endeavoured, as their chief praise, to be vigilant and faithful; and, in consequence has obtained, as far as possible, authentic communications and official copies to the latter, for their assurance, are appended the formal dates, which might otherwise have been well omitted. That any thing should remain wanting, would be matter of deep regret to him, if he did not confide in the judgment of those acquainted with the nature of such a work, to whom it is rather matter of surprize that so much has been already done. His attention will continue alive to the subject; and from the attention and liberality which he has already experienced from those exalted both in talents and rank, he does not doubt, that when the utility of his labor and the justness of his intentions are evinced, when the timid shall be aroused, and the reserved propitiated, he shall be able to supply any temporary defect in the mean time, he has endeavoured that no remarkable chasm shall appear. To assist in this object, in that arrangement of the volume which he hopes may be approved, it was determined to prefix short military notices to the several divisions and sections; and, as curiosity is ever excited towards the persons of those who obtain honorable distinction, so biographical notices will also be found, wherever they could be safely or usefully placed. The increase of them, toward the close of the work, will be readily accounted for by the increased conspicuity of claims. That no invidious selection has been made, will be evident from the rank and celebrity of several who are for the present excluded. Of these notices, biographical and military, it can only be said, that while they neither extend to minute researches into private life, nor presume to any depth of political inquiry, it is hoped that they convey some traits of character not commonly marked, and not uselessly directed to higher sources of information. Notes are added at the bottom of the page, where they can illustrate without intrusion. Deformities of style, easily to be accounted for, and some clerical omissions, will require the candor of the reader. CONTENTS. I. Naval Victory of Lord Howe, 1st June 1794.... II. Operations of Lord Hood in the Mediterranean.. III. Capture of the West Indian Colonies under Sir C. IV. Blockade of Toulon, by Lord Hotham, &c. V. Action off L'Orient, Lord Bridport, &c. VI. Retreat of Admiral the Hon. W. Cornwallis |