Patriotism, in the unsophisticated sense of the word, comprises nearly all that is elevated in the human mind. The real patriot, superior to all party, acts, feels, and lives for his country. He deplores her poverty, but rejoices in her wealth; sympathizes in her losses, but exults in her success; mourns over her defeats, but triumphs in her victories; shudders at the idea of her disgrace, but, as a simple part of the whole, he experiences a glowing pride, in all that adds to her honour, or increases her splendour.

During the period, to the history of which this Volume relates, little has occurred to irritate, but much to gratify and exhilarate, the mind of a patriotic Briton. Without adverting to the plains of the Ibernian peninsula, where so many heroes have fought, bled, and conquered for their country, our naval expeditions alone will be found to have shed additional lustre on the annals of Britain. Our “Letters on Service,” recording the capture of the Isle of France, and its dependencies; the defence of Anholt, by a brave little band, under Captain Maurice; and the victory of Captain Hoste, in the Adriatic, bear proud testimony of the truth of this position.—The value of our newly-acquired Eastern possessions is farther illustrated; the enemy's account of the expedition against Anholt is also given; and the French report of the action in the Adriatic, is recorded, as a curiosity.