PRINTED AND SOLD BY M. SWINNEY, No. 75, HIGH-STREET;
SOLD ALSO BY T. EGERTON, MILITARY-LIBRARY, WHITEHALL; MESSRS. RICHARDSON,
ROYAL EXCHANGE; MESSRS. LONGMAN AND REES, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND T. OSTELL, AVE-MARIA-LANE, LONDON.
1803.
[Illustration: _St. Jean d'Acre in Syria._
_Memorable for its Gallant Defence by a Body of Seamen, and Marines
under Sr. Sidney Smith, & Colonel, now Sr. John Douglas Knt.
&c. &c. against BUONOPARTE, & the Flower of the French Egyptian
Army._]
[Illustration]
_Most Gracious Prince_,
With mixed sentiments of Loyalty and Gratitude, I now lay the
following Work under your Royal Shelter.
In having deigned to become its Patron your Royal Highness
has placed me under a double tie, as it is a precious mark of
condescension bestowed upon myself, enhanced in value from its
being a sure earnest of predilection for my Corps.
To cherish Patriotism, Subordination and Allegiance, is the bounden
duty of every subject; but more peculiarly so, during times of
public danger, and of general convulsion. This has been my leading
aim, not by the displays of Theory, but of Facts.
Conscious that such were my predominant motives, and anxious to
maintain consistency throughout, I looked around for a Protector
who united within himself all those exalted endowments which I have
laboured to establish. My eyes turned towards your Royal Highness,
and my pen did not solicit in vain.
With talents filled for an honorable discharge of the most
important trusts; early trained in the hardy employs of a
profession which has long been the prop of the British Empire;
and a Prince of the greatest Realm on earth, your Royal Highness
has nobly foregone all those pre-eminent claims, and with a
manly humility, you have associated yourself, in arms, with the
Volunteers of your Country.
Although the field of glory may not be so wide as on that element
for which your Royal Highness was destined from your youth, and
where you are so well qualified to shine, still you have exhibited
the brightest example to Englishmen, and by it alone, you have
already rendered the most signal services.
The deed, august Prince, will be reviewed by Posterity with all the
generous feelings of Britons; and it must convince the collected
hosts of a rapacious enemy, now arrayed for the avowed purpose of
overturning our Religion, our Liberties, and our Laws, of the many
serious dangers which they must encounter, ere they can subdue
those Isles, where but one spirit pervades, and animates every
rank, from the Palace to the Cottage.
Were I allowed to penetrate into futurity, and were your energies
to be ever called forth, I should then behold your Royal Highness
emulating the recognized valour of your illustrious Ancestors, by
deeds of heroic gallantry against the foes of your revered Father,
and of his Throne; but I will forbear to dwell upon the issues of
an after day.
Whether it shall be your lot to wave your banner or your flag in
combat against the enemies of our land, may victory and success
ever follow in your train, and may your Royal Highness enjoy the
honorary recompence of a Brave Nation, annexed to its habitual
respect for your public virtue, and your private worth!
Such, Most Gracious Prince, are the cordial wishes of one, who
has the distinguished privilege of attesting that fidelity and
devotion, with which he remains,
Your Royal Highness's,
Very attached,
And most obedient humble Servant,