generously have confessed that actions, no less extraordinary than those performed by the gallant Cœur de Lion, have been achieved by Sir Sidney Smith.". This speech was followed by universal acclamations.

Sir Sidney Smith thus replied:

"Sir-Unconscious that I should have been thought worthy of being addressed by you on the part of the city of London in terms of such high and unqualified approbation, I am but ill prepared for replying in a manner adequately to express the sentiments with which I am impressed. My confidence would be lessened, did I not feel that I was surrounded by friends who are dear to me, and whose approbation I am proud to have received. It shall be the object of my future life to merit the panegyric you have been pleased to pronounce in my favour. For the freedom of your city, with which you have honoured me, I return you my sincere thanks, and shall implicitly conform to all the obligations annexed to it. Above all, I accept this sword as the most honourable reward which could have been conferred on me. In peace it will be my proudest ornament, and in war I trust I shall be ever ready to draw it in defence of my country, and for the protection of the city of London.”—[Loud applause.]

Sir Sidney Smith then took the usual civic oaths; and having made a liberal donation to the poor's box, departed amidst the acclamations of the populace.

CHAPTER XX.

Sir Sidney Smith returned member of parliament for Rochester-His speech in the House of Commons, and at the anniversary of the Naval Institution-His appointment in the Antelope to the command of a squadron-His services in that command.

THE grateful countrymen of Sir Sidney Smith, eager to testify their feelings for his almost universal talents, showed him, on every occasion, the most marked respect. Civic honours followed those of the battle, the ocean, and the court. At the general election of representatives for the second parliament of the United Kingdom, the citizens of Rochester evinced their good taste by choosing our officer, in conjunction with Mr. James Hulkes, to watch their own interests and those of the empire in the House of Commons. Sir Sidney accordingly took his seat for that ancient city on the opening of the session, on the 16th of November, 1802.

At this period, the country was in a state of

fitful repose, during a short and hollow peace; a peace that seemed to be more like a mutual cessation of hostilities, only obtained in order to afford all parties a little respite to enable them to recommence war with increased bitterness, fury, and devastation.

In his Majesty's address to his parliament, whilst he assured both Houses that he was, with a paternal anxiety, most solicitous to maintain peace, he spoke as apprehensive of approaching war, and breathed forth the accents of defiance

and preparation. In the Upper House, Lord Nelson, fresh in the glories of the victory of the Nile, seconded the address to the throne. This was commendable to all parties, and honourable to the ministry.

At this distance of time it is impossible accurately to know, or if known, fully to appreciate, the various actuating motives of those who then ruled the destinies of England. But, looking to the services of Sir Sidney, and weighing how greatly his talents and activity had been the cause of gaining for England the peace, such as it was, we presume to think that he should have done that in the House of Commons, which Lord Nelson so gracefully performed in the House of Lords.

For the short time that he was enabled to

attend to his parliamentary duties, the commodore was, though by no means obtrusive, diligent and attentive. At that period Pitt, Fox, and Sheridan, with other men who have identified themselves with the history of the country, were in the zenith of their glory. In the fields of oratory, competition with declaimers like these would have been vain. Besides, at that time, Sir Sidney conscientiously supported the party that was opposed to the latitudinarian principles of government, religion, and morals, that was then so lamentably gaining ground. The posts that a man of virtuous ambition would have been anxious to fill, were all occupied. Nothing was left for Sir Sidney, but to follow those who were so well able to lead; and to support by his vote, and strengthen by his countenance, those principles for which he had so gloriously fought, bled, and conquered.

Yet, though by no means a clamorous or even a garrulous member, when the opportunity occurred, by which the House might benefit by his nautical or military experience, he knew well how to impart that experience in a manner both dignified and impressive. On the debate on the navy estimates, when Mr. Alexander moved for a grant of fifty thousand seamen for the service of the ensuing year, Sir Sidney Smith expressed