This is the _entire force_, so far as European troops are concerned, which is on foot to protect the immense British dominions in the four quarters of the globe! And as the entire regular force in Great Britain and Ireland is only 61,848 men, with 40 guns equipped for the field--and at least a fifth of every military force must always be deducted for sick, absent, and deserters--it follows that 50,000 men, with 40 guns, is the very utmost of regular troops that could be relied on in both islands to meet an enemy. Of this at least 20,000 would require to be left in Ireland; so that 30,000 men alone could be assembled in the last extremity for the defence of Great Britain! As to the pensioners and yeomanry, they would be entirely absorbed in forming garrisons, keeping up the communications, and preserving tranquillity in the manufacturing towns in the interior. Formidable as this state of matters is, it becomes doubly serious when the state of our naval force is considered. In 1792, before the war broke out, and when our population was not a half, nor our commerce and colonial dominions a fourth of what they now are, the naval force of Great Britain was-- Ships of the line, of which 115} 156 were effective, } Frigates, 97[5] At this moment our naval force stands as follows:-- Ships of the line, and building,} 93 of which 65 are serviceable, } 50 to 70 gun ships, 39 Frigates, 110 War-steamers, 56 The forces of the principal maritime powers of the globe, Spain being effete, stand thus:-- FRANCE. Line, 46 Frigates, 50 Steamers of war, 102 RUSSIA. Line, 45 Frigates, 30 AMERICA. Line, 11 Frigates, 14 War-steamers, 14[6]