Few incidents of moment occurred within the intervals of 1783 and 1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of Officers and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales, occurred in 1785 which has eventually afforded scope for the able pen of Lieutenant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto given grounds for asserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In other respects the same dull routine of detached services took place from year to year. During this period also many were the suppliant petitions of our establishment for its melioration, but sorry I am that, on casting an eye upon the details of each revolving season, they are unmarked by any auspicious results, excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the addition of 5 companies in 1791. It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in strengthening their claims for favor. CHAP. XXXVIII. Within the womb of American liberty, was partly contained that revolution in France, which, after a long and sanguinary struggle, has not as yet accomplished any permanent system. It is not my task to retrace its extensive causes, and it would be presumptuous to anticipate its final issue. In this, reason, unguided by precedents, is soon lost in the labyrinths of speculation. Confining myself to such points alone as affect the dignity of my Country, or the honor of my corps, fancy shall not assume the reins, but I will strike at once to that momentous day which again involved those arbiters of Europe in all the horrors of war.