Besides the many useful reforms adopted by Earl St. Vincent, for
the internal œconomy of the British Navy, his Lordship also turned
his attention to the corps of Royal Marines. Upon the 18th of
March, 1803, a new code of instructions was published for their
regulation when on shore, which vests in the four Senior Captains
of each division, the management and superintendance of many
concerns that had formerly been placed under separate departments.
It would exceed my bounds to attempt the discussion of arrangements
which are obviously well designed to promote the interests of the
public and the individual, as well as to establish a facility in
subordinate transactions. Experience, doubtless, will attest their
wisdom, and posterity recognize with gratitude their enlightened
author.
The joyous work of peace had scarcely been fulfilled, when
disappointed ambition began to wreak its rancour, through the low
channels of a venal press. Hitherto the organs of knowledge, and
sometimes of liberal opinion, the papers of republican France,
under the controul of its First Consul, became the contemptible
interpreters of degrading scurrility and the most inflammatory
philippics against the English Government. Like the noise of
the rattlesnake, they proclaimed a latent danger, while all the
public institutes of Buonaparte were levelled at the foundations
of our commercial greatness. A banditti of unauthorized agents
also set themselves down in our seaports, who, under the specious
pretexts of trade, were commissioned to explore our coasts and to
contaminate our principles. By such subtle means had the courage
and the energies of almost every State which had fallen under the
French yoke, been previously undermined, and they well merited the
instant and retaliating vengeance of a great kingdom. But war is a
serious evil, and every expedient to avert it should be tried by
a commercial Country, ere it has recourse to arms. There can be
no compromise, however, where national security and honor are at
stake. Ours were involved, and we again took up arms in defence of
our dearest birthrights.
My corps very soon met an increase of 43 companies to complete the
legislative vote for 1803. This has introduced to actual service,
all who were upon the half pay list, and produced many vacancies
upon the establishment, which, to the perpetual honor of Earl
St. Vincent, have been filled by the offspring or kindred of the
veteran Marine Officer, who have uniformly met a preference from
his Lordship, to the adopted sons of power.
A detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Collins embarked for Port
Phillips, in the Southern part of New Holland, who was nominated
Lieutenant Governor of it. His personal knowledge of the Country,
and the habitual discipline of my corps, will, I trust, unitedly
render that fertile spot, of future public benefit, and its society
of unfortunate criminals conspicuous by a reform of manners.
Few occasions, during the present war, have offered to signalize
Marine valour. Wherever they have occurred, the most powerful
incentives to the human mind, have been held out to every hero who
shall imitate such examples. The gallantry of Charles O'Reilly,
private, on board the Loire, who assisted in carrying the national
brig Venteux, and bringing her out from under the heavy batteries
of the Isle of Bas, was condescendingly noticed by the Board of
Admiralty, and he was immediately promoted, by General Averne, to
the rank of Serjeant, at the request of their Lordships. This was
likewise followed by a pecuniary recompence from the society of
Lloyd's; an institution founded in the most noble munificence, the
purest benevolence, and the most exalted patriotism.
Lieutenant Irvin, of Marines, also shewed his zeal in a detached
enterprize from the Naiad, against a French schooner at anchor in
the Saintes, which was achieved without loss.
My narrative here reaches its close, and I will not dive into
futurity. Thus much I will venture to anticipate, that whether in
union with his gallant brethren of the fleet, or blended with our
disciplined Armies on the shore, the Marine Soldier will never
forfeit that distinguished name which he now holds, of loyalty to
his King, fidelity to his Country, and unshaken valour against the
enemies of both.
If such continues to be his virtues, may he never want a patron and
a guardian! and when the Nobleman, who now so ably guides the Naval
counsels of the Nation, shall be removed from the seat of power,
either by a mortal or a political decree, may his successor, like
him, possess the disposition to recompence our merits, although
unbefriended by influence!