Revised Jun 6 2021

No. 12. J. M. Heywood Esq'r. to Miss N. Heywood

London June 22d. 1792

My dear Madam.

I observe what Commodore Pasley says relative to your Brother's unfortunate Situation as well as the rest of your two last most affecting Letters; & as I most sincerely sympathize with your Family, wish it was in my power to give you all possible Consolation. I am perfectly persuaded that he is of an amiable Character, & naturally well disposed; & tho' you have every reason to believe that he has been in this Instance drawn aside to join in the Mutiny, the goodness of his Heart will I fear avail him little when he is convicted of a Crime, which, viewed in a political Light, is of the blackest Dye, highly aggravated by the Circumstances of Cruelty to his Commander & the Crew who were driven from the ship & exposed to those Hardships & Dangers which are too well known. Feeling as every true Friend of his Country does for the discipline upon which must depend the prosperity of the Navy, who of distinguished Character will be ready to intercede for Men who shall be found guilty of such an Offence? — But I will drop the painful subject, after adding & repeating, that I will do every thing in my power to serve your unhappy Brother: & tho' the present Prospect is gloomy, I trust that some Circumstances will appear in his Favor, which may induce his Majesty to pardon him, shou'd he be condemned. I wou'd by no means buoy you up with delusive Hopes of his Acquittal; but I wou'd on the other Hand dissuade you from giving way to despair. — With my warmest Wishes that his Character may be cleared to the satisfaction of the World & the Comfort of his Family.

I remain dear Miss Heywood

  your most faithful

    Friend and serv't.

      J: M: Heywood