jjiiji- -^oaiAi^ ^^ME•llNIVERJ/- ^lOSANCflfj> ^^^l•lIBRARYQ^ CD > r jir^f; a n\/ •% ,u <-3 JU iijiiv:>ur "7» C /T,r riiirriif^ . ^\\tw i\\c\ni\^' \-l^' R5/A -' JU^f \IMU Jl I' b. 11763. dl.l827. ^iiq/ia/2Ae^ /m y^//e>&) ^yifUU^ii) ^m/s^u^ ^/j^Ui^^mi'. THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND; OR, A POEINI, SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS FREDERICK, DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ALL HIS MAJESTY'S FORCES. BY THOMAS EASTOE ABBOTT. " They that were unknown to him will lament his loss." HULL: PRINTED AND SOLD BY I. WILSON, LOWGATE ; SOLD ALSO BY SIMPKIK AND MARSHALL, STATIONKRs' HALL COURT, AND W. SAMS, ST. JAMEs's-STREET, LONDON ; HARWOOD AND HALL, CAMBRIDGE J PARKER, OXFORD; RODFORD AND CO., HULL; WOL- STENHOLME, YORK ; BARNBY, MALTON ; COLE, SCARBRo' ; SCAUM, BEVERLEY; FORTH, AND FURBY AND CO., BRIDLIKGTON J BARKER, DEREHAM ; AND ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 1828. TO AIAJOR.GENERAL THE RIGHT HOXOURABLE GODFREY LORD MACDONALD, OF AllMADALE CASTLE, ISLE OF SKY, NORTH BRITAIK, AND THORPE HALL, YORKSHIRE; ONE OF HIS majesty's JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR THE EAST RIDING OF THE COUNTY OF YORK; THIS FEEBLE EFFORT TO C0M3IEM0RATE THE PUBLIC SERVICES AND PHILANTHROPIC EXERTIONS OF FIELD MARSHAL, HIS LATE ROYAL HIGHNESS FREDERICK, DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY, EARL OF ULSTER, IN IRELAND, BISHOP OF OSNABURGH, &C. Sec. Sec. IS, WITH HIS lordship's PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY HIS lordship's MOST OBLIGED, AND MOST DEVOTED HUMBLE SERVANT, THOMAS EASTOE ABBOTT. PREFACE. When I behold the hst of Subscribers to this imperfect Essay, I am led with gratitude to acknowledge the honour and encouragement conferred on its incompetent author. The pub- lication of the work having been postponed longer than is usual for small occasional pro- ductions, I beg to explain, that a desire to blend as much authentic information with my subject as possible, together with the hindrances occa- sioned by the numerous official duties in which I am engaged, unavoidably led to repeated delay ; in addition to which, my residence being thirty miles from the place of printing, was a further obstruction, and in some degree an unpediment to correction and accuracy. VI PREFACE. I have also laboured under considerable dis- advantage in there being no public library in the vicinity of Bridlington, which is so essen- tially necessary in making references, parti- cularly on historical subjects. I trust, therefore, that these and other apparent disabilities, will have their due influence in shielding me from the strict and rigid criticism of my readers. Through the kindness of Sir Herbert Tay- lor, the Military Secretary, and the Rev. Dr. Dakins, Chaplain and Librarian to his late Royal Highness the Duke of York, I have been favoured with the particulars contained in Note 11, relative to the Public Charities patronized by their venerated Master ; and I have selected the paragraph marked by inverted commas, in the above note, from a Funeral Sermon preached by Dr. Dakins, before His Majesty's second regiment of Life Guards, at the Cavalry Barracks, Hyde Park, and at West- minster Abbey. To S. G. Lawrence, Esq. PREFACE. VU of the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, I am chiefly indebted for the substance of Note 19 ; and to Captain Macdonald, of the Royal Mihtary College, Sandhurst, for the copious description of that noble institution. Those who had long the honour and happi- ness of His Royal Highness's personal confi- dence, can well testify the integrity of his prin- ciples and the humane feelings of his heart. His long public labours, connected with an important era of our national history, have been duly estimated by general and practical observation ; as a proof of which, the various Funeral Sermons preached, on the occasion of his death, by several of the most popular Ministers of different Christian Churches, in France as well as in Great Britain, will afford the historian of future