THE YEAR 1797. 55 
largely circulated during that memorable year, 
and signed, " The Seaman's Friend," concluded 
with the following stirring words : 
"Arouse ye, then, ye British seamen! Go 
join the brave Admiral Duncan, who, with four 
sail of the line, blockades the whole Dutch naval 
force in their own ports, while a British fleet 
ingloriously blockades the mouth of the Thames. 
Blot from the page of history the record of your 
shame, and a recollection of the transaction, by 
a return to your duty, and by your exertions. 
It may be in your power to close a war honour- 
ably to yourselves, and favourably to your coun- 
try. Emulating the examples of Lord Howe 
on the glorious action of the 1st of June, 1794, 
and Sir John Jervis's signal and brilliant vic- 
tory on the 14th of February, 1797, go seek the 
enemy off their own ports ; and may the laurels 
you gain secure to us an honourable and lasting 
peace! Eemember, however, that the British 
navy, and British seamen, owe their fame, suc- 
cess, and national character to vigour, union, 
discipline, and subordination, and that without 
them, the navy is like a ship in a storm without 
masts or rudder." The writer of this address 
truly added, " The nation loves the navy ; it is 
a favourite service." 
On the 11 th of October, 1797, he commanded 
the Director, in the brave Admiral Duncan's fleet, 
at the famous battle of Camperdown. The Miss 
Blighs have some good naval drawings by Owen ; 
one representing the Director coming up with the 
Vryheid, the ship of the Dutch Admiral, De 
Winter; another showing the engagement be- 
