the command of his majesty's fleet in the Mediterranean. There
cannot be any secrecy in this thing; because, before more
than fifty brother officers, I declared my resolution at
Portsmouth. Until I have the order to hoist my flag, I cannot
be certain; but I am very much inclined to think eventually
that I shall have the honour and the happiness of commanding
those fine fellows whom I saw in the spring in the Downs, and
lately at Portsmouth. My short stay at Admiral Campbell's had
impressed me with very favourable ideas of the improved state
of the navy; but my residence at Portsmouth has afforded me
ample opportunity of examining, and consequently of having
a perfect judgment of the high and correct discipline now
established in the king's service. * * * I could not resist
what I felt; and reasons, both public and private, urged me to
make the offer I have already mentioned, and I hope I shall be
gratified.--I remain, dear sir, yours, &c.

"WILLIAM."

These zealous sentiments are, however, further corroborated by a
recent declaration of the duke to the Goldsmiths' Company, on their
presenting him with the freedom of their society.

Having sketched the principal circumstances which appertain to what
may be termed the _public career_ of his royal highness, it is our
less pleasant, though equally important, duty, to notice his _domestic
life_; for obvious reasons our details will be less perfect. It is
a portion of the duke's life which cannot be entirely passed over in
silence, since it must be conceded, that much of his unpopularity may
be traced to this source. Neither the court nor the people of England