THAT a Civilian should presume to attempt to write the Memoirs of a Naval Officer, after his Biography had been published by a Member of his own Profession, requires explanation. A variety of reasons might be stated: one is sufficient. Some correspondence and information of various occurrences in Lord St. Vincent's life were possessed by the present writer; to which it was, by many competent opinions, thought that publicity ought to be given.
The Author's father having been Lord St. Vincent's Private Secretary for many years, had noted the leading transactions of his Patron's career, for the express purpose of writing his Life; and Lord St. Vincent was fully aware of the existence of these memoranda. In addition to these notes, much information has been also received from Lord St. Vincent's relatives and friends, which, with unfeigned gratitude, is acknowledged.