PREFACE.

THE

HE design of the writer, or, more properly speaking, the compiler of the following sheets, is to exhibit the character of a devout soldier, who, though he was respectable in his profession, and amiable in every point of view, merits regard chiefly as a subject of grace. The temptations peculiar to a military life, and the discouragements to vital religion, with which it abounds, sufficiently account for the few examples on record of those who have distinguished themselves from their contemporaries by an open avowal of the principles, and a practical obedience to the precepts of the gospel. A regard however to the best interests of the state as well as a charitable concern for the happiness of so large a portion of our fellow citizens should excite the serious, and well-disposed christian to turn his thoughts, and employ his means on the best way of remedying these evils, and ameliorating the moral condition of the army. Who can reflect without grief, that the noblest incentive to true

courage, and the only source of genuine peace in a dying hour should have so little influence on those, who are "in deaths oft," and whose whole lives may be said to be devoted to perils. Policy and justice require of a christian country to disseminate religious knowledge among her defenders; and to obviate as much as possible the singular disadvantages in which her cause involves them. When the gospel of the Redeemer is known, cherished, and felt in our army and navy; when both officers and privates are emboldened by religious principle, our country need be under no anxiety as to the issue of contests justly engaged in; nor need those, who fight our battles, be concerned for the event. "One shall then chase a thousand," for then we may confidently say, greater is He that is for us, than all that can be against us."

Sincerely as the christian patriot bewails the scarcity of pious examples among those who are bred to arms, he rejoices however that there are some whose lives adorn both their religious and military callings. Of this description was the subject of these memoirs. Providence saw fit to blast his early hopes of attaining to eminence in his profession, by permitting the sword of the enemy to disable him in the first encounter, and in the flower of his youth. But when he ceased to fight

his country's battles in the field, he did not cease to be a useful member of society: his services were but transferred; for he who cheerfully had bled on Indian plains, became a praying saint on British ground, and effectually contributed his support to the beloved land of his nativity by personal religion; by earnest wrestlings with God; by unwearied exertions to relieve both temporal and spiritual distress; to impart pious instruction to the ignorant; and to train up his children and the infant poor in the knowledge of their duty to God and man.

The surviving friend, whose pen has presented this sketch to the public, will not be charged with culpable partiality by those who knew the original. He has drawn his materials from authentic sources. The greater part has been selected from the manuscripts of the deceased, certainly by him never designed for publication; and whatever else is supplied, came from his own observation, and from those, who communicated to him what they had witnessed with their own eyes and ears. Much indeed might have been added from the hand-writing of Lieutenant Governor Melvill, of a nature to interest the serious reader; but enough will have been given, if the hearts of those who peruse the following pages should be led, from the display of grace and mercy in his experience, to

seek to become partakers of the same inestimable blessings.

If the example of him who has fought the good fight and finished his course, should excite a spirit of imitation and holy emulation, the compiler will feel abundantly rewarded for his labour, and no longer regret that it did not devolve on one, who might have done more justice to the subject.