10 
illustrious chief, to give employment to the plough of the indus¬ 
trious farmer on the spot where at present the poor fisherman 
protracts a wretched existence. 
We afterwards left the East Scheldt and sailed past several well 
cultivated islands, protected against the violence of the stormy 
waves by artificial dams. We entered upon the stream formed 
by the confluence of the Maas and Rhine, and advanced imme¬ 
diately to Hellevoetsluis, whence in former times the victorious 
fleets of Holland frequently sailed to the remotest parts of the 
world, and dictated terms to her enemies. The ships which con¬ 
vey the treasures of the tropical regions to the rich city of Rot¬ 
terdam, or carry the products of our own industry, as well as 
the defenders of our extensive possessions, are often obliged, by 
contrary winds, to remain here for various periods. Hence 
Hellevoetsluis is generally very lively. 
The corvette Pallas , in which our government permitted me 
to sail for America, was a new vessel, fitted out as an instruction 
ship. A selection of young naval officers was made for this voy¬ 
age, as midshipmen. To these were added a young naval architect 
named Tromp, a worthy descendant of historically renowned 
ancestors, whose deep knowledge, distinguished talents, and es¬ 
timable character, I became acquainted with and cherished in the 
course of the voyage. These selected officers were entrusted to 
the direction of Captain Byk, one of our most approved com¬ 
manders,* who had orders to visit some of the principal English 
and American naval depots, in order to acquire whatever know¬ 
ledge might best promote the interests of his country. On this 
account the corvette was fitted out rather as a packet ship than a 
man of war. She had no long guns on deck, except two long 
sixes in the bows as chase guns; her battery consisted of eighteen 
twenty-four pound carronades. I was established in the cap- 
taints cabin, and a swinging cot was suspended at night for my 
sleeping place. 
In consequence of contrary winds and other causes which it is 
needless to mention, the corvette could not sail as quickly as or¬ 
dered. In the mean time I stayed at Hellevoetsluis, and em¬ 
ployed my forced leisure in examining this small town and its 
vicinity. 
* For the benefit of my readers who are not military, I subjoin the names of 
offices in our navy, and their correspondence in rank with army offices:— 
Admiral - 
is equal to General. 
Vice-admiral - 
66 
Lieutenant-general. 
Rear-admiral - 
cc 
SC 
Major-general. 
Captain - 
SC 
«s 
Colonel. 
Captain-lieutenant 
sc 
sc 
Lieutenant-colonel. 
Lieutenant of the first class 
sc 
sc 
Captain. 
Lieutenant of the second class 
«« 
u 
First lieutenant. 
