ad through the house at the
unexpected arrival at such an hour of the illustrious guest. The blue
damask room was, however, soon prepared, with other apartments for the
aides-de camp, Sir Henry Clinton and another.

Young Saumarez and his brother were sent off, as soon as the sun rose,
to inform their uncle the attorney-general, who resided some distance
from the town, that the royal visitor had arrived. On their return the
streets were decorated with crowns, festoons, and garlands of flowers,
which had risen as from the wand of a magician; the bells were
ringing, the populace were in holiday suits, and the whole effect was
so animated, that the more splendid scenes of after-life never erased
it from the mind of Saumarez.

The duke, on rising, was surprised at the quick display of loyalty he
beheld, and expressed himself much gratified at the proofs he received
of respect and attachment which these faithful islanders evinced in
his person towards the king and the royal family. His royal highness
condescended to honour a ball in the evening; and often did young
Saumarez hear his aunt (a sister of his mother, married to Major
Brabazon of the 65th regiment,) relate her having opened the ball in a
minuet with his royal highness.

Young Saumarez had long and constantly cherished a decided
predilection for the navy. Accustomed as he had been from childhood to
hear of the fame which his valiant uncles, Captains Philip and Thomas
Saumarez, had acquired, his mind was early inspired with a desire to
tread in their path, and to acquire for himself a name which might
emulate theirs. His eldest brother was already in the navy; but his
father having six sons, when he found that James had evinced such a
desire for the sea, and having connexions in the service, probably
considered that he could not place another more advantageously than in
a profession which had already afforded an honourable and glorious
career to two of his family. Accordingly he accepted the offer of
Captain Lucius O'Bryen, of his majesty's ship Soleby, who entered his
name on the books of that ship on the 20th September 1767 as
volunteer, where it remained until the 3rd of June 1770, having been
there two years and nine months. During this time, however, he never
joined the ship, but was for a part of it at a school in the vicinity
of London, which had been recommended to his father by a naval friend,
who appears to have been ill qualified to make the selection,