successful discharge of the
difficult duties attaching to the command of the North American
Station. Gentlemen, let us drink to the 'Army, Navy, and
Volunteers.'"

The Duke of Cambridge and Admiral Sir Alexander Milne having responded,
His Royal Highness the Chairman then gave the toast of "The Royal
Literary Fund," saying:--

"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, I have now the
honour to propose the most important toast of the evening, it is
'Prosperity to the Royal Literary Fund.' Although the most
important, it is nevertheless the toast upon which, perhaps, I
can say least, certainly I can give you no new information, as
every one here present knows better than I do the character of
this institution. Still it is right that I should offer a few
remarks on the working of this Society. You are all aware,
gentlemen, of the immense advantages which have been derived
from it in support of literature and science. One of its
principal features is that it is not limited to our own
countrymen, but is often extended to literary men of all
nations; so that we may feel proud to think that by our timely
assistance, we not only advance the literature of our own
country, but that of other nations. In this way, many eminent
men who would otherwise be incapacitated from carrying on their
labours, and from making their talents known to the world, are
enabled to do so. The second important feature is the secrecy
with which this timely aid is given,--a secrecy so sacredly
observed that in the whole number of cases, which amount to
1,645 since the foundation of this Corporation in the year 1790,
there is not a single case of any indiscretion having been
committed; and if cases have been brought to light at all, it
has only been through the acknowledgment of the literary men
thus assisted, who have been anxious to express their gratitude.
I ought here to mention the name of an eminent man of letters,
whose loss must be deeply deplored in all literary circles. I
allude to Mr. Thackeray. I allude to him, not so much on account
of his works, for they are standard works, but because he was
an active member of your committee, and always ready to open
his purse for the relief of literary men struggling with
difficulties.

"Gentlemen, some of those here present do not perhaps know that