Cobbett's Political Register Volume 5 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1804 Excerpt: ...and seamen, for their indefatigable exertions in the performance of this arduous duty, should, as T. H. asserts, lf be rejected by them;" nor, do I believe they will. They who have shewn so glorious an example of strict adherence to their duty, under the most trying circumstance1 , have too high a respect for naval and military discipline, not to know that their public conduct must never be directed by privatp opinion; and, that their merit consists in their rigid performance of the orders they receive, though they may entertain very different opinions from those who issued them; but whom, as their superior officers, they are bound to obey.--On this principle T. H. will, I trust, admit, that the gallant Admiral aid his associates are equally entitled to the praise and admiration of those who approve, or of those-who censure the measure of blockading Brest. However we may differ in opinion respecting the blockade, he appears perfectly to coincide with me, in thinking an equal humbcr of ships to that of the enemy's fleet, is amply sufficient for this purpose.--What then must be the opinion of his good friends and allies the ministerial Newspaper Editors, who always pretend to, and of course ought to possess, the most authentic information, when they comfort us with the intelligence, " that lh- enemy have not more "thmn 8 or 10 sail of the line fit for sea in "the outer harbour of Brest, while the "blockading fleet consists of not less than "double the number." I believe, I am perfectly correct in stating, that no longer than three or four weeks ago, it was exultingiy announced by one of these ephemeral chronicles of Britain's /ory under the prc; sent administration, " that the French had "only nine sail ...