years the most ample ma- terials to illustrate his improving genius and renovating discipline ; — and I beg to conclude this address with the following passage from a "V'lll PREFACE. Sermon, preached by the Rev. John Graham, Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, before that University, January 21, 1827 : — " The course of war and the career of arms afford no congenial theme for a Minister of the gospel of peace. Yet, if it be natural for us to feel an honest pride in the still recent laurels that our counti-ymen have so nobly gained in the cause of liberty and justice ; if it be a source of triumph, to feel that our military fame and strength secure us against all danger, or, at least, against all dread of foreign hostility ; if we delight to witness, in the higher ranks of the British Army, that elevated sense of honour, which, though it may not make ambition virtue, yet sof- tens all the horx'ors and ferocity of war ; — if, lastly, we behold with pleasure a provision made for the time-worn soldier, or for the tender orphans of those who have fallen in their country's service ; then let a Nation's gratitude follow the lamented individual, under whose auspices and exertions this picture has been so fully realized." • THOMAS EASTOE ABBOTT. Bridlington, June, 1828. LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS. Tfwse Gentlemen to whose names asterisks are prijixed, are Magistrates for the County of York. * Major- General the Right Hon. Godfrey Lord Macdonald, large paper. His Grace George Williaji Frederick Duke of Leeds. Her Grace the Duchess of Leeds. Field JMarshall the most Noble Henry William Marquis op Anglesey Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, two copies, large paper. The Right Hon. Willl^m Earl of Lonsdale, K.G., &F.S.A., large paper. The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Lowther, M. P., large paper. Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Taylor, G.CH., Military Secretary to His late Royal Highness the Duke of York. The Rev. Sir Charles Anderson, Bart. ♦Sir William Strickland, Bart. Sir Tatton Sykes, Bart. Sir Francis Boynton, Bart. The very Rev. R. D. Waddilove, D.D. Dean of Ripon, and Archdeacon of the East-Riding of Yorkshire. The Yen. H. K. Bonney, D.D., Archdeacon of Bedford. The Hon. William Duncombe, M.P. ^ John Baillie, Esq. M. P. ff Charles H. Batley, Esq. M.P. *Daniel Sykes, Esq. M.P. The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor op York, (W. H. Hearon, Esq.) The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hull, (A. Terry, Esq.) The Worshipful the Bailiffs of Scarbbo', (E. H. Hebden, and George Nesfield, Esqrs.) ^ SUBSCRIBERS. >t # Jolin Alderson, Esq. M.D., Hull. Rev. Richard Allen, Vicar of Drif- field. Rev. George Allen, Vicar of Kirk- burn. IVIrs. Autlier, London. Mr. E. Ashley, Molescroft. Mi: W. S. Allen, Hull, two copies. Mr. Anderson, Hessle. Joseph Andrews, Esq., Collector of Excise, Marlbro', Wiltshire. Mr. John Allerston, Bridlington. B. Rev. William Barnes, ]M.A., Rector of Richmond, Yorkshire, and Chaplain to His late Royal High- ness, the Duke of York, two copies. Mrs. Bramwell, Ormskirk, C. 15. Broadley, Esq., Cambridge, four copies. *The Hon. and Rev. W. H. E. Bentinck, Prebendary of Westmin- ster, and Rector of Sigglesthorne, Yorkshire. * Richard Bethell, Esq., Rise. •Rev. John Bell, U.D., Rector of j^ Bainton, Yorkshire. ^Tlev. J. Blanchard, Rector of Mid- dlcton, Yorkshire. F. Borton. Esq. fll.D., Malton. Mr. Borton, Kirby Misperton. Richard Bramley, Esq., Bridlington- Quay. Mr. J. Ballantine, surgeon, Hornsea. Mr. John Brigham, Beverley, large paper. Rlr. John Burton, Hull. Rev. Jabez Banks, North Burton. jMr. John Baxter, Whitby. Ccorge Brown, Esq., Lutton. Mr. E. Bennelt, Hornsea. Thomas Boyes, Esq., Driffield. Thomas Bell, Esq., Sutton, two eopics. C. P. Berkley, Esq., Cotterstock Hall, Northamptonshire. John Boyes, Esq., Wansford. % Mr. John Brigham^ Octon Grange. J. B. Briggs,Esq., Hull. John Boyle, Esq., Trinity-Hall, Cam- bridge. Mr. George Brown, Hornsea. Robert Bower, Esq., Welham, Joseph