay'} line privateer (corsaire) of only 150 tons, armed wiih 18 cannons, 14 pierriers [' pateroro,' a kind of mortar], and a crew carefuUy chosen and drilled, belonged to Mr. Anthony Walsh, 'marchant à la fosse,' that is merchant shipowner of Nantes. The vessel was considered oue of the best sailers of the river. The group on the poop, in front of whom stood the Abbé, who contrary to custom had given the sailing orders, had just arrived. On the

' [The author died ia 1902, bat his widow has giveo cordial consent to the publication of the two quotatioas translated from the work. — Tr.]

- The English or French historians who Write of the expédition of Charles Edward call this vessel L'X Dontelle, La Doutelle, La Dentelle, La Duthil, Le Du Tilly. M. Du Teillay, then Comiiiissary of the iVIariiie at Nantes, without aay donbt gave his name to the privateer of JVIr. Walah. Almost everywhere the Du Teillay is stated as carrying

35 guns. The 'rôle d'armement' (list or register of equipments) for 1745 does not, it is believed, exist, but we hâve that of 1744 which preceded it, and which we follow. The small tonnage, as well as the necessity of not overloading a vessel which ought in case of need to give chase with the greatest swiftnaps, absolutely excludes so disproportionate a number of guus. Mellinet, in his Histoire de la Commune et de la Milice de iVareii'SjSays that 'La Doutelle, avait 35 canons et portait 1800 sabres, 1200 fusils et 48,000i.'

rather steep beach two or three men holding the bridles of panting horses covered with foam watched the departure. In a word, according to the wellknown expression, thèse persons embarked surreptitiously (?) ^ . . .

Anthony Walsh, as a practical and experienced seaman, made a minute inspection of his ship, now in full course to the high sea. Three miles beyond the island of ' Pilier,' a vessel which appeared to be cruising about, exchanged signais with the Du Teillay and lay to near. A boat brought on board a personage whom the shipowner received with friendly attention, and in Company with whom he went to the Abbé's cabin, having previously appointed a confidential officer to replace him [Walsh] to turn away indiscreet visitors, and only to disturb him in a case of extrême necessity.

' My Lord,' said he, with respect! ul déférence, ' we are spinning aloog rapidly. No sail is in sight, may God always protect you thus. Hère is Captain Douaud, commanding the King's ship, the Elisabeth, equipped by your faithful subjects residing at Nantes, and under the escort of which we shall navigate in full security.' The Abbé smiled amiably and held out his hand, which the brave sailor, kneeling ou one knee, kissed respectfully. ' I can assure Your ïïonour,' said he, ' that I will resist, that I will fall, if it must be, to protect Your Grâce and enable you to reach Scotlaud. That is my mission, I am justly proud of it, and shall not fail in it.'

' Thanks, Gentlemen, thanks,' rejoined the Abbé, visibly affected. ' Just now, watching the noble laud of Brittauy disappearing, I could not overcome my sentiments of gratitude and admiration for its cordial hospitality, for its gênerons réception. Oh ! that Christian and touching vow which you wished to hear me prouounce at the outset of our enterprise, has made a profound impression on me. What a country is France ! '

' We shall certainly be chased or attacked by English vessels,' continued the Abbé. ' It is therefore important to know the arrangements made, the measures settled, in view of this occurrence.'

' You are at home hère, my Lord,' said the shipowner. ' The Du Teillay, her cargo, specie, arms, ammunition, crew, passengers, captain, are Yours, belong to you entirely. The Elisabeth will beat the enemy. We shaU continue to sail towards Scotland.'

' What 1 my f riends will fight, and we shall fly from the danger ! We shall abandon theni ! Oh no, no Sir, that cannot be, that shall not be,' cried the false Abbé, energetically clasping his'hands with a gesture of uuspeakable supplication. . . . The others, especially Mr. Walsh, succeeded in conviucing the impetuous young man. He appeared to give in to their reasoning and became calm again, contemplating the manly and energetic face of the owner of the ship, so devoted and uuassuming. . . .

' [' Embarquaient par-dessus bord.' — Te.]

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