"Late Commander of H.M.S. _Apelles_.
"WM. CROKER, Esq., &c., &c., &c.,
Admiralty."

NOTE E.

Letter from Captain Otter respecting the establishment of a school for
midshipmen at Verdun.

"VERDUN, _Oct. 26th, 1812_.

"DEAR SIR,--As I am very anxious that the establishment of a school should
be supported with our utmost endeavours, it is with the greatest
satisfaction I perceive you enter into the plans, and undertake the
conducting of it, with all the energy I could wish. I have already spoken
to Lieutenants Lambert, Brown, Thackstone, Carslake, Robins, Boyack,
Bogle, and Kennicote, who have volunteered to assist you, and I have no
doubt but that they will always be ready to follow such instruction as you
may think proper to give them.

"It is my wish that all the young gentlemen of the age of eighteen and
under attend the school, and that it may be open to those above that age
who will submit to the rules, and who wish to benefit by the attending
masters.

"As the intention of the school is solely for the improvement of the young
gentlemen of the Navy, it is presumed they will be sufficiently sensible
of the advantages they may derive from it, and by their regular attendance
and strict attention when in school, both show their desire of
improvement, and their respect to the gentlemen who have so kindly
volunteered to attend during the school hours.

"Wishing you every success in this your laudable undertaking,

"I remain, dear Sir,
"Yours truly,
"C. OTTER,
"Senior full-pay Captain of the Naval Department."

NOTE F.

Testimonial from Captain Otter.

"BIDEFORD, DEVON, _Aug. 1st, 1827_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I have sincere pleasure in acknowledging the great
assistance you afforded me by your voluntarily taking the trouble of
superintending, and also the able manner you conducted the school
established by me, as senior naval officer of the depot of Verdun.

"I have likewise great satisfaction in testifying to your good conduct as
an officer and gentleman during the time you were a prisoner in France.

"I remain, dear Sir,
"Yours very truly,