Barns, Esq., Malton. Mr. George Barnby, Bookseller, Mal- ton. John Botterill, Esq., Driffield. Rev. T. Blythe, F.A.S., Knowle, Warwickshire. Samuel Standidge Byron, Esq., Ayton, Mr. Bowser, Hatfield. Thomas Beard, Esq., Collector of Ex- cise, Oxford. Mr. B. Blenkiron, Driffield. Devercux Bowley, Esq., Cirencester, Glocestershire. Mr. J. Brothers, Marlbro', Wiltshire. Thomas Bointon, Esq., Pickering. Mr. M. Banyard, Dereham, Norfolk. *Rev. Charles Constable, Wassand. John Crosse, Esq. F.S.A., F.R.S.L. &c., Hull. Robert Corlass, Esq., Hull, three copies. Samuel Coverley, Esq., Bridlington. Rev. J. B. Clarke, B.A,, Huu- manby. Robert Coulson, Esq., Collector of Excise,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, four copies. I\Ir. John Cole, Bookseller, Scarbro'. Rev. Rowland Croxton, Vicar of Wetwang. Henry Cooke, Esq., Scarbro'. Colonel Cairues, Driffield. Mr. William Chapman, Bridlington- Quay. *E. S. Cayley, Esq., Wydale. * Thomas Candler, Esq., Ayton, *9 SUBSCUIBiyifc.. V I Roger Cox, Esq., Spondon, Derby- , shire. jl Mrs. Coates, Fort-Hall, Bridlinpon- Qiiay. Mr. John Colver, Hull. Rev. William Cuthbert, Doncaster. Rev. J. Carter, Sleights, Vv'hitby, George Curtis, Esq., Christ's College, Cambridge. *Rev. J. Coltman, A.M., Beverley. E. P. Cooper, Esq. B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge. Rev. IJ. Cape, B.A., Fellow of Caius College, Cambridge. William Cramp, Esq. Collector of Excise, Hull. Mr. T. Cape, IJridlington. IMr. T. Craig, Durham, two copies. Mr. George Cammell, Hull. IMr. Peter Clarke, ditto. IMr. Hampton Cordukes, surgeon, Bridlington. IMr. James Crowther, Pickering. Mr. Campbell, Hull. D. Rev. W. W. Dakins, D.D., F.S.A., Precentor of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, and Chaplain and Librarian to his late Royal Highness the Duke of York. Rev. F. Drake, D.D., Rector of Fro- dingham. Rev. E. Day, Rillington, Malton. V/illiam Driukrow, Esq., Christ's College, Cambridge. John Drinkrow, Esq., Driffield. IMr. S. Denton, surgeon, Hornsea. Mr. V7illiam Dennis, Hull. .Tohn Drew, Esq., Ebberston Park. Henry Dring, Esq., Dunstall, Hull. IMr. George Dawson, surgeon, Brid- lington. W. H. Dikes, Esq., F.G.S., Hull. Captain Dodsworth, Flaxton, York, Mr, John Duwson, Leeds. E. Richard EUisjn, Esq., Scarbro', three copies, Henry Ellison, Esq., Beverley, two copies. Rev. John Earle, Vicar of Watton. Thomas Ewbank, Esq. Malton. Mr. John Exley, Hull. Joseph Eglin, Esq., ditto. J. W. Ebden, Esq., Swaffliam, Nor- folk. J. Evans, Esq , Sledmere. Rev. H. Foord, Rector of Foxholes, two copies. Miss Fletcher, Scarbro'. Charles Frost, Esq., F.S.A., Hull, Rev. C. Forge, A.M., Incumbent of IMappleton. F. Forge, Esq. IM.D., Driffield. John Fardell, Esq. F.S.A., Lincoln. Thomas Fardell, Esq., Queen's Col- lege, Cambridge. John Foster, Esq., Driffield, Mr. John Frankish, Bridlington. IMr. T. Farthing, Beeford Grange. Mr. Furness, Bridlington. Mr. John Fox, Bridlington-Quay. I\lr. Fewson, Leven. G. Jolm Greame, Esq., Sewerby-House, IMrs. Greame, ditto. *Yarburgh Greame, Esq., ditto, four copies. Rev. T. Garratt, A.M., Wilmslow, Cheshire. John Grimston, Esq,, Ripon, M. T. Gibson, Esq., Sigglesthorne. Mr. John Gibson, Hull. Mr. George Garton, ditto. Mr. T. Gregory, York. Mr. John Gorbert, Seaton. Mr. William Gawtress, Hull. IMr. E. Gibson, ditto. ♦^ xu SUJiSCllIBERS. n. " Lady Hanvood, Downing Cottage, Cambridge. Rev. T. Haworth, Richmond. ♦Harrington Hudson, Esq. , Bessingby- Hall. ♦Richard Hill, Esq., Thornton House, large paper. Benjamin Haworth, Esq. M.A., Rowl- ston-Hall. Mr. Thomas Hagyard, surgeon, Hun~ manby. J. B. Howard, Esq., Bridlington- Quay James Hopkinson, Esq., Billings Hill. Mr. R. Humble, Hull. Mr. E. Kawkins, ditto. Mr. James Hogg, Bridlington- Quay. ISIt. J. Hardy, Seaton. Mr. Herd, Cloughton. Mr. H. Hugall, Scarbro'. Mr. J. Hammond, Scarbro'. Francis Hall, Esq , Hull. James Hewitson, Esq., ditto. Mr. John Hewitson, ditto. ]Mrs. Harland, Bridlington, two copies. Robert Harrison, Esq., Benningholme. William Hornby, Esq., York. Rev, S. Hall, Pockthorpe House. Rev. John