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!