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“My Lord, – I acknowledge to have been honored with two letters by your lordship’s directions, in answer to my application for preferment. In reply thereto, beg leave to state to your lordship, am ready to serve my country at a moment most wanted, without pay or other emolument, trusting, should my conduct meet approval, to receive rank from the date of my passing for Lieutenant. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

The reply to this offer was, “His Lordship cannot enter into any engagement of the nature pointed out by your letter, of the 9th.” After an interval of two months he thus renewed his applications.

“New Road, Chatham, Nov. 9, 1803.

“My Lord, – I some time since stated my servitude, sent testimonials of my character and abilities to your lordship, and solicited your patronage; knowing there were none who could distinguish merit sooner, nor one more able and willing to reward it, than your lordship.

“As an Englishman, at this crisis, I wish to render my Country all the aid in my power, and therefore have presumed to request your lordship to take my case into consideration; and I have the honor to be,

“New Road, Chatham, Nov. 20, 1803.

“My Lord, – I was honored with your answer of the 10th instant, and I hope your lordship will not consider one iota in all my applications presumptuous.

“My different letters were written unreserved, expressing the anxiety of a zealous officer to serve his country, and who would he happy on all occasions, and especially at this critical moment, to prove himself worthy your patronage.

“My letter of date 9th September last, evinced that I made not the service a convenience; and your lordship would perceive from the testimonies laid before you, that I did not arrogate your protection.

“My service in the Marine precludes my aid to the Country in other departments; and I need not describe to your Lordship my feelings in being at this juncture necessitated to embark in another line than the service of the Nation.

“No consideration could have induced me to have thus troubled your Lordship, but a sense of duty to my Country; and I trust your Lordship’s