e future period become his duty. This was eventually the
case in 1793, when he captured the French frigate Reunion off that
very harbour, from which she had sailed only a few hours before the
action.

Captain Saumarez was present at the above imposing ceremony, and had
the honour of being introduced to the French king, by whom he was
treated with the greatest attention. It is worthy of remark, that this
was the only time during his long life that he ever set his foot in
France, and he returned directly to Guernsey much gratified by his
excursion.

Between the period of Captain Saumarez' departure from Guernsey in
1776, and his return in 1782, the island of Guernsey had undergone
great and important changes. The war with America had brought an
influx of strangers; wealth and its attendant luxuries had superseded
the simple mode of living of its inhabitants; society had extended;
and when the peace took place, at the close of 1782, no spot of its
size could display a greater appearance of prosperity, civilization,
and beauty.

Between the years 1785 and 1787, the island was twice honoured with a
visit from Prince William Henry, our present most gracious sovereign;
and, however great the change had been in men and manners since it had
beheld a prince of the blood on its shores, the loyalty of the
islanders had sustained no diminution, and the arrival of the prince,
then a lieutenant of the Hebe, Captain Thornborough, excited the most
unbounded joy. Every one's heart glowed at seeing the son of a monarch
whom they were accustomed to regard with veneration and love; and as
people who lived in the habitual belief that to "fear God and honour
the King" is a "united precept," every mark of respect and attachment
was exhibited on both occasions. When his Royal Highness came the
second time, as captain of the Pegasus, the homage, which had been
paid to him at the first visit, as son of their sovereign, was mingled
with respect to himself. Some there are who yet remember, and still
delight to relate, the account of the elegant _dejeune_ with which the
illustrious prince entertained a party on board the Pegasus; after
which his Royal Highness honoured Captain Saumarez and his brothers
with his company at dinner, and attended a ball in the evening at the
assembly-rooms.

In 1787, when Captain Saumarez had nearly attained his thirtieth year,
peace seemed to be completely established. At an early age he had
attained, by his own