His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct. The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were, Admiral Boscawen, General of Marines, £2,000 Sir Charles Saunders, K. B. Lieutenant-General £1,200 Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Division £ 800 Hon. Augustus Keppel, Col. of Plymouth Division £ 800 Lord Viscount Howe Col. of Chatham Division £ 800 This establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment of a Major-General, and in this form it now exists. Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to posterity? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have continued to be; but experience has shewn, that Field Officers are the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition were unalienated from the _active members_ of the Corps, this principle would be still more animated.--_A man_ who suppresses his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of the name.--How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran, who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the summit of his profession! God forbid that any reform should affect the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favor are highly worthy of it. But confining such appointments _to the corps_ would be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly felt by both. CHAP. XXIII. A large augmentation to the Marine corps was voted for the year 1760, which amounted to 130 companies, comprizing in all 18,355; being more than one fourth of our naval forces. Their merits and usefulness became conspicuous by the most zealous and spirited services, on either element, to which their mingled duties called them. It was the happy destiny of Captain Elliot to deliver his country from the remaining terrors of invasion, kept alive by the adventurous and enterprizing squadron of Thurot. After having accomplished every thing within the power of a mortal, for the good of his Nation, this Commander outlived not his defeat, but fell gloriously; leaving behind him a name equally revered for humanity as valour.