It was reserved for the year 1802, and the ministerial auspices of Earl St. Vincent, to draw this body of faithful Soldiers into a close alliance with a family and a throne, for which they had so often bled, and round whom they will rally to the latest period of their existence. The title of _Royal_ was not the acquirement of influence. No! it was the gain of more than one hundred years of undiminished zeal; a Monarch's tributary sacrifice at the altar of honor! It is a sacred appellation which, I trust, we will not sully, and what we never will surrender into any hands, without a glorious struggle, but into those of a branch of that Illustrious House, from which we received it. A Sovereign's favor cheers the Soldier, soothes all his past sufferings, and cares, and turns his eyes to future glory alone. The boon was accepted by the Marine Corps with all the manliness of conscious desert, and with a thankful exultation. It was conveyed, in the following terms, from Sir Evan Nepean, to Lieutenant General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief: "Admiralty Office, April 29, 1802. "SIR, "The Earl St. Vincent having signified, to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark his Royal approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the corps of Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct that, in future, the corps shall be styled "The Royal Marines." "I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part of his forces to which you belong. "I am, Sir, &c. &c. (Signed) "EVAN NEPEAN." "Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant of the Marines." A respectable and effective force of 100 companies, was the peace establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of that measure. The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every necessary reference as to the former and present details of the corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of almost every Officer. Although hostility had ceased in every quarter, still the Marine Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the year, by a steady fidelity and valour.