hero. His father was in the condition of the country; he had incurred
the expences of fitting out, for services which this compromise rendered
unnecessary. Peace, however, while it can be preserved with safety and
honour, is always preferable to war; and initiation in an honourable
profession, where so much depends on seniority, though it may not be
immediately productive, is undoubtedly better than nothing.

Horatio, though discouraged, was not disgusted: on the contrary, he felt
delighted with the profession of a sailor. Under the eye of his
respectable uncle, during the short time he had been on board, he became
fully satisfied that, to form an accomplished seaman, would require no
small degree of application, and no few years of experience. It was
ever the opinion of the Reverend Mr. Nelson, founded on an early and
acute observation of his son's character, that Horatio, in whatever
station placed, would climb, if possible, to the very top of the tree:
this sentiment seems to have swelled the bosom of the youth, at an age
when few boys indulge any serious anticipatory reflection. With all that
regarded nautical knowledge, he was studious to become thoroughly
acquainted; and, being ardently desirous of making his first voyage,
which was now impracticable in the navy, his uncle placed him under the
care of Mr. John Rathbone, an excellent seaman, who then had the command
of a West-Indiaman belonging to the respectable house of Hibbert,
Purrier, and Horton. With this skilful and brave commander, who had
formerly served under Captain Suckling, in the Dreadnought, he now
joyfully proceeded on his first expedition, by sailing to the West
Indies.

The numerous and agreeable novelties continually presenting themselves
to the view of the young adventurer, during this interesting voyage,
could not fail to prove highly gratifying. He was beholding a new world,