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 WILLIAM THE FOURTH to the westward, with a view of exercising her crew, and giving expertness to such of the people as had newly entered. It may be here observed, that during the preceding period an armament was in progress against Russia, for aggressions in the British district, and seas of Nootka Sound. Early in November, the Empress of Russia had the discretion and good sense to authorize her ministers to offer such atoning explanations, and assurances, as led to a termi- nation of all our hostile preparations; and, in consequence, the Valiant was one of the ships ordered to be paid off, and laid up. As she was at Portsmouth, her Royal Commander received orders to proceed thither. It, however, occurred to his Royal Highness, upon the approach of the Faliant to the destined port, that, in consequence of sudden unfavourable appearances in the weather, it would be advisable for the ship to proceed through the Needles; and orders were accordingly issued to that effect: but the Duke having learnt that the master had never taken a ship of the line through that Channel, and had become alarmed at so important a charge (as at that period such an undertaking was deemed), lost not a moment in relieving the master from his apprehensions, by saying, in the presence of the entire ship's company, that he would HIMSELF navigate the ship, with the blessing of Providence, to her anchorage. And to the high gratification of the officers and men, the Valiant was ably piloted through the Narrours and brought to her berth at Spithead. His Royal Highness soon afterwards departed for London, leave of abseace having been lodged with the Port Admiral, the worthy veteran Roddam, who wrote next day to the Earl of Chatham, extolling the skill and conduct of the Royal Seamen, which letter that excellent nobleman communicated