We cannot but consider ourselves particularly fortunate, in being enabled to present, to the readers of The Naval Chronicle, authentic memoirs of so many of the illustrious Nelson's friends;–so many participators in his perils and his glories.

The school of Nelson has indeed produced numbers of brilliant officers, who, emulative of the deeds of their great master, wait only for the opportunity of proving themselves worthy of their education.

Sir Thomas Louis, it is true, did not commence his professional life under the auspices of Britain's departed Hero; but he shared with him those laurels which were gathered on the Egyptian coast; and, had it not been for one of those chances, which seem to be destined to reflect lustre on the prowess of our country, he would also have borne a part–a noble one, we doubt not–in the victory of Trafalgar. Sir Thomas Louis, we are persuaded, must regard it as an honour, to be included amongst the pupils and friends of Nelson.

This officer, whose nautical progress we are about to trace, is in the forty-seventh year of his age. His descent is from a respectable family, settled in the city of Exeter, Devonshire, to which place he owes his birth.