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.
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.