PREFACE.

AMONGST the manifold dispensations of Divine Providence, there are none more conspicuous or more beneficial than that which sanctions the appearance from time to time of certain individuals, whose characters are calculated to operate as beacon-warnings against the practice of evil, or to act as powerful incentives to the performance of good. To expect infallibility from man would be totally inconsistent with a knowledge of the frailty of human nature; and therefore, whilst contemplating Nelson as the devoted patriot and the intrepid hero, no one can be wholly blind to imperfections in his private life, which, however, it must be admitted, resulted from no partiality to error, but to a certain weakness unhappily too frequent in great minds that of bending their whole attention to one particular object, in the furtherance of which all their energies and talents are employed, and suffering themselves in moments of relaxation to be led and even governed by inferior capacities, in what they are too apt to consider the minor affairs of existence.

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This was peculiarly the case with Nelson he was himself fully sensible of it, and keen reflection embittered many hours that would otherwise have probably been passed in happiness. But it is his ardent love of country, his fervent attachment to his profession, his acute skill and accurate judgment in nautical affairs, that the historian has principally to deal with, and in all these the hero of many battles stands unrivalled and pre-eminent. But there is yet another trait which beautifully cements the whole together the conqueror's humble and sincere gratitude to God, for rendering him the ment of deliverance to his native land. The seamen loved him, for he was one of themselves both in theory and practice the nation confided in him, for the rulers well knew that he would not betray the honour of his country. The affections of his men, and the veneration of his officers, were far more precious to his amiable heart than all the smiles of courtly favour, or the rich distinctions that were showered upon him. His titles, his orders, he valued more as evidences of England's glory, than as conferring personal exaltation upon himself; and the triumphs of that proud flag, which for a thousand. years has braved the battle and the breeze," were the dearest rewards to his noble spirit. In every thing connected with the service, he felt a deep and stirring interest from the correct trim of a sail in his own ship, to the promotion he demanded for his compatriots in victory, and the encouragement he solicited for all ranks throughout the Navy. It was

chiefly, however, in the eager watching of an enemy's port, or in the keen pursuit of an enemy's fleet, that his genius shone forth with its full resplendence; and his arrangements for an attack, as well as the avidity with which he seized upon any supposed advantage, plainly indicated, that whilst he had closely studied the former, he also possessed an intuitive quality of mind with respect to the latter that never misled him. His was not the valour that arises from mere animal courage—but it proceeded from nice discernment, sustained by daring intrepidity, and prompted by a conviction that the cause he was engaged in was a just one. Indeed, in whatever light we view the character of this illustrious seaman, there is a brilliancy that dazzles the eye, and sheds a fervid glow that gratifies and warms the heart. Let the young officer track his career from his first embarkation in the Navy, to the period that he lay enclosed in the coffin made from the main-mast of L'Orient, and he will find a splendid example, which nothing should deter him from endeavouring to emulate. Difficulties may present themselves dangers may threaten - obstacles apparently insurmountable may obstruct the way Nelson has shown that patience, perseverance, and prudence, can overcome them all.

The insular situation of Great Britain renders her wooden bulwarks the best possible defence; but these would be useless without those gallant defenders, who, whether commanding on the quarter-deck, or handling the gun-tackle falls at quarters, must be the

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main-stay of Britain's power and influence. orchestras may charm the ear and feed the national pride of our countrymen with "Rule Britannia," but let it never be forgotten that it is to the gallant tar we are indebted for our naval supremacy, and may honest gratitude be manifested by deeds, and not evaporate in a musical effusion!

To add another trophy to the memory of Nelson, by commemorating his acts, is praiseworthy, and therefore merits patronage. A generous country will appreciate the motives of the historian, and the aspiring mariner, by perusing and striving to imitate the excellence pointed out in the following pages, will meet with a reward adequate to his exertions.

Fellow Countrymen and Brother Tars, it is a seaman speaks to you; and his earnest request is that you will constantly bear in remembrance, so as to reduce to practice, the telegraphic signal of Nelson at Trafalgar

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ENGLAND EXPECTS THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY.'"

THE OLD SAILOR.