ter a few hours. In
1823, his royal highness was made a general of marines; and within the
past year the duke has been appointed lord high admiral of England.

It is not our intention here to enter into the supposed causes of
the duke's long seclusion from public service, viz. from 1790 to the
present time, except a short interval in 1814. At the commencement of
the war with France, the late Duke of York took an early and active
part by land; hence the question arises as to the non-appointment of
the Duke of Clarence to a similar position by sea. The consequence has
been, that the most vigorous portion of the duke's life has been lost
to his country, whilst his royal highness has remained in comparative
obscurity, amidst one of the most brilliant periods of our naval
history. It is, however, gratifying to know that the duke's inactivity
cannot be attributed to apathy on his part. On the contrary, he was
anxious to be employed, and even sought appointment, as appears by the
following letter, written by his royal highness to Commodore Owen in
1812:--

"_Bath House, Saturday night._

"DEAR SIR--This evening I received your letter from Deal,
and in answer to it, I beg to observe, that I have made both
a public and private application to the king, that I may be
permitted to hoist my flag, and relieve Lord Collingwood in
the command of his majesty's fleet in the Mediterranean. There
cannot be any secrecy in this thing; because, before more
than fifty brother officers, I declared my resolution at
Portsmouth. Until I have the order to hoist my flag, I cannot
be certain; but I am very much inclined to think eventually
that I shall have the honour and the happiness of commanding
those fine fellows whom I saw in the spring in the Downs, and
lately at Portsmouth. My short stay at Admiral Campbell's had
impressed me with very favourable ideas of the improved state
of the navy; but my residence at Portsmouth has afforded me
ample opportunity of examining, and consequently of having
a perfect judgment of the high and correct discipline now
established in the king's service. * * * I could not resist
what I felt; and reasons, both public and private, urged me to
make the offer I have already mentioned, and I hope I shall be
gratified.--I remain, dear sir, yours, &c.

"WILLIAM."

These zealous sentiments are, however, further corroborated by a
recent