Early in this year Earl St. Vincent, who had commanded in the Mediterranean and the Channel, with so much advantage to the public, and with such éclat to himself, was placed at the helm of Naval affairs. My corps looked up to him as a father and a friend, and those endearing titles have been fully realized towards us in every arrangement that has emanated from his intelligent and comprehensive mind. As we never forsook him in the day of trial, so we never shall forget him when he is laid low in the dust. The same spirit for dashing at every thing within the enemy's ports, and on their coasts still continued to prevail. Three boats from the Trent, led on by Lieutenants Chamberlayne, Scallion, Bellamy, Tate, of Marines, and Mr. Hoskins, on the 3d of April, in opposition to numerous batteries on the shore, the constant fire of a lugger and cutter, and the aid of a number of small craft, boldly attacked and drove the lugger amongst the rocks, besides some of the boats. Lieutenants Chamberlayne and Tate afterwards boarded and carried off a large ship which was under their convoy, and what was their main object, on her way from Brehat to Plampoul. In that service Lieutenant Tate, of my corps, unfortunately lost a leg. One of the most daring attempts, ever conceived, was originally undertaken by Lieutenant Losack, but finally executed by Lieutenant Maxwell, against the French corvette La Chevrette, in presence of the combined fleets in the road of Brest, under protection of the batteries of Camerat, and in spite of nearly 400 men of which her crew was composed, all ready to oppose the assailants. Upon this perilous duty Lieutenants Sinclair and Rose, of Marines, spiritedly volunteered. From the strong position of the enemy, who set every attack at defiance, no better contested affair occurred through the whole of this glorious war. Lieutenant Sinclair who had been formerly wounded upon a similar enterprize, was slain in the act of warding off a like destiny from a Midshipman of the Doris. He would have done honor to any rank in life. The carnage was great on the side of the republicans, being above 150 killed and wounded, while that of the British exceeded 66. Lieutenant W. Burke, an Officer of the highest hopes, received a mortal wound, and Lieutenant Neville was hurt. Mr. (now Captain) Maxwell, with all his intrepid companions, will long appear conspicuous on the records of fame. Capt. Charles Brisbane says, "Any comments of mine would fall far short of the merits due to those gallant Officers, Seamen, and Marines employed on this service." Such examples of irresistible heroism in subordinate warfare, must have a permanent influence on the feelings of our enemies upon whatever scale they may be opposed to us.