A FALSE HEART.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 196, 24 February 1877, Page 2

A FALSE HEART.

On the 29th of April. 1795, a naval courtmartial which had created considerable excitement, and lasted for sixteen days, came to a conclusion. The officer tried was Captain Anthony James Pye Molloy, of H.M. ship “ Caesar, ” and the charge brought against him was, that he did not bring his ship into action, and exert himself to the utmost of his power, in the memorable battle of the Ist June, 1794. The charge in effect was the disgraceful one of cowardice ; yet Molloy had frequently proved himself to be a brave sailor. The Court decided that the charge had been made good ; but, having found, that on many previous occasions Captain Molloy’s courage had been unimpeachable, he was simply sentenced to be dismissed his ship, instead of the severe penalty of death. A very curious story is told to account for this example of the ‘ fears of the brave. 1 It is said that Molloy had behaved dishonorably to a young lady of whom ho was betrothed. The friends of the lady wished to bring an action of breach of promise against the inconstant captain, but she declined doing so, saying that God would punish him. Some time afterwards, they accidentally met in a public room or Ball. She steadily confronted him, while he, drawing back, mumbled some incoherent apology. The lady said, ‘ Captain Molloy you are a bad man. I wish you the greatest curse that can befall a British officer. When the day of battle comes, may your false heart fail you.” His subsequent conduct and irremediable disgrace formed the fulfilment of her wish.