MR. TRACKERAY PROPOSES AN ORDER OF " BRITANNIA."-Why 1.13 there
not an Order of Britannia for British seamen ? In the Merchant and the Royal Navy alike, occur almost daily instances and occasions for the display of science, skill, bravery, fortitude in trying circumstances, resource in danger. In the first number of our Magazine, a friend contributed a most touching story of the M'Clintock expedition, in the dangers and dread- ful glories of which he shared ; and the writer was a merchant captain. How many more are there (and, for the honour of England, may there be many like him !)—gallant, accomplished, high-spirited, enterprising masters of their noble profession! Can our Fountain of Honour not be brought to such men ? It plays upon captains and colonels in seemly profusion. It pours forth not illiberal rewards upon doctors and judges. It sprinkles mayors and aldermen. It bedews a painter now and again. It has spirted a baronetcy upon two, and bestowed a coronet upon one noble man of letters. Diplomatists take their Bath in it as of right ; and it flings out a profusion of glittering stars upon the nobility of the three kingdoms. Cannot Britannia find a ribbon for her sailors ? The Navy, royal or mercantile, is a Service. The command of a ship, or the conduct of her, implies danger, honour, science, skill, subordination, good faith. It may be a victory, such as that of the Sarah Sands ; it may be discovery, such as that of the Fox ; it may be heroic disaster, such as that of the Birkenhead ; and in such events merchant seamen, as well as royal seamen, take their share. Why is there not, then, an Order of Britannia? One day, a young officer o' the Euryalus may win it ; and, having just read the memoirs of Lord Dundonsld, I know who ought to have the first grand Cross.—Cortihill Magazine for May.
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