PREFACE TO THE THIRTEENTH VOLUME

Summary

Never, since we first went out of Dock, in the year 1799, have we witnessed so tremendous a Gale, as that which has continued, nearly throughout the whole of our thirteenth Cruise; and, as the old song says,

Harder yet, it yet blows harder!

Now again the Boatswain calls.

It has indeed been dirty weather: but we have endeavoured that it should not blind our eyes: whilst the good old Ship the Britannia strained in every timber, and gave some awkward rolls, we strove to keep our little Packet steady, and to preserve whatever of value was thrown out, during the Tempest. Our Vessel was hardly large enough to stow it all away, though we removed many of our Bulk-heads; which brought on us angry and threatening words from some of our Passengers. Who must forgive us, if amidst the bustle and anxiety that has prevailed, we have lost something of our usual courtesy and condescension.

The Naval Chronicle, like all other Periodical Works, that have the smallest connection with the Political World, must sometimes vary the limits of the different subjects it embraces. And as, from its very name, it undertakes to chronicle the Naval Events of the Year, it must have a reference to the Naval Columns of the Public Prints, and to the Naval Debates of the British Senate. Nor does it follow from this, that we are negligent in procuring Philosophical Papers, Naval Literature, or Hydrographical Information.