Libr. Steedman 1-22-37 34431 25. PREFACE. of In laying before the public another portion my "Recollections," I gladly avail myself of the opportunity it offers me for stating, that I had prepared a short introduction to the First Part, but which, through some mistake, was omitted, causing me all the regret which such omission was justly calculated to occasion. I think it necessary here to state, that through the whole of the work already published, of that now about to claim the indulgence of the military world in particular, and of its further extension, which may hereafter have need of the same favour, one of my chief objects has been to make no statement which I do not firmly believe to be in strict accordance with truth. I have started with a determination to avoid that mixture of fiction with facts,-a practice which our most esteemed Historical Novelists have, with infinite talent, so profusely introduced into their admirable and most amusing works, founded on facts. Yet, however proud I might feel at the honour of participating, even in a slender degree, in such distinguished public favour, still I wish it to be clearly understood, that, in recording these reminiscences, I have never lost sight of my first intention. My records are the result of memory, largely aided by voluminous documents, journals, and copious notes on the spot; and they have also been assisted by communications, carefully sifted. I feel satisfied that my statements may be received and repeated as historical facts; my insertion of the names of interested individuals in full, should be a sufficient guarantie to that effect. CONTENTS The Loyal Briton-Persons that embark-Officers' names -Dirty state of the Ship and no Medical Officers- Mrs. McSheen-Departure for Gibraltar-An immense |