Admiral Duncan's fleet. When the Admiral found himself deserted by part
of his own fleet, he called his own ship's crew together, and addressed
them in the following speech:--

"My lads! I once more call you together with a sorrowful heart, owing
to what I have lately seen, the disaffection of the fleets: I call it
disaffection, for the crews have no grievances. To be deserted by my
fleet, in the face of the enemy, is a disgrace which, I believe, never
before happened to a British admiral; nor could I have supposed it
possible. My greatest comfort under God is, that I have been supported
by the officers, seamen, and marines of this ship, for which, with a
heart overflowing with gratitude, I request you to accept my sincere
thanks. I flatter myself much good may result from your example, by
bringing those deluded people to a sense of the duty which they owe, not
only to their king and country, but to themselves.

"The British navy has ever been the support of that liberty which has
been handed down to us by our ancestors, and which I trust we shall
maintain to the latest posterity--and that can only be done by unanimity
and obedience. This ship's company, and others, who have distinguished
themselves by loyalty and good order, deserve to be, and doubtless will
be, the favourites of a grateful nation. They will also have, from
their inward feelings, a comfort which will be lasting, and not like the
floating and false confidence of those who have swerved from their duty.

"It has often been my pride with you to look into the Texel, and see a
foe which dreaded coming out to meet us. My pride is now humbled
indeed! our cup has overflowed, and made us wanton--the All-wise
Providence has given us this check as a warning, and I hope we shall
improve by it. On Him, then, let us trust, where our only security is
to be found. I find there are many good men among us: for my own part,
I have had full confidence of all in this ship; and once more I beg to
express my approbation of your conduct.

"May God, who has thus far conducted you, continue to do so; and may the
British navy, the glory and support of our country, be restored to its
wonted splendour, and be not only the bulwark of Britain, but the terror
of the world.

"But this can only be effected by a strict adherence to our duty and
obedience; and let us pray that the Almighty God may keep us in the
right way of thinking.

"God bless you all."

At an address