We have been gratified in learning, that our biographical sketch of the “gallant Merchant Commodore Dance” has not been condemned as an innovation, but has rather been deemed a just tribute to that spirit of invincible valour, which so universally pervades both the Royal and Mercantile British Navy. The actions of another Merchant, whose birth indeed was humble, but whose high achievements were splendid, will more fully illustrate the truth of this remark; and prove unto the French, that if we are a Nation of Shopkeepers, the spirit of commerce has no tendency to abate the natural and inherent Valour of an Englishman.

The origin of Commodore Sir William James is enveloped in obscurity. Whether this may have proceeded from that feeling which revolts at the retrospect of poverty, it would now be difficult, if not impossible, to determine. That such feelings are frequently incidental both to families and individuals, is too true; since it too often has deprived us of the means of marking the progress of naval merit, from its first dawn, to its meridian splendour. Even Johnson was not invulnerable to its influence. That truly great philosopher, though endowed with sentiments too noble and elevated to permit any attempt at deceit, dwelt with pain on the poverty of his early years.