CHAP. XXXVII.

CHAP. XXXVII.

The public measures during 1783, were more precautionary than hostile, tending chiefly to guard against contingencies, and to be ready to resume our arms, if necessary, with effect, in every quarter of the world.

Peace was most ardently desired by all the contending Powers, and its attainment was marked by sincerity and cool discussion. America foresaw a disorganized army and impoverished resources, while France and Spain, feeling their quickly decaying finances, most cordially united to accelerate the happy event. The decisive battle of the 12th of April, and their signal repulse from Gibraltar, had also due weight in the scale of consideration and expediency.

Amidst the awful storm, Britain began to emerge, by degrees, from under the heavy cloud which had long overcast her political horizon, and to reclaim her ancient seat amongst the nations. Every subordinate occasion that called forth her Naval energies, seemed to display a spirit worthy of the brightest periods of her Maritime glory.

However delicate the topic, I am still induced to notice the reiterated instances of baneful mutiny in our Fleet, during this year of returning tranquillity. It is a lamentable truth that examples of indiscipline were as common as they were successful, and to the plan of compromise which was then pursued, may be traced, in part, that predilection for revolt which agitated the minds of our Seamen during the late contest—crimes, for which their unparalleled achievements have amply atoned to their Country, but such as never can find a palliative within their own breasts, or an extenuation from any pen that is guided by an impartial impulse.

The demonstrations of loyalty and zeal, in every Marine Detachment, during this turbulent era, although not realized by deeds, still evinced a readiness to seal them with their lives, in the support of good order. These fatal means which were used to appease the spirit, hushed his murmurs indeed, but they invigorated the growth of the untamed monster. After the various and meritorious services of the Marine corps, during two successive wars, at a time when their loyal zeal was conspicuous to their Country, when their utility and subordination were in every mouth, a heavy reduction in its establishment took place. It was with equal surprize, and general regret, that this faithful body of men became limited to 4495, and to 70 companies, with a parsimonious allowance of Field Officers. Such a popular branch of the public force was evidently small for supplying the ships of war in commission, and for the important duties of guarding our naval arsenals. But as the judicious policy of the present day, has adopted a more liberal and patriotic system respecting the corps of Marines, I deem myself precluded from that range of comment upon the method of anterior times, which I should have otherwise felt an authority to claim.

Another vindictive conflict occurred in the East, but without any important consequences; in which Sir Edward Hughes, as hitherto, nobly maintained the honor of the British flag, against Admiral Suffrein and superior numbers. The sound of peace soon after reached their ears, and closed all their differences.

Acts of generous hospitality, and works of mercy in the western world, superseded stratagem in war, and the thirst of fame.

Prince William Henry, now his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, whom professional zeal had carried to that quarter, was at the cessation of hostilities, under that able master, Lord Hood. Since his entry into the Navy he had shewn a peculiar attention to every branch of its duties, and had afforded the earliest presage of the most distinguished talents upon its hazardous, but popular element. A princely wish to qualify himself for this honourable calling, had urged him to forego all the luxuries of his station, and to risk a life naturally dear to his august family, and deservedly valued by all who had the privilege of his intercourse, in a clime, where no one can count upon to-morrow. It was not his lot, indeed, to wage war in it, but to behold the refined manners of a gallant enemy tranquillized into a cordial friend, and to be the Agent of Providence in rescuing, from a seemingly irrevocable doom, some of his condemned countrymen, whose misguided patriotism had stimulated disaffection within the Spanish Province of Louisiana.

The elegant attentions of Mons. de Bellecomb, at Cape Francois, were still outdone by the noble humanity of Governor Don Galvez. This brave Spaniard placed the forfeited lives of those unfortunate delinquents, at his Royal disposal. It was the most precious gift that could have been tendered to a British Prince—who was recognized under this great and solemn offering as sharing in all the generous sympathies of an Englishman. The hour which permitted him to restore those wretched victims, in a foreign land, to their native society, must be reviewed as the happiest of his life. It must still yield many a consoling reflection in his retirement, and although restrained from adding to the triumphs of our Realm, by deeds of carnage, he may yet rejoice that he stands upon the records of mercy and benevolence by the most exalted displays of fellow feeling.

By the definitive articles of peace America found herself an Independent Empire. Recent injuries alienated her citizens from our Country; but similarity of manners, the dictates of interest, and allayed prejudices must, ere long, re-unite us in the bonds of friendship. The retreat of Washington from the head of her Armies, unambitious of recompense or power, forms one of the grandest examples of human virtue ever given to the world, and must immortalize his name through every stage of its existence.

Holland was compelled to suppress her phlegm, and to mourn over her degraded character, and commercial losses.

Few incidents of moment occurred within the intervals of 1783 and 1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of Officers and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales, occurred in 1785 which has eventually afforded scope for the able pen of Lieutenant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto given grounds for asserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In other respects the same dull routine of detached services took place from year to year. During this period also many were the suppliant petitions of our establishment for its melioration, but sorry I am that, on casting an eye upon the details of each revolving season, they are unmarked by any auspicious results, excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the addition of 5 companies in 1791.

It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in strengthening their claims for favor.