PREFACE TO THE TENTH VOLUME

Summary

For the period of five years, our Chronicle has now had the honour of recording the brilliant exploits of the British Navy; of illustrating the characters and actions of those heroes whose memory will be embalmed in the gratitude of posterity. It is matter of high self-congratulation, that, notwithstanding the dark cloud which has so long obscured the political hemisphere of Europe, we have completed the Tenth Volume of our labours, amidst an extensive, increased, and increasing patronage of the first Naval Characters throughout the United Kingdom, and his Majesty's colonial possessions in the East and West Indies. To preserve, and still farther to merit, this patronage, shall be our undeviating aim.

The Biographical Sketches which have hitherto appeared in the Naval Chronicle, have been distinguished by their candour and their correctness. Living characters, as being more immediately interesting to their contemporaries, have mostly received a preference of notice; but, as in the case of that brave veteran, Admiral Tyrell, in the present Volume, we have sometimes explored the records of past times, for the purpose of recalling the proud actions of the illustrious dead, as objects of emulation to their descendants. The Memoirs of living personages, most entitled to public notice in this volume, are Admiral Lord Keith, Admiral Lord Radstock, and Vice-Admiral Nugent. The transmission of authentic materials for this department of our Work, particularly when accompanied by the loan of a Portrait, is always esteemed a favour.