Hind, A.M., late Fellow and Tutor of SidneySussesCollege, Cambridge. T. W. Harrison, Esq., B.A., Christ's College, Cambridge. Simon Horner, Esq , Hull. Francis Hall, Esq., Hessle. INIr. Henderson, Hornsea. ]Mr. R. Hardy, Balnton. Mr. William Holiday, Driffield. James Henwood, Esq., Hull. Miss Hill, Calne, Wiltshire. Mr. E. Hardman, Northleach, Glou- cestershire. S. T. Hassell, Esq., Hull. Mr. William Hopwood, ditto. ]Mr. B. Harland, solicitor, Bridlington. Mr. T. Harvey, Dwebam, Norfolk. I. Rev. T. Irvin, Barmston. Mt. George Isle, Hull. Rev. J. Johnson, L.L.D., Rector of Yaxham-with-Welborne, Norfolk. William Jarratt, Esq., Hull. Mr. Jackson, Leven, two copies. Mr. E. Johnson, Frodingham. Mr. B. Johnson, ditto. IMr. Robert Jackson, Driffield. Captain R. Jackson, R.N. Mr. Robert Jennings, Whitby. Mr. Michael Jackson, Dereham, Nor- folk. K. ♦ Rev. William Kendall, Incumbent of Flambro'. Rev. George King, Prebendary of Ely, and Rector of Whitwell, Der- byshire. Joshua King, Esq. A.M., Fellow and Tutor of Queen's College, Cam- bridge. Rev. H. Kendall, Vicar of Startforth. Robert Keddey, Esq., Hull. Mr. Kemp, Leven. The Hon. ]\Iarmaduke Langley, Wyke- hara Abbey. Mrs. Lloyd, Acomb, York. William Law, Esq. B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge. W. E. Lumb, Esq., Trinity College, Cambridge. T. D. Legard, Esq., Ganton-Hall. J. B. La Marche, Esq., Hull. T. B. Locke, Esq., ditto. George Liddell, Esq., ditto. William Liddell, Esq., ditto. Mr. John Liddell, ditto. Mr. T. Loft, ditto. Mr. P. Lowther, ditto. Mr. B. Lee, Selbv. >.> SUBSCnihKRS. XUl ■Robert Lowiy, Esq., Briillington. Jonathan Layboni, Esq., Wold Cottage. Mr. John Langdale, IJridliugton. IMr. John Liuskill, ditto Mr. Richard Lovell, Nafferton. John Loal, Esq., Nassington, North- amptonshire. S. G. Lawrence, Esq., Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea. M. A. Loy, Esq., M.D., Pickering. M. Rev. F. Metcalfe, A.M., Vicar of Righton. P. W. Mayo, Esq. M.D,, Bridlington- Quay. Mr. Herbert Jlayo. P. Rlurray, Esq. M.D , Scarbro', two copies. W. Mason, Esq. B.A., Trinity Col- lege, Cambridge. James Montgomery, Esq., Sheffield. J. Males, Esq., Nassington, Northamp- tonshire. Mr. T. M' Bride, Hull. TMr. M'Gregor, Egton. ]Mr. John Marshall, Leeds. William Moorhouse, Esq., Knottingley Mr. S. ]Meadows, London. T. Maurice, Esq. M.D , Marlbro', ^ Wiltshire. ]Mr. Maxwell, Brandsburton. IMr. T. Mackerill, Bridlington. . 3Ir. JL Marshall, Hull. N. Robert Nairne, Esq., Trinity College, Cambridge. Mr. Richard Northen, Hull. IMr, James Nicholson, sen., Dereham. IMr. James Nicholson, jun., ditto. O. *Humphrey Osbaldcston, Esq., Hun- manby House. Rev. R. Otterburn, Kilham. Charles Oxley, Esq,, Ripon. Mr. G. Overton, Ollerton, Notts. Marmaduke Prickett, Esq., Bridling- ton. Marnr.aduke Prickett, Esq.B.A., Tri- nity College, Cambridge. Robert Prickett, Esq., ditto, ditto. Robert Prickett, Esq., London. Mrs. Prickett, ditto. Miss Prickett, ditto. Miss Clara Prickett, ditto. Josiah Prickett, Esq., Hull. Mrs. Pigot, Dullingham House, Cam- bridgeshire. Rev. William Pulling, M. A.,F.L.S., Sidney Sussex, College, Cam- bridge. J. C. Parker, Esq. F.H.S., Hull, two copies. J. R. Pease, Esq., Hesslewood House. Clifford Pease, Esq., Hull. John Pitts, Esq., Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lieut. Edward Pits, R.N. and K.T.S. Rev. Wra. Putsey, Pickering. Robert Preston, Esq., Bridlington Quay. Rev. Wm. Plews, A.M., Ripon. IMr. J. P. Percy, Leeds. Thomas Pearson, Esq., Pickering. R. Robert Raikes, Esq., Welton House. R. Raikes, jun. Esq., East Dale. Rev. H. J. Ridley, j\LA., Rector of Kirby Underdale. Horner Reynard, Esq., Sunderland- wick Lodge. Rev. J. Richardson, Old Malton. Rev. J. Rigby, Vicar of Hutton Crans- wick. Charles Rickaby, Esq., Bridlington Quay Captain Rawson, Doncaster. iMr. J. (i. Rich:iidson, Hull. Mr. Wm. Riuhardsuu, ditto. A XIV SUBSCRIBERS. John Rashdale, Esq., Cambridge. jMr. M. Rivis, Wykeham. Mr. George Robinson, Carnaby. ISIr. Christopher Russell, Muston. Mr. T. Rogers, Leeds. ]Mr. Frederick Russell, ditto. Messrs. Rixlford and