The Marine Soldier was naturally a companion in these dangers and hardships which marked the progress of those scientific characters, who were employed by an enlightened Country, in fixing the intercourse between man and man, in exploring regions hitherto unknown, and in extending the dominions and the commerce of their native island. Sometimes, indeed, he was obliged reluctantly to draw the trigger against the uncivilized savage--but it was his duty, and only in self-defence. It was not until the year 1771 that the Corps of Marines felt the fostering influence of a patron and a friend. Earl Sandwich, placed at the head of the Admiralty, was now enabled to realize a system he had long entertained in his thoughts; he beheld us orphans, and he adopted us as his children. From him originated the _Colonels Commandant_ of Divisions, and many of these interior regulations, which, for their œconomy and wisdom, do honor to the establishment. His Lordship, by a Memorial to the Throne, soon after his accession to power, obtained an order of Council to enlarge the number of Field Officers. These happy reforms held out a hope to the veteran, from which he had till now been precluded, that of being at the head of a Division. By a train of considerate attentions the Corps was placed on a respectable footing, its discipline became much improved, and his Lordship soon saw those objects of his tender care, surpassed by no troops in the world, for subordination, intrepidity, and cool valour. Nothing farther which attaches to my detail appears on the face of public events, until Britain again unsheathed the sword, to assert the rights of supremacy over her North American Colonies. CHAP. XXVIII. From the era of 1764, we may date the fatal American rebellion, and those revolutionary principles which have long continued, and what still menace the quiet and independence of Europe, and the World. Political topics, from that period, were predominant amongst the Colonists, and all who know how easy it is to sway popular prejudices, will readily allow it is as little difficult to give them action. Grievances, whether real or imaginary, which is not my business to decide, unceasingly agitated the public mind, weaned by degrees every filial affection, and from their tedious speculative existence, they implanted within the breasts of many, the lurking sentiments of jealous rancour. Such in their progress became principles, and those men, very early, either filled the Armies of North America, or guided her Councils. A public character, much respected for his private as well as military virtues, was placed at Boston. General Gage, from a long residence upon the Continent, was well qualified to allay the general ferment; but it was too deeply rooted, and the duty he owed his King, was soon necessarily paramount to every other consideration.