The present Volume, in recording the brilliant achievements of the present age, has not, like too many of the present day, been unmindful of former Heroes; amongst whom the name of Faulknor must ever claim its due pre-eminence.

In our painful and laborious task of writing the biographical Memoirs of living Officers, we have sometimes drawn on us, and very undeservedly, that angry spirit of party, which still preserves its wonted ascendency in the Naval Profession. The pages of our Chronicle are open to every one: if we have now inadvertently offended, or should at any future time offend this too irritable disposition, we shall be at all times ready fairly to publish any detection of our partialities, or any accusation of our —judices, that may even be suspected.

We have been led into this declaration from some circumstances that have arisen since the publication of our memoirs of Sir Home Popham; which were merely brought forward in consequence of his capture of Buenos Ayres. As a faithful Chronicle of Naval Events, however imperfect, a certain degree of independence must be allowed us. We respect, as much as any one, the Herculean Arm that has attempted to cleanse the Augean Stable of the British Navy; yet, with that respect, we wish to preserve our candour and impartiality.