Stephenson, booksellers, Hull. J. Raines, Esq., Burton Pidsea. Mr. George Robinson, Hull. *Rev. George Sampson, A.M., Rector of Leven, two copies. Rev. George Smith, perpetual Curate of Bridlington. Christopher Soulsby, Esq., Bessingby. Walter Strickland, Esq., Cokethcrpe Piirk, Oxfordshire. "Walter Strickland, jun., Esq., ditto. Rev. T. Simpson, Vicar of Eoynton. John Smith, Esq., Seaton. ]\Ir. John Simpson, Hull. Mr. Richard Smith, Sewerby Field, two copies. \V Savage, Esq., Bridlington Quay. John Simpson, Esq., ditto. Blr. Chrales Smith, Hull. Mr. S. V. Smithe, Filey. ]\Ir. Smurwaite, Scarbro'- ]\Irs. Snowball, Malton. Wm. Sowby, Esq., Hull. Thomas Scotchburn, Esq., Driffield. Rev. R. B. Schofield, Thornton. John Sandwith, Esq., Helmsley. Captain Bentham Sandwith, ditto. H. J. Shepherd, Esq., Beverley. 3Ir. George Sherwood, Driffield, two copies. Mr. George Smart, surgeon, Hutton Bushell. Mr. T. Sherwood, Nafferton. Mr. Richard Shepherd, Driffield. i\Jr. George Scaum, bookseller, Bever- ley. Mr. John Smith, Holbeck. AMr. John Simpson, Leeds. f Mr. Jonathan Shackleton, Wortley, Leeds. IMr. Smith, Foston IMills. T. Rev. H. J. Todd, A.M., one of His INIajesty's Chaplains, Rector of Set- trington, Yorkshire. Rev. J. Torre, A. SSL, Rector of Cat- wick, Yorkshire. Rev. T. Thompson, Vicar of Adling- fleet, Yorkshire. Frederick Trotter, Esq., Christ's Col- lege, Cambridge. Frederick Thackery, Esq. M.D., Cam- bridge. Thomas Thompson, Esq. F.S.A., Hull Mr. John Todd, ditto. ]\Ir. — . Tnpp, ditto. George Taylor, Esq., ditto. John Taylor, Esq., Everly. Bryan Taylor, Esq., Bridlington. Sir. Sidney Taylor, solicitor, ditto, W. D. Thornton, Esq., Scarbro'. Rev. E. Trueman, B. A., V^icar of Lang- toft. John Temple, Esq., ]\Ialton. T. Townrow, jun., Esq., Snaith. Mr. George Truslove, Driffield. Mr. J. Thompson, Bridlington. Miss Tate, Hornsea. U. ^ Mr. UUiot, Garton. W V. ^^ Rev. H. Venn, A.M., Fellow and Tutor of Queen's College, Cambridge, and Minister of Drypool, Hull. Wm. Voase, Esq., Anlaby House. Mrs. Voase, ditto, W. Rev. H. Worthington, Vicar of Grin- tou. Charles Whitaker, Esq., Hull. Mrs. Whitaker, ditto. f SUBSCR1KEK.S. XV 71st Regiment of J. K. Watson, Esq., Hull. ]\Ir.s. Watson, ditto. Lieut.-Col. Watson, Infantry. W. F. Walker, Esq., London. W. Sidney Walker, Esq. M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. J. P. C. White, Esq. ai.A., Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Mr. Alderman Williams, Beverley. Mr. F. Williams, surgeon, Frodingham. Wra. Woolley, Esq., Hull, two copies. Mr. George Wardell, Bridlington- Quay. Mr. Walker, Bridlington. T. White, Esq., Mansion-House, Wethersfield, Essex. Thomas Ward, Esq., Qu.iy. Mr. Welburn,jun. Sledmere. John Woodall, jun. Esq., Scarbro' Richard Wilson, Esq., ditto. Thomas Walker, Esq., Mai ton. Mv. Charles Wheatluy, Catfoss. Bridlington- Mr. Thomas Whittakcr, Leeds. Mr. Isaac Wilson, Bookseller, Hull, two copies. C. Woods, Esq., King's CliflF, North- amptonshire. Mr. John Wood, Surgeon, Middleton. Mr. Richard Witty, Driffield. Miss Witty, ditto. ]Mr. Wardell, Beverley. Captain S. S. Walton, Hull. Mr. George Walmsley, Bempton. John Watson, Esq., Pickering. Mr. Joseph Wardell, ditto. Richard Watson, Esq., Ebberston. Mr. Ward, Seamer. Mr. M. Wilks, Hornsea. Mr. Woods, surgeon, Dereham. Mr. Thomas Ward, ditto. Mr. W. Wigg, jun., ditto. Christoplior P">on Y. Yeats, Esq., Grove, % ERRATA. Page 5, line 2, for route read rout. — 13, — 12, _/or reg'ment re«c? legion. — — , — 17, yb>- concentres rearf concentre, — 17, — 4, ybr affliction read misfortune. — 23, — 2, ybr soaring rea(i anxious. — 26, — 15, for snap tlie 7-ead sever. — 33, — 14, ybr conqu'ror's read victor's. — 48, — 13, ybr in read into. — 51, — 25, ^/br Picadilly read Piccadilly. — 64, — H), ybr fewer read few. — 64, last line, for quarters read quarter. THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND, SECTION I. THE ARGUMENT. Introduction. — Thedeath of great Princes a national warning. — Domestic happiness of George III and his Family, — Death of the Princess Amelia, Princess Charlotte, Her Majesty Queen Char- lotte, H. R. II. the Duke of Kent— Death of George III., H. R. H. Duchess of York; the Duke of York.