Admiral Seymour on June 27th addressed to Admiral Courrejolles a
letter expressing his warm appreciation of the aid given him by Captain de Marolles. "The indefatigable energy," he writes, "and zeal displayed in singularly critical circumstances by the French officers and Marines are above all praise. Their courage was what was to be expected from their noble traditions." The Admiral praises especially Captain de Marolles, who in seizing the arsenal "chose the most dangerous task, and was thus placed at the post of honour." "I beg your Excellency therefore to express my thanks to Captain de Marolles for support which reminded me with pleasure of our alliance during the Crimean cam- paign." This cordial acknowledgment has been published and has delighted the French, who thought themselves over- looked, and who know that British Admirals do not scatter praise out of a pepperbox. Such an acknowledgment of merit in a rival service is most creditable to both, and will give pleasure not only in France but in England, where, indeed, the only criticism ventured is that to applaud the courage of French sailors is always surplusage. Even Nelson, who did not love Frenchmen, never doubted that.
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