It was at this period, and has since been too prevalent a custom, to embark recruits not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms. Such deficiencies could only be compensated by native valour, aided by the care of Officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few _regular-built Soldiers_ should always be intermingled with every detachment; a rule that can only be observed by maintaining a sufficient strength during peace, or by a prompt levy on the commencement of hostilities. The year of 1780 was ushered in by some well-timed successes of Admiral Rodney. While nature has so clearly pointed out our means of defence, she has also taught our islanders to greet, with tenfold joy, every victory that is gained upon their favourite element. After eighteen months of war against an inveterate foe, nothing had been achieved worthy of being considered as a balance in the scale; of course the taking of Langara in the Phœnix, with three other ships of the line, the explosion of the St. Domingo, and the destruction of the St. Julian and St. Eugenio, of 70 guns, added to the recent capture of one 64, escorting a valuable convoy, so crouded together, filled the Country with general exultation. Admiral Rodney exhibited much enterprize, although he possessed superior numbers, by pursuing and vanquishing an enemy upon his own coasts, during a most dreadful gale, and on a lee shore, which had nearly proved fatal to many of his fleet, who, from their ardour, became entangled amongst the dangerous shoals of St. Lucar. Sir George Rodney was most ably seconded by the vigour and counsel of his Captain, Young, whose talents as an Officer stood meritedly high. Although the Spaniards fought bravely, still they plainly shewed that they were no adepts in the most essential branches of discipline; as the blowing up of the St. Domingo, and a partial explosion in the Princessa, proceeded entirely from a want of internal system. Lieut. Strachan, of Marines, brother to the present Sir Richard, was killed upon the forecastle of the Edgar in this action. The immediate and happy effects of it were the relief of Gibraltar and Minorca, besides convincing the coasts of the Mediterranean that Britain was still able to assert her former dominion on the seas. The Admiral prosecuted his course for the West Indies, while the bulk of the Fleet returned to England under a continuance of the same good fortune. Our enemies lost nine sail of the line upon the whole of this expedition, which was suggested by necessity, but terminated with the most signal consequences. Accounts were received early in this year of the death of the celebrated Captain Cooke, at the Island of O'why'he; in defending whose valuable life, threatened by a horde of savages, four out of nine of my Corps shared his destiny.