— Grief of His Majesty. — The Duke's funeral Honours, and a brief epitome of his character. Censors of genius, bards of letter'd fame! O deign to spare this self ignited flame. Say, in the silence of exalted lays. Shall simple gratitude restrain its praise? Tho' nurs'd in barren aspect, drear and chill, Unblest by sunny ray and purling ril?, — Nor Cam nor Isis dew'd his cheerless morn, Nor Ossian flow'ret deck'd his op'ning horn ; A >* THE soldier's FRIEND. May one, iiiigTaced by Fortune's shining- store, Record illustrious worth in humblest lore; Presume to supplicate your gracious ear. And blend with England's grief one artless tear? 'Tis not a chaplet he aspires to weave, A wreath which classic bards might ne'er achieve ; 'Tis not a medal, whose unequall'd face Reflects the artist's with the hero's grace: No, a poor minstrel, see hiin suppliant stand ; One silken cord equips his trembling hand ; To bind the laurel round the warrior's crest. Or gird th' insignia on his Prince's breast. Ah, who shall picture, in heroic lay, Th' exalted theme of his resplendent ray? Who shall his praiseless estimate define, And trace his lineaments with just design ? Or who, presuming with a finite hand, Shall indicate the depth of God's command ? Whose dispensations, infinite and wise, Himself elucidates and justifies. THE soldier's FRIEND. 3 Yes, the deep purposes of heav'ii are laid In the vast ocean of uufathom'd shade. 'Tis not collective arms that vict'ries gain ; Defeat consists not in her thousands slain ; The fleetest coursers lose the envied race, And proud philosophy her empty grace; For clouds of myst'ry veil presumption's sight, And all's opaque, uncheer'd by heav'nly light. Attend, O Britons ! mark th' important cause, When valued Princes sink by nature's laws; Now Wisdom's voice proclaims (hat awful doom, Which clothes your island in afflictive gloom. "Hear, O ye kingdoms! fam'd for wealth and might; " From northern shade to Sol's meridian height : " Ye isles, distinguish'd by peculiar charms, " Secure in ocean's vast extended arms; "Ye, whom inferior princedoms, matchless, own, — " Cheer'd by your smile, or daunted at your frown, — "Ye, who have framed the world's reviving laws, " Defining right and wrong, effect and cause: "Exalting nations barb'rous and forlorn, " To social joys and life's eternal morn ! " Be still and humble, know that I am God! "My realm unknown, omnipotent my rod!" Thus Israel's Psalmist sang in olden day; And thus, in strains of mercy's mildest lay. As death's approach our drooping hearts appals. On Britain's ear the solemn warning falls. Few royal seats such mutual comfort knew (0 As reign'd at Buckingham, and beam'd at Kew ; No cottage hearth, remote from pow'r and wealth, Had fairer claims to harmony and health ; No crowned heads a richer jewel wore. In years of Roman boast, or days of yore. Than George and Charlotte in domestic guise, Who dwelt on earth as inmates of the skies. THE soldier's FRIEND. • ^ But here, tliat agent of eternal might, Equipp'd for sorrow's route and nature's fight, With quiver stor'd, advanc'd his ebon crest, And bent his fatal bow at Brunswick's breast; As infant Alfred and Octavius fled (2) From England's King to heav'nly Salem's head. In riper years, health's morn beclouded fast; Amelia, felt the keen consumptive blast. Amelia glowing with angelic fire, Caress'd and sooth'd by her enlighten'd sire ; Whose constant vigUs, in her dying hours, Confirm'd and cheer'd her intellectual powers. Behold, ye fair, religion's sacred gleam, — Life's current ebbing its exhausted stream ; See duty soaring, in white robes array 'd. And o'er the wreck of Time Hope's bark display'd. With filial heart, and soul of heavenly grace. She press'd her parent in his child's embrace ; Her feeble hand Avith duteous purpose nerv'd, (That ne'er from virtue or affection swerv'd,) 6 THE soldier's FRIEND. Iler baud conferr'd, aye, more than worlds bestow, Or crowns and sceptres beam on Kings below. Eut, Oh ! she knew not his afflicted mind Could ill encounter with a pledge so kind. No brilliant like that precious ringlet beam'd, — His waning- eye with thrilling transport teem'd ; His soul dissolv'd in mental extacy ; — He heard Amelia's prayer — "Remember me!"