A year had scarcely elapsed after the first edition of the preceding Pamphlet was committed to the press, when the great object it recommended was accomplished, with an unanimity and a promptitude which the irresistible power of such a cause could alone effect, by the establishment of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck;—district associations on a very extended scale have also been formed in the county of Norfolk, and on various other important parts of the coast, avowedly founded on the plan which this work had projected.
It has therefore become expedient, in the future circulation of this Pamphlet, to add a few pages, containing authentic statements of those proceedings by which the Institution was organized—how cordially this measure has been received and adopted, and how much in conformity with that outline which I had ventured to offer to the consideration of my country, these documents will best evince.
It will at the same time be seen, that the resolutions of the General Meeting do not extend to the remuneration of the Salvors of property in cases of shipwreck, where not immediately connected with the preservation of life, it having been the opinion of the Provisional Committee that the existing laws had already made such regulations as to render that measure unnecessary.
In reference to those passages which treat of the rewards to be conferred for services which may be performed, and more particularly as to the relief to be afforded to the destitute families of those who unhappily may perish in their attempts to preserve the lives of others, it will be obvious that the extent of such recompenses and relief must of necessity be guided by those means, which the liberality of the nation may supply—at the same time, I have the utmost satisfaction in stating the humane declaration of the Institution, that their operations will be limited only by the amount of those funds which may be placed at their disposal, or the number of cases calling for assistance; and I most sincerely concur in the confident hope which the Central Committee express, that the contributions may be so general as not only to give present effect, but also permanence, to this great national undertaking.
Honoured, as this Institution has been, by the high patronage of the King, and of his illustrious family—constituted a Royal Institution by his Majesty's gracious command—sanctioned by many of the most distinguished characters in the church and state, and sustained by the bounty of a generous nation—it is not for me to have the presumption to offer my acknowledgements, for that support which the cause of our shipwrecked fellow-creatures has obtained from the sovereign and the people of this great country.
But there are some names, the omission of which would be an act of injustice—the gentlemen of the Provisional Committee, who prepared the way for that success which attended the public meeting, over which his grace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided, in a manner as advantageous to the measures which he so essentially contributed to promote, as honourable to his own benevolent feelings; and the equally zealous members of the Central Committee, who now so ably conduct the affairs of the Institution, are eminently entitled to the warmest thanks of every friend of this cause, for their early and important exertions in its establishment, of whom I may perhaps be permitted to name Thomas Wilson, Esq. one of the representatives in parliament for the City ofLondon, and George Hibbert, Esq. as having been amongst the foremost in affording their valuable co-operation in the formation of this Institution.
It only remains for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction which I experience, in witnessing the attainment of this object of my most earnest solicitude, and in the firm conviction with which I am impressed, that this Institution is now established on principles which will extend its beneficial effects to the most distant shores, and to generations yet unborn.
WILLIAM HILLARY.
May 29, 1824.
Circular, convening a preliminary and select Meeting, to consider of the Suggestions in the Pamphlet by Sir William Hillary, Bart. of an Institution for the Rescue of Lives from Shipwreck.
No. 33, New Broad Street,February 4, 1824.
Sir,
You are respectfully requested to attend at the City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 12th instant, at twelve for one o'clock precisely, to confer on certain measures which will then be submitted, and to determine on the expedience of calling a General Meeting in London, for the formation of a "National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck."
I have the honour to be,Sir,Your most obedient servant,
S. COCK.
Proceedings of a preliminary Meeting of Noblemen and Gentlemen, held at the City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 12th of February, 1824.
Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. was called to the Chair.
Resolved unanimously,
That this Meeting, taking into consideration the frequent loss of human life by shipwreck, and believing that by the preconcerted exertions of practical men, and the adoption of practical means, such calamities might often be averted, are of opinion that a National Institution should be formed (to be supported by voluntary donations and subscriptions) for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck on the coasts of the united kingdom; for affording such immediate assistance to the persons rescued, as their necessities may require; for conferring rewards on those who preserve their fellow-creatures from destruction; and for granting relief to the destitute families of any who may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others.
Resolved unanimously,
That, with a view to the formation of such an Institution, a general Meeting of the Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Traders, and others, be convened for Wednesday, the 25th instant, at twelve for one o'clock precisely, or such other day as may be found more convenient.
Resolved unanimously,
That the following be a provisional Committee in the interim, with power to add to their number.
