It is with much satisfaction that we undertake the present memoir; as, from the authenticity of its materials, it will tend to counteract certain improper and malevolent statements which have appeared; and as, from the interesting facts which it records, it cannot fail of imparting instruction, and of exciting emulation.

Philip d'Auvergne, now Duke of Bouillon, was born in Elizabeth Castle, in the Island of Jersey, on the 22d of November, 1754. Having shown an early predilection for the Naval Profession, he was, in the year 1770, borne on the books of one of the Royal Yachts, commanded by the late Vice-Admiral Campbell, as was not unusual, at that period, to fill up the qualifying time for passing examination, while he continued to enjoy the advantages of a private education.

In the year 1772, under the patronage of the late Lord Howe, he joined the Flora Frigate, commanded by the late Sir George Collier. In the Flora he made several foreign Voyages, as a Midshipman, particularly to Cronstadt, when, together with all the Officers of that Ship, he had the honour of being presented, by Lord Cathcart, the British Ambassador at Russia, to the Empress Catherine the IId, and her Court, at Peterhoff, near St. Petersburgh. On their return, they stopped at Copenhagen, where they met with the French Frigate la Flou, in which were embarked several members of the Academy of Sciences, of Paris, making observations on the time-keepers of Le Roy and Berthoud.