ice, but not from public life.--His various
occupations.--His claims for a Peerage
disregarded.--Correspondence and observations thereon.--His
residence in Guernsey.--Visit to Oxford.--Letter from Lord
Nelson.--Captain Miller's monument.--Political
opinions.--Letter from Earl St. Vincent.--Is appointed to the
command at Plymouth.--Speech of Earl Grey.--Receives a visit
from Lord Exmouth.--Strikes his flag.--Claims for a Peerage
again disregarded.--Returns to Guernsey.--His reception
there.--Death of George IV.--Accession of William IV.--Is
created Baron de Saumarez.--Letter from Lady de Saumarez.--His
reception at the Island of Guernsey, and rejoicings there.

The defeat of Buonaparte and the disastrous retreat of his army
released the countries which surround the Baltic from the oppression
to which they had been subject, and an English fleet was no longer
necessary in that sea. The enemy indeed had still possession of
Dantzig, and Denmark held out during the year 1813; but a small
squadron under Rear-admiral Sir George Hope acting now in conjunction
with Sweden, the co-operation of Russia was all that was wanted to
carry on the blockade in the Belt, and to protect the commerce.

The services of a full admiral not being required, Sir James remained
at home, chiefly in his native island. The command in the
Mediterranean, which he would have had, had he not been requested to
continue on the command in the Baltic, was occupied by Sir Edward
Pellew, which, as will be hereafter seen, was an unfortunate
circumstance.

Although retired from active warfare, it cannot be said that Sir James
had retired from public life;--he was the patron of every useful
institution, not by mere nominal sanction, but also by very munificent
pecuniary contributions. He was one of the oldest members (I believe,
President) of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, having
become a subscriber to that institution in the year 1789; he was also
president of the Royal Naval Charitable Institution, and of the Naval
and Military Bible Society, as well as a large contributor. He was,
moreover, vice-president of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and
of the Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews; patron of
the National Schools of the Bethel Union; the Provident Society; the
Church of England Sunday School; the Church of England Missionary
Society, &c. His mind and his time, t