THOMAS WILSON, Esq. M.P. Chairman.Henry Baring, Esq. M.P.Vice-Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K.C.B.John Blackburn, Esq.Henry Blanchard, Esq.John William Buckle, Esq.James Cazenove, jun. Esq.Simon Cock, Esq.Captain J. W. Deans Dundas, R.N.David C. Guthrie, Esq.Samuel Gurney, Esq.George Hibbert, Esq.Sir William Hillary, Bart.Samuel Hoare, Esq.George Lyall, Esq.Rev. H. H. Norris.John Clark Powell, Esq.Joseph Pulley, Esq.John Vincent Purrier, Esq.Christopher Richardson, jun. Esq.Benjamin Shaw, Esq.Right Honourable Lord Suffield.Christopher Tenant, Esq.Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.William Vaughan, Esq.Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.Joshua Watson, Esq.Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.George Frederick Young, Esq.
THOMAS WILSON, Esq. M.P. Chairman.Henry Baring, Esq. M.P.Vice-Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K.C.B.John Blackburn, Esq.Henry Blanchard, Esq.John William Buckle, Esq.James Cazenove, jun. Esq.Simon Cock, Esq.Captain J. W. Deans Dundas, R.N.David C. Guthrie, Esq.Samuel Gurney, Esq.George Hibbert, Esq.Sir William Hillary, Bart.Samuel Hoare, Esq.George Lyall, Esq.Rev. H. H. Norris.John Clark Powell, Esq.Joseph Pulley, Esq.John Vincent Purrier, Esq.Christopher Richardson, jun. Esq.Benjamin Shaw, Esq.Right Honourable Lord Suffield.Christopher Tenant, Esq.Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.William Vaughan, Esq.Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.Joshua Watson, Esq.Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.George Frederick Young, Esq.
Resolved unanimously,
That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Sir William Hillary, Bart. for his exertions in bringing this interesting subject before the Meeting, and for his assistance in its deliberations.
Mr. Wilson having left the chair,
It was resolved unanimously,
That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to Thomas Wilson, Esq. for his able conduct in the chair, and for his zeal in the support of the objects in contemplation.
His Royal Highness the Duke of York.His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence.His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg.
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.His Grace the Archbishop of York.His Grace the Duke of St. Alban's.The Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne.The Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford, K.G. Vice-Admiral of Cornwall, and of the Coast of Suffolk.The Most Noble the Marquis of Camden, K.G.The Right Hon. the Earl Spencer, K.G.The Right Hon. the Earl of Craven.The Right Hon. the Earl of Lonsdale, K.G.The Right Hon. the Earl of Harrowby.The Right Hon. Earl Brownlow.The Right Hon. Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K.C.B.The Right Hon. Lord John Russell, M.P.The Right Hon. Viscount Torrington.The Right Hon. Viscount Melville, K.T.The Right Hon. Viscount Exmouth, G.C.B.The Lord Bishop of London.The Lord Bishop of Durham.The Lord Bishop of Chester, now Bath and Wells.The Lord Bishop of Bristol.The Right Hon. Lord Suffield.The Right Hon. Lord Braybrooke.The Right Hon. Lord Amherst, Governor-General of India.The Right Hon. Lord Stowell.The Right Hon. Robert Peel.The Right Hon. George Canning.The Right Hon. Frederick John Robinson.The Right Hon. William Huskisson.Sir William Hillary, Bart.Sir Claude Scott, Bart.Sir Charles Forbes, Bart. M.P.William Haldimand, Esq. M.P.George Hibbert, Esq.William Manning, Esq. M.P.The Chairman of the Hon. East India Company.The Deputy Master of Trinity House.The Chairman for Lloyd's.N. M. Rothschild, Esq.John Smith, Esq. M.P.Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.Joshua Watson, Esq.Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.
Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. Chairman.
Captain Astley, R.N.Henry Blanchard, Esq.Richardson Borradaile, Esq.Captain William Bowles, R.N.John William Buckle, Esq.John Capel, Esq.David Carruthers, Esq.James Cazenove, jun. Esq.Jonathan Chapman, Esq.G. R. Clarke, Esq.Simon Cock, Esq.William Cotton, Esq.Captain Ed. Henry a'Court, R.N. M.P.Captain C. C. Dansey, R.A.John Deacon, Esq.Captain Joseph Dowson.Captain Deans Dundas, R.N.Captain John Foulerton.Charles Francis, Esq.James Halford, Esq.Edward Hurry, Esq.Captain John Locke, H.C.S.Edward Hawke Locker, Esq.George Lyall, Esq.W. A. Madocks, Esq. M.P.John Marshall, Esq.John Petty Muspratt, Esq.John Clark Powell, Esq.John D. Powles, Esq.Joseph Pulley, Esq.John Vincent Purrier, Esq.Christoper Richardson, jun. Esq.Captain R. Saumarez, R.N. K.L.Thomas Snodgrass, Esq.Christopher Tennant, Esq.Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.Mr. Alderman Venables.John Wild, Esq.H. S. H. Wollaston, Esq.George Frederick Young, Esq.
