occasions for the display of science, skill, bravery, fortitude in
trying circumstances, resource in danger. In the first number of the
Cornhill Magazine, a friend contributed a most touching story of the
M'Clintock expedition, in the dangers and dreadful glories of which he
shared; and the writer was a merchant captain. How many more are there
(and, for the honor of England, may there be many like him!)--gallant,
accomplished, high-spirited, enterprising masters of their noble
profession! Can our fountain of Honor not be brought to such men? It
plays upon captains and colonels in seemly profusion. It pours forth
not illiberal rewards upon doctors and judges. It sprinkles mayors and
aldermen. It bedews a painter now and again. It has spirited a baronetcy
upon two, and bestowed a coronet upon one noble man of letters.
Diplomatists take their Bath in it as of right; and it flings out a
profusion of glittering stars upon the nobility of the three kingdoms.
Cannot Britannia find a ribbon for her sailors? The Navy, royal or
mercantile, is a Service. The command of a ship, or the conduct of her,
implies danger, honor, science, skill, subordination, good faith. It may
be a victory, such as that of the "Sarah Sands;" it may be discovery,
such as that of the "Fox;" it may be heroic disaster, such as that of
the "Birkenhead;" and in such events merchant seamen, as well as royal
seamen, take their share.

Why is there not, then, an Order of Britannia? One day a young officer
of the "Euryalus"* may win it; and, having just read the memoirs of
LORD DUNDONALD, I know who ought to have the first Grand Cross.

* Prince Alfred was serving on board the frigate "Euryalus"
when this was written.