“It was this arm of her power, which, amidst the wreck of nations, and the overthrow of mighty empires and states, brought into the ports of Great Britain the treasures of the whole world. It was the Royal Navy of Great Britain that prepared the way for the glorious fields fought in the peninsula—and the laurels that adorn the brows of the great Wellington. It was the Royal Navy of Great Britain that carried the terrors of her power to every shore; displayed the ensigns of her strength to cheer desponding nations; and, amidst preponderating gloom, shed a never-failing stream of hope.

“If it were to be asked, what would at this time have been the situation of Great Britain, had not her victorious fleets, under the favour of Divine Providence, protected her shores—been a shield to her commerce and her numerous colonies—what answer could be given?”