William Sikes, Esq. 5, Mansion House Street.
Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.James Cazenove, jun. Esq.John Clark Powell, Esq.
Timothy A. Curtis, Esq.Henry Sikes, Esq.Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.
Thomas Edwards, Esq.
Office of the Institution, No. 12, Austin Friars, London.
At a Public Meeting of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Merchants, and others, held at the City of London Tavern, this day,
His Grace theArchbishop of Canterburyin the Chair,
The following resolutions were passed unanimously:—
I. Upon the motion of his Grace; seconded by Captain Bowles, R.N.—That an Institution be now formed for the Preservation of Life in cases of Shipwreck on the Coasts of the United Kingdom, to be supported by donations and annual subscriptions; and to be called the "National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck."
II. Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Captain Deans Dundas, R.N.—That medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who rescue lives in cases of shipwreck.
III. Moved by the Lord Bishop of London; seconded by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M.P.—That such immediate assistance be afforded to persons rescued as their necessities may require.
IV. Moved by the Lord Bishop of Chester; seconded by William Manning, Esq. M.P.—That relief be supplied to the widows and families of persons who may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others.
V. Moved by Captain John Foulerton;—seconded by Mr. Alderman Venables,—That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the Institution, as well in war as in peace; that the same rewards be given for their rescue as for British subjects; and that foreigners saved from shipwreck, and being in a state of destitution, be placed under the care of the consuls or other accredited agents of their own nations, or be forwarded to their respective countries.
VI. Moved by Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.; seconded by John William Buckle, Esq.—That medallions be conferred on the authors of such inventions for the preservation of lives, in cases of shipwreck, as shall be most effectual for that purpose.
VII. Moved by Matthias Attwood, Esq. M.P.; secondedby Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.—That the Institution be established in London, and be conducted by a patron, vice-patrons, a president, vice-presidents, governors, forty committeemen, a treasurer, three trustees, three auditors, a secretary, and assistants.
VIII. Moved by John Blades, Esq.; seconded by John Marshall, Esq.—That the committee be denominated the "London Central Committee," and do continue to act for the first two years; and that after the expiration of that term, an election of six new members take place at each annual meeting, in the room of the six who shall be found to have attended the fewest number of times in the preceding year: and that the vice-patrons, president, vice-presidents, and treasurer, be also members of the committee.
IX. Moved by Joseph Pulley, Esq.; seconded by John Atkins, jun. Esq.—That donations and annual subscriptions be now entered into, and solicited, for carrying the objects of this Institution into effect.
X. Moved by Captain Manby; seconded by Thomas Shirley Gooch, Esq. M.P.—That maritime counties or districts, the principal sea ports, and the inland counties of the united kingdom, and the British isles, be earnestly invited to form district associations, as branches of this Institution, for the purpose of promoting donations and subscriptions, and for assisting to carry its general objects into effect.
XI. Moved by Captain Richard Saumarez, R.N.; seconded by Christopher Richardson, jun. Esq.—That it be recommended to such district associations, that their affairs be managed in conformity with the principles of the London central committee, and that their committees do consist of a chairman, and such other members as they may deem expedient.
XII. Moved by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M.P.; seconded by David Carruthers, Esq.—That the committee be empowered to form rules, regulations, and by-laws, for the government of the Institution, which are to be submitted to the next general meeting.
XIII. Moved by Quarles Harris, Esq.; seconded by James Cazenove, Esq.—That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the ambassadors, consuls, or other representatives of foreign states, resident in this country.
XIV. Moved by Sir Charles Flower, Bart.; seconded by William Walcot, Esq.—That his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury be requested to convey to the King's most gracious Majesty, the deep and grateful sense which this Meeting entertains of the distinguished honour which his Majesty has conferred upon the Institution in becoming its patron.
XV. Moved by Captain Deans Dundas, R.N.; seconded by John Wilson, Esq.—That the grateful thanks of this Meeting be respectfully offered to their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Sussex, and Gloucester, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, for their readiness to become the vice-patrons of the Institution.
XVI. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by John Vincent Purrier, Esq.—That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Earl of Liverpool, for his acceptance of the presidency of the Institution.
XVII. Moved by William Cotton, Esq.; seconded by Jonathan Chapman, Esq.—That the thanks of this Meeting be also given to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other noble and distinguished personages who have accepted the office of vice-presidents of the Institution.
