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324 reputation of a good soldier, as well as of a brave and skilful admiral. He is a person of the finest character, and universally beloved. Though unfortunate to an extent, where a sense of national shame and calamity blunts the feeling of pity, and gives velocity and sharpness to the darts of calumny, his reputation is unsullied by the slightest breath of unfavourable report. His disposition is mild, and his manners singularly modest and unassuming. Yet with these qualities, which seem but ill adapted to win the hearts of the turbulent and boisterous men of the profession to which he belongs; he is viewed with the most partial affection by the officers and seamen of the Dutch marine. His conduct has invariably been marked by moderation and humanity; and though he obtained the high situation which he holds in the navy of Holland by the influence of the French, he has never senctioned with his approbation the conduct of that republic towards his country. In all instances he has acted the part of