Happy had it been for Britain, if, at this period of lurking danger, her councils had been guided by a purer consistency, and a more elevated dignity; but a fatal irritation, succeeded by concession, were but injudicious means to subdue, or to appease a spirit that began to cherish the ideas of future emancipation.
Political discussions fall not within my province, but as being introductory to that issue which compels an appeal to the sword. The events of 1765, led to the American rebellion, and as but very few incidents appear at all connected with my subject, my review, upon this interval of time being uninteresting, must of course be concise.
The Marine Soldier was naturally a companion in these dangers and hardships which marked the progress of those scientific characters, who were employed by an enlightened Country, in fixing the intercourse between man and man, in exploring regions hitherto unknown, and in extending the dominions and the commerce of their native island.
Sometimes, indeed, he was obliged reluctantly to draw the trigger against the uncivilized savage—but it was his duty, and only in self-defence.
It was not until the year 1771 that the Corps of Marines felt the fostering influence of a patron and a friend.
Earl Sandwich, placed at the head of the Admiralty, was now enabled to realize a system he had long entertained in his thoughts; he beheld us orphans, and he adopted us as his children.
From him originated the Colonels Commandant of Divisions, and many of these interior regulations, which, for their œconomy and wisdom, do honor to the establishment.
His Lordship, by a Memorial to the Throne, soon after his accession to power, obtained an order of Council to enlarge the number of Field Officers.
These happy reforms held out a hope to the veteran, from which he had till now been precluded, that of being at the head of a Division.