XVIII. Moved by George Lyall, Esq.; seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq. M.P.—That the best thanks of this Meeting are due to Sir William Hillary, Bart. for his patriotic efforts in bringing this subject before the public, and for his zealous endeavours to promote the establishment of the Institution.
XIX. Moved by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.; seconded by Thomas Maltby, Esq.—That copies of the resolutions entered into this day be transmitted to the Admiralty, to the Trinity House, and to Lloyd's; and that copies of the resolutions be published in several of the provincial papers.
XX. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by Sir Charles Flower, Bart.—That the warmest thanks of this Meeting be presented to Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. for his humane, zealous, and persevering exertions in the establishment of this Institution.
His Grace the Archbishop having left the chair, Thomas Wilson, Esq. was unanimously called upon to take it.
Moved by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. seconded by Sir Chas. Flower, Bart. and resolved unanimously,—That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the important service which he has rendered the Institution, and particularly for his condescension in taking the chair this day.
(Signed) THOMAS WILSON,
Chairman.
At a General Court of the Subscribers and Friends to the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, held at the City of London Tavern, on the 10th of March, 1825.
The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Chair.
It was moved by George Hibbert, Esq.
Seconded by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.
And resolved unanimously,
That the Gold Medallion of the Institution be presented to Sir William Hillary, Bart., by whom this NATIONAL INSTITUTION was first suggested, and ably recommended by his publications on the subject.
(Signed) THOMAS WILSON,
Chairman of the Committee.
Having thus shown, by official documents, the great outline of the Royal National Institution, now happily established for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck, a brief recapitulation of the important nature of its objects and its plans, will perhaps be the best conclusion I can offer to those pages, which have already been received by the public in a manner so gratifying to my own feelings.
From the most early periods, and in every state of society, shipwreck has been one of those never ceasing evils which has excited the commiseration of mankind; but, until recently, appears scarcely ever to have called forth their humane efforts to mitigate its deplorable consequences. For centuries our mariners have been left, unassisted, to endure every peril of the sea, as if shipwreck were a calamity in every instance utterly beyond all reach of mortal succour, and in every age, thousands of our fellow-creatures have thus miserably perished, who unquestionably might have been rescued.
Of late years, various efforts have been made on parts of our coasts for the preservation of life from impending peril, and some excellent inventions have been introduced for that purpose; these had however hitherto been only a means, not a system—local, not national.
But when we reflect on the great waste of human life attendant on these dreadful catastrophes, and the vital importance to their country of those who have thus been abandoned to their wretched fate, it cannot fail to excite our astonishment that amongst all the noble Institutions of this great empire, which have been patronized by the crown, promoted by the government, or sustained by the bounty of the people, there never before has been established, in this the most powerful maritime state of ancient or of modern days, one general association, or national Institution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck.
The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused to this important object,—this void in our benevolent establishments has been supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, under the immediate patronage of the King.
The objects contemplated by this Institution are, in their nature, deeply interesting to the cause of humanity—important to the naval and the commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend their beneficial influence to every age and every country.
It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within the scope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck—not only of the seamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation who may becomeexposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally in peace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urging them to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them with every means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safety to themselves—conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for their generous efforts—rendering every practicable relief to the destitute widows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in their attempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may be thus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing, medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require—to enable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes, or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And the subjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to place them in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their own nation.
This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of such inventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Lives from Shipwreck.
Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to be the best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritime people—to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remained dormant, or hithertohave only been partially exerted, and to arouse our countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power from those direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed—which are not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome and not liable to recur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to every coast—each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain to continue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented, in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shall extend itself over the globe.
To all who revere the naval glory of Britain—to all who duly estimate the commercial greatness of their country, or who profit by its success—to all who feel the humanity and the policy of preserving the brave defenders of the state, and the hardy conductors of that commerce, from those dangers, to which, in the exercise of their arduous duties, they are continually exposed—this Institution cannot appeal in vain.
Every class must feel how deeply it is connected with the national honour, and the maritime interest of their country, that all the means which the bounty of a wealthy and a liberal people can supply, and all the efforts which experience and humanity can prompt, should be devoted to so sacred a cause.
Each in his respective sphere is earnestlysolicited to bear a part—the great and the affluent, and those residing in the interior of the kingdom, by their influence and their contributions—the active and the zealous, by their energetic efforts—those on the coasts, by the more hazardous exertions of enterprise and bravery—and all, according to their power and their stations, to promote the success, and to recompense the endeavours of those who voluntarily encounter the greatest perils, for the rescue of the unhappy mariner, of every nation, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our coasts.