(^) Then, fair Augusta fell, in life's full bloom ;W And countless myriads raourn'd her early tomb ; That double vault which held her infant boy, — Enshrining England's hope with Coburg's joy ! Next Royal Charlotte, Queen of virtues light, (') In Time's gradation, wing'd her heav'n-ward flight. The happy consort of a gracious King-, — Her bridal years flow'd on triumphant wing ; Her palace shone the seat of social joy; Maternal duties form'd her choice employ; THE soldier's FRIEXD. V Refinement gracing, in its chasfe domain, Her courtly circle and domestic train. Now terror's chief his iron march pnrsu'd, And Mith unyielding- arm each stroke renew'd. Soon pious Edward bow'd to health's stern foe, (") And Truth and Freedom wail'd the sudden blow That reft our hearts, but seal'd his just renown, And crown'dhim with an everlasting crown! In him, philanthropy a champion found, — He rais'd the needy on Instruction's mound ; His cheerful energies of kindness blend The soldier's model and the christian's friend. But scarce had England wept his passing- bell, When faithful George in death's embraces fell ; 0) And four short days, in mournful transit, wheel'd The Prince's plume and Monarch's funeral shield. Thus Time and Death revolv'd round Enoland's throne, And Brunswick's worthies liv'd in Britain's moan. 8 THE soldier's FRIEND. Belov'tl and dignified, Ulrica's name W Adorn'd the record of undying fame. From Prussia's court, bestow'd on Albion's Isle, She claim'd our favour with benignant smile ; Her life di.splay'd around ber palace door One ceaseless concourse of exulting poor; And Oatland's cottagers shall long retrace Her days of charity and christian grace: For solid grief lamented o'er her bier, And fadeless roses shed their fragrance there. Again the pulpit warns our heedless age, — Again the press displays its sable page; Another branch the Georgian tree resigns, And round her drooping flag the willow twines. Behold our King immured in sorrow's night ! W His Royal House their mutual griefs unite ; For love fraternal blooms in Britain's court, Of blandest sympathies the blest resort. Let courage wail, 'tis Frederick's knell she hears ; The tears of Brunswick are a nation's tears; TFIR soldier's FRIEND. 9 The soldier's friend, the hapless orphan's sire, (i°) No longer binds the wound nor braves the battle's tire* Presumptive heir to Britain's triple realm, — With potent arm to guide so vast a helm ; To him our hopes in common prospect cleav'd, Had Heav'nour laud of sov'reign aid bereav'd. But Death, that dreadful victor of mankind, In awful embassy by Heav'n design'd, Assaileth man at each and ev'ry age ; The silent chamber, and the battle's raare. The sunburnt desert and the rocky shore, Describe the reign of his unconquer'd pow'r. St. James's, once the fount of healtli and joy, Where balls and levees roU'd their gay employ ; Where councilsponder'd and where banquets shone. Superb in rank and elegant in tone ; Now veils its canopies with dark attire; Displays a levee throng'd with keen desire; B ] THE soldier's FRIEND. But 'tis the court of death's relentless sway, — His robes surmounted with obsequious ray ; His arras emblazon'd for the mould'ring tomb, And all his grandeur stamp'd with mortal gloom. Yon cavalcade in solemn march displays, The last sad honours of terrestrial days ; The handless truncheon and th' inverted spear, In marshall'd pomp denote the warrior's bier, August they move, as crowds on crowds collect, Impell'd by sympathy and high respect ; Ah, slow they move, inwrapt in sorrow's weeds. When death's dark cemet'ry their route impedes ! There ends alike the chequer'd race of man, The Prince's climax and the peasant's span ; There, in sepulchral silence, rests the brave ; Affection, rev'rence, worth, surround his grave ; There Peers and Princes Frederick's