nstruction of the coast-guard,
warranted gunners from the _Excellent_ have been appointed to instruct
the men, under the superintendence of Commander Jerningham, who was
gunnery-lieutenant of the _Wellesley_, in China. They receive four
shillings a day, in addition to their present pay, and the men who are
brought to the guns for instruction receive one shilling a day for six
days, during which time they are excused from all other duty. It is
proposed to instruct the coast-guard by means of ship platform
batteries of one gun each, constructed exactly similar to the ports of
a man-of-war, placed in a position in each district convenient for
the drill of fifty men, and in a situation in which it may be rendered
available for defence, as well as affording a range to sea for
practice."

In after years this institution proved of great value. Lord Auckland's
administration of the Admiralty will, on this account, be memorable,
although certainly on no other.

The return of Sir Harry Smith from India was hailed by the public, who
sought every opportunity of demonstrating their respect for a hero who
had so nobly sustained the military reputation of England. Theregiment
of lancers, upon which so much depended in Sir Harry's separate command
connected with the events of Loodiana and Aliwal, had also returned
to England. The following exciting and singular scene occurred in the
autumn at Brighton. The address delivered by the general was remarkable
for the interesting incidents which it brought out, and its reference to
the opinion of the Duke of Wellington:--"On Friday afternoon, Sir Harry
Smith paid a visit of inspection to the 16th Lancers at Brighton. The
gallant general arrived by railway at two o'clock, and was met at the
terminus by Colonel M'Dowall who went out with the regiment in 1822 as a
lieutenant. He accompanied the general to the cavalry barracks,
situate a mile north-west of Brighton. Shortly after his arrival at the
barracks, Sir Harry and Colonel M'Dowall, went into the barrack yard,
where the regiment was drawn up for an undress parade. As soon as the
general made his appearance the band struck up, 'See, the
conquering hero comes.' The regiment was drawn up in squadrons by
Lieutenant-colonel Smithe, who so gallantly led it into the field at
Aliwal. Sir Harry inspected the troops, occasionally stooping as he
proceeded down the line, addressing some of the veterans, who bore upon
their breasts medals and stars,