invested Sir James Saumarez; making at the time the following short speech. "It is most gratifying to me that, in obeying his Majesty's commands, I perform this highly honourable duty so near the scene of your heroic achievements, and before troops who were witnesses of your distinguished conduct and eminent valour." To this, Sir James replied in a short complimentary speech suitable to the occasion. After the salute, the commissioner and Sir James Saumarez stood up, and walked to the front of the Pavilion, made three reverences to the King's state, and the procession returned to the Convent. The number and martial appearance of the troops; the multitude of spectators of both sexes, and of all nations and countries, who crowded the surrounding heights, and the lower part of the mountain that overlooks the sands; the roar of the cannon from our batteries, and from the shipping in the bay; the presence of those brave seamen and marines, so worthy of the gallant chief under whose command they fought; but, above all, the proximity of Algeziras and the Straits, and the train of ideas awakened by the sight of those places where the new knight, but a few months before, had entitled himself to the honourable tokens of gratitude now bestowed by his King and country; every circumstance contributed to render this scene one of the most solemn and most affecting that it may be the lot of men to behold. Of the knight himself nothing needs be said in this garrison. "Dans les murs, hors des murs; tout parle de sa gloire." _Corneille._ The following irregular stanzas on the occasion were written extempore by an officer of the royal navy. Ye valiant martial bands, all hail! Britannia's sons, renowned in arms; Dreadful in war when foes assail, Rejoiced when peace resumes her charms: Salute th' auspicious day with warlike strains, Which thus a King's munificence displays; When Saumarez his just reward obtains,-- Unfading laurels, and unenvied praise! And thou, oh vet'ran, not unknown to fame! Thou chief, well chosen to confer the meed! Be thine the honour of a spotless name, And thine the conscience of each virtuous deed! Long may'st thou live to share thy sov'reign's smiles, Whom Heav'n preserve to bless his subject isles! The salutes from the batteries being returned, the ceremonies ended and other festivities commenced.