The accomplishment of so many and such important objects, on a scale commensurate with the frequency and the extent of the misfortunes they are intended to alleviate, requires the combined efforts of numerous public bodies and zealous individuals—preconcerted arrangements on every dangerous coast, and considerable pecuniary resources.
Under these convictions, I presume most earnestly to recommend, that public meetings should be held in those maritime counties and great sea ports of the united kingdom which have not yet come forward in this cause, for the formation of district or local associations on all our coasts, regulated in their internal concerns by their own committees, as departments of, and in direct communication with, the parentInstitution, having an union of funds, of object and of effort, for the most extended adoption of every means which the magnitude of the evil to be averted imperatively demands at our hands.
Nor are those whose residence is the most remote from the scenes of these disasters, less interested in the universal establishment of this system.—Where is to be found that family, of any station, even in the very interior of the kingdom, which has not some near and dear connexions, some valued relatives or friends, who, from their professions or their pursuits, may become exposed to the hazard of shipwreck, and who may be thus preserved, through the very means to which their bounty may contribute? Themselves distant from the scene of danger, they may, without effort or toil, become instrumental in the rescue of those they most value in life—equally then are they called on to take measures for the collection of funds in the midland counties as on the coasts, in order to give increased resources to the Institution, for the most effectual prosecution of its plans.
As this great national measure shall continue to establish itself in the public mind, the adoption of more extended and systematic plans will naturally impress themselves on our consideration.
From an almost universal want of foresight in our seamen, and a carelessness in providingagainst future dangers, naturally arising from the reckless bravery of their character, they would turn with contempt from any proposition that each should always take with him to sea, some one of those simple but practicable means by which his rescue from shipwreck might be greatly facilitated. In like manner the owners or masters of vessels, some from an ill timed parsimony, but far more, from thoughtlessness or prejudice, neglect to provide their vessels with any of the apparatus which would, in many instances, insure the safety of the passengers and crews.
What is thus the duty of every one, will, amongst such a numerous class of individuals, be either entirely neglected or imperfectly executed, and a continued sacrifice of life be the certain consequence.
Our seamen constitute one of the most valuable properties of the state. The preservation of the life of the subject is one of the most imperative duties of an enlightened government—it has therefore become indispensably requisite, in this great maritime nation, that these evils, arising from causes which no unity of opinion or of action, in the parties most interested, can ever be expected to remove, should as far as possible be obviated by legislative enactment—and that vessels should not, after a given period, be permitted to clear out at theports from which they are to sail, until, according to their tonnage, the number of their passengers and crews, and the nature of the voyage on which they are bound, it shall have been ascertained that they have been provided by the owners, and according to established regulations, with those means of safety which shall be required.
These should consist of the most simple and effectual apparatus for establishing a communication in case of wreck, between the vessel and the shore—materials for the construction of rafts—lifebuoys—cork jackets, or other buoyant means of safety to individuals; boats in a reasonable proportion to the numbers on board, to some of which the properties of life boats might immediately and easily be given—with other measures which the great importance of the object demands, on a scale consistent with that economy which should ever attend compulsatory regulations.
The extent and nature of these precautionary measures require mature consideration, and would best be ascertained by a committee of experienced and scientific officers and individuals selected from the navy, the Trinity House, Lloyd's, the Ship-owners' Society, and other departments connected with maritime affairs, on whose reports, and after minute and deliberate investigation, perhaps an enactment could alone be founded to produce the muchdesired effect.—It is only by reducing into a system those measures which are now left to chance, or to the forethought or the caprice of thousands, that such effectual precautions can be taken, as will insure that at all times the danger may be promptly met by adequate means of rescue.
It has been allowed by those of much ability and experience, that it would be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should be examined, by some competent authority, to be established for the purpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, on which the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews must continually depend, before any one, who has not already filled that office, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of such tonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more full investigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite.
We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in our course,—the greatness of our objects—the goodness of our cause—the conviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail to bring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolent feelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of their fellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, and ultimately to insure its complete success.
Much has recently been accomplished—several noble establishments have already been formed on our coasts—rewards for many lives preserved have already been bestowed—infinitely more remains yet to be done—nor should we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from their ardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall be surrounded by well organized branches of the Institution—until every mariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feel assured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which a generous enterprise can make, supported by every means which human foresight can arrange—and until, prompted by our example, and witnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will have received on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the people of every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importance of this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation of similar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentially contribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system for the mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of the civilised world.
WILLIAM HILLARY.
19th July, 1825.
LONDON:PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.