of Cherbourg), which are returned by the bearer. He will be able to receive Sir John's commands, if he will take the trouble of calling at the Admiralty to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock.

Admiralty, 25th January 1787.

III.

EARL ST VINCENT, FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY.

To Sir John Sinclair, Bart. M. P.

MY DEAR SIR,

Whether there is virtue enough in the country to permit the operation of any measure for the preservation of it, is to be seen; but sure I am, that if the plunder and depredation committed in every branch of the naval department, and the profligate manner in which the public money has been wasted, is not put a stop to, there will soon be an end of every thing dear to us. Having done my duty in pointing out the only mode to effect a radical cure, and left the nomination of the Commissioners to the wisdom and judgment of the House of Commons, I have only to hope that you, and all others who have turned their minds to this important subject, will render every assistance to the commission in your power.

Believe me to be, with great regard and esteem, my Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

Rochetts, 23d December 1802.

ST VINCENT.

I have been compelled by ill health to retire from town, which I the less regret, because, if the bill now before the House of Lords does not speak for itself, no argument of mine would avail.

ST VT.

IV.

LORD VISCOUNT NELSON.

Having sent a copy of my "Thoughts on the Naval Strength of the British Empire," to Lord Nelson, I had the pleasure of receiving the following communication in return:

DEAR SIR,

Merton, Dec. 8. 1801.

I had the honour of receiving, through the hands of Mr Mollison, your very elegant present of a book, to the subject of which too much attention cannot be paid; and without a compliment, no man in the country is so able to place this important matter in its proper view before the public. I can hardly believe, however anxious I have endeavoured to deserve it, the high compliment you are pleased to bestow upon me. But, Dear Sir, I beg you to be assured, that I am, with every sentiment of obligation, your most obedient servant,

NELSON & BRONTE.

Having to preside at a dinner of the Society for encouraging the Fisheries, I applied to Lord Nelson for his attendance, knowing well how much it would promote the success of the meeting. To that application I had the honour of receiving the subjoined answer:

SIR,

Merton, May 13. 1802.

My state of health absolutely prevents my having the pleasure of dining with the Society for encouraging the Fisheries, though no purpose can be more truly patriotic, or deserving the attention of every friend to his country. I had proposed yesterday doing myself the honour of calling upon you, but I was to my sorrow prevented, as I wish much to be pre

viously known to a gentleman of your great and useful knowledge, and who so laudably carries it into effect, for the benefit of his country. I have the honour to be, Sir, with the highest respect, your most obliged and obedient servant, NELSON & BRONTE.

Sir John Sinclair, Bart.

The battle of Aboukir, and that of Trafalgar, are certainly the two most extraordinary events recorded "in Naval History;" and of all the brave officers who adorned the reign of George the Third, Lord Nelson was the most distinguished for brightness of genius. It may be said, indeed, that he saw every thing as if by inspiration. Massena maintained that the great quality of a General was, to have a coup d'œil; but Nelson proved, that in naval combats, to be possessed of a coup d'esprit, was the talent to be wished for.

V.

LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN.

Being informed that a number of Dutch fishermen would probably be found in the ships captured by Lord Duncan at Camperdown, I wrote his Lordship, to know if that was the case; because, in that event, it might be possible to prevail upon a portion of them to engage in the fisheries upon our But from Lord Duncan's answer, it appears that few Dutch fishermen were employed on board their ships of war.

coasts.

MY DEAR SIR,

Although I am at present overwhelmed with letters, at the same time preparing for the reception of his Majesty here, will not put off a moment acknowledging the receipt of yours of the 24th, this moment come to me. Your congratulations are most acceptable, and I thank you for them. As to what

you say about Dutch seamen being employed on your coasts, if my information is good, there are very few Dutch seamen in the fleet: they are made up of all nations, Swedes, Danes, Germans and English. The Admiral De Winter tells me, the people employed in the fishings are never taken out. As soon as I get a little more time shall be more particular in my inquiry, and let you know. Shall at present end with assuring you, that I am, with much esteem and regard, very sincerely your obedient, and very humble servant,

Sheerness, Oct. 29. 1797.

DUNCAN.

VI.

LORD VISCOUNT BRIDPORT.

My friend Lord Bridport was not only a superior naval officer, but an excellent agriculturist. Hence in zeal for maintaining our naval power, and improving the culture of our soil, we cordially united. It is pleasing to see the delight with which the gallant veteran anticipated turning his sword into a ploughshare, and enjoying plenty with the blessings of peace.

Letter from Admiral Lord Viscount Bridport, to Sir John Sinclair, Bart. M. P.

Cricket Lodge, April 18. 1802. Lord Bridport returns his best compliments to Sir John Sinclair, with many thanks for his very obliging note received last night, and also for the honour of his call in Harley Street, which shall be personally acknowledged soon after he again visits London.

Lord Bridport likewise feels himself much gratified by Sir John's attention to him, in sending the two books, under cover, from Mr Freeling of the Post-office, which reached him

on Friday last. That on Longevity he has read with much satisfaction; and his plan for improvement in agriculture will furnish great entertainment as well as advantage.

It is true the sword must be now turned into a ploughshare; and if the latter shall be as usefully employed, as the former has been exercised during the late war, all must enjoy plenty, under the blessings of peace. The present favourable season gives a happy prospect of the one, and it is hoped the definitive treaty will long secure the other.

VII.

ADMIRAL LORD KEITH.

I had strong reason to believe, that in March 1804, the French government had seriously resolved to invade England, or at least to make an attempt on the coast. Lord Keith had the command at Dover, and had obtained great credit for the ability with which he had managed the ships under his command. But the impression was very general, that the force employed in watching the enemy at Boulogne, or stationed at the Downs, was not sufficient, either in numbers or strength, for the service required. I therefore drew up a paper, briefly stating what occurred to me upon the subject. In that paper I earnestly begged Lord Keith, as an old friend, to consider the critical state of the country, the greatness of the stake at hazard, and how much depended upon him. I told him, that I believed our strength on land was still very insufficient, that our safety in consequence principally depended on our Navy, and in a great degree on the fleet under Lord Keith, leaving a dreadful responsibility on the commander. I added, that most probably, the French had in contemplation, not only to come out in great force, but also to try some new modes of attack, the nature of which could not be known till they were put in practice.