the Earl of Dundonald
experienced no lack of personal courtesy during the period of the
correspondence, or throughout the brief remainder of his life. His
closing years were cheered by many acts by which was nearly completed
the tardy reparation for former injuries which was begun with his
reinstatement in the navy by King William IV., and in which the most
gratifying circumstance of all was the restoration of his honours as a
Knight of the Bath by her gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.

"The death of Sir Byam Martin, and the promotion of Sir William Gage to
the office of Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom," wrote Sir James
Graham on the 23rd of October, 1854, "vacate the appointment of
Rear-Admiral. It is an honorary distinction; and your standing in the
naval service and your gallant achievements entitle you to this reward.
I have taken her Majesty's pleasure, and the Queen has graciously
approved my recommendation. I propose, therefore, with your lordship's
permission, that you shall be gazetted Rear-Admiral of the United
Kingdom." "I accept the proposed honour with gratitude to her Majesty
and with thanks to you," answered Lord Dundonald, on the 24th. "Permit
me, however, to express a hope that such distinction shall not preclude
my further service to the Crown and country, which long and matured
consideration on professional subjects assures me I could now perform
even more effectually than at an earlier period."

A month later he was honoured by a compliment from one who, kind and
gracious in all his acts, had never failed in showing towards him
special grace and kindness. "My dear lord," wrote Prince Albert on the
26th of November, "a vacancy has occurred in the list of Honorary
Brethren of the Trinity House, by the lamented death of Sir Byam Martin.
It has always been customary in that corporation to have the Royal Navy
represented amongst the Elder Brethren by one of its most distinguished
officers. I therefore write to inquire whether it would be agreeable to
you to be elected a member of that body; as I should, in that case, have
much pleasure in proposing, as Master of the Corporation, your name for
the election of the Elder Brethren. Believe me always, my dear lord,
yours truly,--Albert."

"May it please your Royal Highness," Lord Dundonald wrote in reply, on
the 27th, "to accept my dutiful and most grateful thanks for the honour
your Royal Highness is pleased to confer. I assure your Royal Highness
that