would be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should be
examined, by some competent authority, to be established for the
purpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, on
which the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews must
continually depend, before any one, who has not already filled that
office, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of such
tonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more full
investigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite.
We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in our
course,--the greatness of our objects--the goodness of our cause--the
conviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail to
bring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolent
feelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of their
fellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, and
ultimately to insure its complete success.
Much has recently been accomplished--several noble establishments have
already been formed on our coasts--rewards for many lives preserved have
already been bestowed--infinitely more remains yet to be done--nor
should we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from their
ardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall be
surrounded by well organized branches of the Institution--until every
mariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feel
assured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which a
generous enterprise can make, supported by every means which human
foresight can arrange--and until, prompted by our example, and
witnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will have
received on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the people
of every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importance
of this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation of
similar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentially
contribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system for
the mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of the
civilised world.
WILLIAM HILLARY.
19th July, 1825.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.