Nihil sunt foris arma nisi est consilium domi.

The DUKE of CLARENCE, who is next brother to his present Majesty, was
born at St. James's Palace, August 21, 1765, at a quarter before four
in the morning, and in the following month was baptized by the name of
WILLIAM HENRY. It is said that in his childhood and youth, it was the
frankness of his countenance and behaviour induced the king to devote
him to the naval service: added to this, he surpassed his brothers
in corporeal strength and constitutional hardihood; although he was
exceeded by them in the more refined acquirements of study, to which
he manifested comparative indifference. With a mind naturally framed
for peril and enterprise, and aware of the subordinate rank and
laborious stations through which he must pass to distinction, he
appears to have been enthusiastic and impatient for the service
long before he entered the lists, notwithstanding he commenced his
career at the age of fourteen, by joining the Prince George, a
ninety-eight-gun ship, recently built, and named after his present
majesty. In this ship, under the command of Admiral Digby, his royal
highness bore a part in the great naval engagement between the English
and Spanish fleets, commanded by Admiral Rodney and Don Juan de
Langara. Previous to his leaving the Prince George, he was also
present at the capture of a French man-of-war and three smaller
vessels, forming part of a considerable convoy; but in neither of
these instances was an opportunity offered for any distinguishing
effort of bravery. On this occasion, the Spanish admiral, Don Juan
de Langara, on visiting Admiral Digby, was introduced to his royal
highness. During the conference between the two admirals the prince
retired, and when it was intimated that Don Juan wished to return,
his royal highness appeared in the uniform of a midshipman, and
respectfully informed the admiral that the boat was ready. The