vi DEDICATION. 



lands — and so eminently beneficial to the cause of 

 science and of commerce, could never have been 

 successfully accomplished, had not the character of 

 the Navy been habitually maintained at, perhaps, 

 the highest level which human exertion is capable 

 of reaching. 



To produce this generous spirit, however, and to 

 preserve it entire when once created, there was 

 required, on the part of the Royal Family, some 

 signal example of personal sacrifice to the popular 

 service of the country. And although it would 

 be very presumptuous in any one to pretend to 

 estimate the advantages which the profession has 

 derived, in our own days, from Your Majesty 

 having condescended to become one of its working 

 members, there can be no doubt, that in all future 

 times, the British Navy will retain the salutary im- 

 pression, and cherish the remembrance of this high 

 honour. 



May it please Your Majesty, 

 Your Majesty's 



most dutiful servant, 

 most grateful 

 and most faithful subject, 



FREDERICK WILLIAM BEECHEY. 



