Rambles about Portsmouth. Sketches of persons, localities, and incidents of two centuries: principally from tradition and unpublished documents. By Charles W. Brewster.

116 RAMBLES ABOUT PORTSMOUTH.
noted in my note-book, signed by Joshua Wentworth, of
date Sept. 2, 1782, in which deserters are mentioned from
the French Fleet, that " five soldiers of the regiment of
Venois, their clothing white cuffed with blue" are particularized.
Page 359.-The house moved by me was not a dwelling
house-it was a pleasure house. It had a Dining Hall
below, and a Dining Hall above, with a Drawing Room to
each, and attached to the old house by a narrow covered
walk.
Page 390.-Woodbury Langdon was taken prisoner by
the British and was liberated by exchange. When Judge,
it seems he did'nt alwacys appear to hold courts. Complaint
was made and the House of Representatives voted and
attempted to impeach him. The Senate met on a day appointed, but Langdon paid no more attention to the order
of the Senate, than to the Statute appointing the time of
holding the courts. The Senate adjourned to the following June, voting an order for Langdon to appear, but he
paid no attention to them, and when the Senate met, he
did not appear! Still the Senate took no further notice of
the matter, and the House dropped the charges. It is probable that the Lobby or " Third House" saved him harmless.
I have thus suggested some corrections and a few additions to your " Rambles." I need not add that I have read
it through with the greatest pleasure, and I hope for my
pleasure and that of the public, as well as for the advantage of our local and general history, you will continue your
Rambles and give us another volume.
By the way, Dr. Peabody, upon the authority of Mr.
Greenleaf, has Charles Watrous' (I thinlk,-I have not a
*The name of the individual was Charles Waters. He was a foreigner, an ingenious
black ind white smith. Many anecdotes are told of him-we have room but for one. A
smith was needed'on board of a public vessel, and several appeared at the place appointed
for examination. After two or three had been interrogated, who professed to be perfect in
their art, the turn of Waters arrived. " Well, sir," said the captain, * what can you do?"
I don't know any thing," was Waters reply.'" How so'? " Why, those mn-n know every
thin), in the world, and there is nothing left for me-but just take us to the forge." With
the display of skill far above the rest, he at once secured the position.