hemselves of his judgment and
experience. Few important questions occurred in connection with his own
profession, upon which he was not consulted. Most of these were
necessarily confidential; but the following may with propriety be
noticed. In 1818, when the extreme difficulties of the country demanded
the utmost possible retrenchment, it was proposed, among other measures
of economy, to destroy Pendennis Castle. Two commissioners, sent to
survey and report upon this step, were instructed to communicate first
with Lord Exmouth. His opinion decided the preservation of this noble
fortress; which is at once so important from its position, and so
interesting for its heroic defence, when, in the great rebellion, it
obtained the honourable distinction of being the last stronghold of
loyalty.

On the question of concessions to the Roman Catholics in 1829, his
opinions and conduct were most decided. His eldest son resigned his seat
for a borough, which he held unconditionally, under the influence of the
Duke of Northumberland, as soon as that nobleman declared his intention
to support the claims. The ground of Lord Exmouth's opposition to the
measure has been already given in his words.

That moral elevation, not always associated with powerful talent and
splendid success, which forms the most admirable part of Lord Exmouth's
character, was derived from religion. Young as he was when he first
entered the service, and though such principles and feelings could not
be supposed then to be very strongly fixed, yet he was guarded in his
conduct, and always prompt to check any irreverent allusion to serious
subjects. His youth was passed in camps and ships, at a time when a
coarse and profane conduct too much prevailed, now happily almost
unknown; but he was never deterred by a false shame from setting a
proper example. On board his first frigate, the _Winchelsea_, the duties
of the Sundays were regularly observed. He always dressed in full
uniform on that day, and, having no chaplain, read the morning service
to his crew, whenever the weather permitted them to be assembled.
Advancing in his brilliant career, the same feelings were more and more
strikingly displayed. It was his practice to have a special and general
service of thanksgiving after every signal deliverance, or success. Too
often is it found, that with the accession of worldly honours, the man
becomes more forgetful of the good Providence from which he received
them. Fr