.
If fourteen of us are in an omnibus, will we see three or four women
outside and say "Come in, because this is the last 'bus, and it rains?"
Of course not: but think of that remonstrance, and of that Samaritan
master of the "Purchase" brigantine!

In the winter of '53, I went from Marseilles to Civita Vecchia, in one
of the magnificent P. and O. ships, the "Valetta," the master of which
subsequently did distinguished service in the Crimea. This was his first
Mediterranean voyage, and he sailed his ship by the charts alone, going
into each port as surely as any pilot. I remember walking the deck at
night with this most skilful, gallant, well-bred, and well-educated
gentleman, and the glow of eager enthusiasm with which he assented, when
I asked him whether he did not think a RIBBON or ORDER would be welcome
or useful in his service.

Why is there not an ORDER OF BRITANNIA for British seamen? In the
Merchant and the Royal Navy alike, occur almost daily instances and
occasions for the display of science, skill, bravery, fortitude in
trying circumstances, resource in danger. In the first number of the
Cornhill Magazine, a friend contributed a most touching story of the
M'Clintock expedition, in the dangers and dreadful glories of which he
shared; and the writer was a merchant captain. How many more are there
(and, for the honor of England, may there be many like him!)--gallant,
accomplished, high-spirited, enterprising masters of their noble
profession! Can our fountain of Honor not be brought to such men? It
plays upon captains and colonels in seemly profusion. It pours forth
not illiberal rewards upon doctors and judges. It sprinkles mayors and
aldermen. It bedews a painter now and again. It has spirited a baronetcy
upon two, and bestowed a coronet upon one noble man of letters.
Diplomatists take their Bath in it as of right; and it flings out a
profusion of glittering stars upon the nobility of the three kingdoms.
Cannot Britannia find a ribbon for her sailors? The Navy, royal or
mercantile, is a Service. The command of a ship, or the conduct of her,
implies danger, honor, science, skill, subordination, good faith. It may
be a victory, such as that of the "Sarah Sands;" it may be discovery,
such as that of the "Fox;" it may be heroic disaster, such as that of
the "Birkenhead;" and in such events merchant seamen, as well as royal
seamen, take their share.

Why is there not, then, an Order of Britannia? One day a youn