BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF SIR DAVID MILNE, K.C.B. REAR-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE SQUADRON

Summary

“England never has, nor never shall,

Lay at the proud foot of any Conqueror.”

“What is it that you would impart to me?

If it be ought towards the public good,

Set honor in one eye, and death i' the other,

And I will look on both indifferently:

For let the Gods so speed me, as I love

The name of honor more than I fear death.”

Shakspeare.

It is a gratifying task for the pen of Biography to record the illustrious actions of officers, who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country; and it is surely matter of regret, that so many of these gentlemen are withheld, by what may certainly be called a false modesty, from allowing their professional services to come connectedly and historically before the eye of the public, fearing the charge of vanity might be brought against them; but Englishmen have ever too highly appreciated the services of their brethren of the Ocean—their favorite defenders, to admit this objection as valid. They delight in hearing repeated the praises of their naval heroes, and in seeing them reap the merited reward of their skill and bravery—nor is the approbation of their countrymen, itself, a small reward to our officers; as every generous and right-principled mind, we are sure, must delight in receiving it.