It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America. In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded. CHAP. XXXII. It is a tribute meritedly due to the Battalions of Marines who acted so gallantly in the field, to take a retrospective view of their general good conduct at Halifax, and the series of events connected with them. As it has already been stated, they accompanied General Howe from Boston to that place. The active exertions of the subordinate ranks on board of the transports, not half manned, and encumbered besides with the persons and property of the faithful Loyalists while on the passage, were such, that a pecuniary recompence was given to many of them, on their reaching Nova Scotia. Soon after their arrival, both Corps were reviewed by that distinguished Officer, Lord Percy, whose testimony, in consequence, was couched in the following terms:-- "Lord Percy being well pleased with the appearance and performance of the Marine Battalions yesterday (April 30, 1776), desires his thanks to the Officers (in particular) and the men, for their steadiness and attention in their several movements." Lieutenant Colonel (afterward General) Collins had assumed the command of them soon after their reaching Halifax, and retained it until his health obliged him to return to Europe, when it devolved upon Major Souter, by orders from the Board of Admiralty. Both Battalions were extremely solicitous to have united with the Army under Sir William Howe, when on the eve of leaving Halifax for more active services; but the defence of Nova Scotia being at that period a very important object, it was partly entrusted to them, and the Grenadier Companies alone were permitted the honour. On the 1st of June the notice of an additional indulgence to the Captains of Marine Companies was published to both Corps. "The Lords of the Admiralty are pleased to allow the Captains of Marines the pay of an additional man per Company, which will increase their present allowance to 1s. 6d. per day, for paying their Companies, providing necessaries, repairing arms, and burying their dead, in like manner as is practised in the Army, and still on shore in North America. The Deputy Paymaster will issue the same. The additional man per day to commence from the time the Army in America was allowed the same." In order to inspire emulation, and to foster in the memories of all the glorious 17th of June, Colonel Collins issued the following Battalion-orders upon that day:--