Chronological accuracy may fairly be regarded as one of the essentials of history, and of biography. The sound of flowing periods may be more grateful to the ear; but the absence of that charm is amply atoned for, by the information which the mind derives from a preeise arrangement of dates, and a lucid detail of facts. The latter advantage we promise to the reader, in his perusal of the following record of Admiral Bertie's professional services.

This gentleman, the sixth child, and fourth son, of George Hoar, Esq. (of Middleton Era, in the county of Durham, but latterly of London) and of Frances, his wife, daughter of William Sleigh, Esq. of Stockton-upon-Tees, was born in that town, on the 3d of July, 1758. He first went to a Latin school, at Eaglecliffe, Durham, under an able teacher (the Rev. Mr. Walker, M.A.) in June, 1766.

Mr. Hoar's friends intending him for the navy, availed themselves of a practice which was at that time allowed in the service; and, in March, 1771, he was put upon the books of the William and Mary yacht, then commanded by Captain Norton, brother of the late Lord Grantley. In January, 1772, he went to a preparatory navigation school, at Stockton; and, in the month of July following, he was placed at Mr. Eaton's academy, in London, with the view of completing his nautical studies.