own dignity, and that of the place he was in, is represented frivolously as a declaimer: and a noble Lord, who is conspicuously adorned with the knowledge of letters, and is eminent for a lively sprightly eloquence, rectified by learning, is declared a com panion fit only for pert novices and sophisters. And what is still more monstrous than all, a third man of quality, for the like offence, is told, in this nice age of proportioning rewards to merit and service, that he has as much as he deserves.

But it is to be hoped Englishmen will at last consider, and that the Ministry will see Dunkirk effectually demolished.

It is as frivolous as unjust, to hope to stop our mouths, when we are concerned for so great a point as the business of Dunkirk, by mention of the prerogative, and urging our safety in our good and gracious Queen.

By her great example, religion, piety, and all other public and domestic virtues, are kept in countenance in a very loose and profligate age. All the hours of her precious life, which God long preserve, are divided between the exercises of devotion, and taking minutes of the sublime affairs of her govern

ment.

Besides which, her Majesty has manifested herself the most affectionate wife, the most constant friend, the most tender mother; and has filled every duty with a virtue as superior to the rest of the world as is her high condition. But I shall leave what I have to say on this topick, to the time when the consequence of it will be insignificant to me, but which, I hope, will do her honour, that is,

justice,

justice, when I am no more, and the remains of her sacred person are as common dust as mine.

But, as this bright example is in the person of a Lady, it cannot be supposed that the general sense of a people, the sub-divisions of affection and interest among great men (to be learned only by conversation with them, even in their unguarded leisure), can appear to her but from the information of such as have the happiness and honour to lay them before her. Her Majesty is therefore more particularly necessitated to rely upon the intelligence of her Ministry; and, from that very reason, their fellow-subjects may be the more solicitous for what passes beyond the ordinary rules of government. Thus all which they offer for our security and implicit reliance upon what is transacted by the Court of England, to wit, her Majesty's care and goodness, are arguments for exerting both our zeal and our gratitude; that at any time artful men may not take advantage of the security we have in her virtue, to indulge too much the power of any Foreign Prince whatsoever, especially that of the most warlike Potentate in Europe.

I cannot leave this subject without being still anxious with relation to the disrespect they accuse me of to my Royal Mistress. All that can be wrested to my disadvantage is, that the Queen is concerned when any thing is to be imputed to her servants; but I deny that, and persist in it, that it is no manner of diminution of the wisdom of a Prince, that he is obliged to act by the information of others.

If I might make an abrupt digression from great things to small, I should on this occasion mention a little circumstance which happened to the late King William. He had a Frenchman who took care of the gun-dogs, whose business it was also to charge and deliver the piece to the King. This minister forgot to bring out shot into the field; but did not think fit to let so passionate a man and eager a sportsman as the King know his offence, but gave his Majesty the gun loaded only with powder. When the King missed his aim, this im pudent cur stood chattering, admiring, commending the King's skill in shooting, and, holding up his hands," he had never seen sa Majesté miss before in his whole life." This circumstance was no manner of argument to those (who afterwards found out the fellow's iniquity) against the King's reputation for a quick eye, and shooting very finely. I am, with respect to the Borough and yourself, Sir,

Your most humble,

and most obedient servant,

RICH. STEELE,

240. TO

240. TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL

CADOGAN *.

SIR,

[1713.]

IN the character of Guardian, it behoves me to do honour to such as have deserved well of society; and laid out worthy and manly qualities in the service of the publick. No man has more eminently distinguished himself this way than Mr. Cadogan. With a contempt of pleasure, rest, and ease, when called to the duties of your glorious profession, you have lived in a familiarity with dangers, and, with a strict eye upon the final purpose of the attempt, have wholly disregarded what should befall yourself in the prosecution of it. Thus has life risen to you

* William Cadogan, esq. Quarter-master-general in 1701; Colonel of a regiment of horse in 1703; Brigadier-general in 1704; Plenipotentiary to the Spanish Netherlands, and Major-general, in 1706; Lieutenant-general in 1709.-No officer was ever so much relied on by the Duke of Marlborough as General Cadogan. He had the care of marking out almost every camp during the war in the Netherlands and Germany; which he executed so skilfully, that, it was observed, the Duke was never surprized or attacked in his camp during the whole war. On the accession of King George, Master of the Robes, and Colonel of the second regiment of horse-guards; Knight of the Thistle in 1715; Governor of the Isle of Wight, and Plenipotentiary to Holland, in 1716; created Lord Cadogan, June 21, that year; Baron Oakley, Viscount Caversham, and Earl Cadogan, April 17, 1718. On the death of the Duke of Marlborough in 1722, he was made Master-general of the Ordnance, and Colonel of the first regiment of foot-guards. He died July 17, 1726.

†This was prefixed to the first volume of "The Guardian."

as fast as you resigned it; and every new hour, for having so frankly lent the preceding moments to the cause of Justice and of Liberty, has come home to you, improved with honour. This happy distinction, which is so very peculiar to you, with the addition of industry, vigilance, patience of labour, thirst and hunger, in common with the meanest soldier, has made your present fortune unenvied: for the publick always reap greater advantage from the example of successful merit, than the deserving man himself can possibly be possessed of. Your Country knows how eminently you excel in the several parts of military skill, whether in assigning the encampment, accommodating the troops, leading to the charge, or pursuing the Enemy; the retreat being the only part of the profession which has not fallen within the experience of those who learned their warfare under the Duke of Marlborough. But the true and honest purpose of this epistle is, to desire a place in your friendship, without pretending to add any thing to your reputation, who, by your own gallant actions, have acquired that your name through all ages shall be read with honour, where-ever mention shall be made of that illustrious Captain.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient,

and most humble servant,