At this time the respective rank between the sea and land Officers was decreed by his Majesty, and an order issued for an exact uniformity of dress throughout the naval service.
Amongst the many reductions which now progressively took place, during 1748, and the early part of the ensuing year, may be remarked the total extinction of the Marine establishment, the Officers of which, at these successive periods, were placed on half pay.
[CHAP. XVIII.]
Peace having been proclaimed upon the 2d of February, 1749, the liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its disbanded servants.
The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper field for improvement, and it readily occurred to him, as a fit occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that might have otherwise been let loose upon society.
Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its numbers.
Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different descriptions were also invited to become adventurers, under similar inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent happiness of these military colonists.