PREFACE TO THE ELEVENTH VOLUME

Summary

Having now reached our Eleventh Mile Stone, we may be allowed to sit down by it, amidst the fervid heat of the weather, for a few minutes, and reflect on our past and subsequent labours.

Of the different periodical works that have been established in this Island, none has appeared so difficult and arduous to the Editor, as the Naval Chronicle. Confined to one particular line, he is obliged to search for Variety, and Information, in a department where every avenue is guarded with a watchful and strange suspicion: The very appointments in the Profession, instead of being inserted in the Gazette, as is the case with the Army, are only given to the Public through the uncertain medium of a newspaper; or in the Monthly List, which the industry of the late Mr. Steele established. And when we add to this, the spirit of party and of jealousy which pervades the Profession, we may truly affirm, that we have sometimes sought for truth, “e'en at the cannon's mouth.”

An extensive acquaintance with the Profession, has, however, enabled us to give some valuable Memoirs of living Officers, not withstanding these obstacles, which have thrown considerable light on the Naval History of our Country. The Debate that has taken place, respecting the Ships captured by Lord Hood at Toulon, has called the attention of many persons to our valuable Biographical Memoir, and Public Papers respecting that Officer.