This gratifying tribute was followed up to each, by the most precious tender which can be offered to a Briton--that of the legislative thanks of his Country. The Marine Soldier can often be retraced upon those proud records. It was reserved for Lord Bridport to convince the enemy of the decisive weight of an equal force. On the 23d of June they owed the salvation of all their Fleet to their formidable batteries, and the strong Naval port of L'Orient. Lieut. William Jephcote, of Marines, fell upon that day, which augmented our Fleet with three sail of the line. The engagement betwixt La Blanche, Captain Faulkner, and the French frigate La Pique, fought early in 1795, off the island of Guadaloupe, affords a lasting test of the superiority of English discipline and courage. While our loss was confined to 29 killed and wounded, that of the republicans exceeded a total of 212. After exhibiting every quality of a judicious and brave Officer, Captain Faulkner was shot through the heart, who left not behind him a brighter example of true heroism. The Marines of La Blanche behaved nobly, and maintained a constant fire under Lieut. Richardson, who, with Serjeant George Dice, did honour to their Corps. CHAP. XLI. Eighteen thousand Marines was the establishment of 1796. The extensive and lamentable casualties which had befallen our troops in the West Indies, with the enterprizing successes of Victor Hughes, demanded auxiliary aids from Europe, not only to remedy misfortunes, but to fill up their exhausted ranks. After a train of unprecedented bad weather, which was combated by Rear Admiral Christian with an uncommon perseverance, this squadron and army, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, reached Barbadoes early in 1796. An expedition was instantly undertaken against the Dutch settlements in Guiana, to which Demerara, with Issequibo, capitulated on the 22d of April, as did Berbice on the 2d of May, without resistance. The first object of the main Army was against St. Lucia, upon which island, a debarkation was made on the 27th of April. A series of attacks took place against the enemy's posts, in which Brigadier General Moore, and the 27th Regiment, were particularly noticed. On the 2d of May 800 Seamen and 320 Marines were landed, who co-operated on shore with much credit, until the total subjection of St. Lucia, upon the 26th. I cannot express their good conduct in stronger terms, than in these which proceeded from Sir Ralph Abercromby, in General Orders of May 27th:--