urn entomb, — And there his trophied bays unceasing bloom ! If royal virtues may immortal prove ; If honest feeling claims a nation's love ; THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. H If courage glows, if Charity has charms ; (") And love of truth, Truth's enemies disarms; Those sacred elements adorn'd his mind. Command our homage, and our plaudits bind. His valued service by experience rose, And forty years his growing worth disclose ; 0^) Of faithful ardour and official zeal, In England's glory, and her soldiers' weal. Humane and prompt through life's eventful race, The meanest suppliant shared his princely grace ; Nor did disdain its chilling aspect low'r, Induced by arrogance, or rank, or pow'r. THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. SECTION II. THE ARGUMENT. The eminent character of the British forces. — Utility of science in military tactics. — The responsibility of Commanders. — Assi- duity of H. R. H. the Duke of York in improving the discipline and general condition of the Army. — His humane attention on the Expeditions to Holland. — His impartial conduct in rewarding meritorious Officers. — The Royal Asylum at Chelsea. — The Royal Military College at Sandhurst. — Reflections on War; the noble and compassionate character of British Soldiers. — On duelling ; the magnanimity of the Duke — His example in cir- culating the Holy Scriptures in the Army. — True Honour. — The superior advantages of his education, under the inspection of his Royal Father. — Summary of the important character and reign of George HI. In Hist'ry's roll a lasting imprint stands, Of f (Bats acliiev'd by Britain's warlike bands ; Of strength attain'd by brave and vast designs, And rule from Order's inexliaustcd mines. THE SOLDIERS FKIENU. 13 Like starry hosts in Heav'u's sublime array, In spangled armour deck'd with orient day; With solid van that damps the foeman's sight, And countless rear that mocks the coming- fight : Whilst guarded out-posts stores and succour yield,— See Albion's forces stud th' expansive field. Yet frail are numbers, ^veak the treble rank. If science moves not in the mighty flank ; Order, the columns strength, its fiont and rear. That friend of enterprize and foe to fear, By which the Marshal lack of troops supplies ; Before a squadron, lo! a reg'ment flies; Beneath the small redoubt whole corps retire, To shun the carnage of incessant fire ! Experienc'd chiefs their evolutions try. And reconnoitre with a critic's eye. In them concentres most important ends, — The nation's destiny on them depends; 14 THE soldier's FRIEND. Their country's confidence — the army's stay, Attend the crisis of a single day; Some signal height, or inlet to the plain, Decides the contest of a long campaign ; And if confusion breaks the steady line, Impedes th' attack, and mars the bold design, Despair and impotence derange each plan, And daunt th' intrepid glow from chief to man. Long had our army prov'd a skilful band, ('^) But Frederick's tactics rais'd Iiei hioh command. 'Twas his delight t'improve the soldier's fare ; Ci4) The field, the barracks, own'd his gracious care ; And courteous firmness in the martial school, Expell'd the scourge for mercy's milder rule. In vain my song attempts the woe-worn tale Of batter'd citadel and ransack'd vale ; In vain the soldier's anxious toils to show. Who bought our peaceful boon with purple flow. Let Holland, many a Briton's swampy grave, ('"') Narrate the self-privations of the brave; THE SOLDIER S FRIEND. 15 With Gaul's conventional decrees, explain The mingled perils of a fierce campaign. Expos'd alike to infidel desire, To rustics writhing with mistaken fire ; Opposing- numbers at the deep morass, The woodland batt'ry and th' aquatic pass; Devoid of tents, devoid of needful stores. As martyrs bleeding on perfidious shores ; With Caledonia's chiefs and Erin's pride. Our valiant corps more num'rous troops defied ! There, 'mid disease, 'mid war's concurrent woes, Conflicting elements and vaunting foes, The tentless Knight, the wounded soldier too. In Frederick found a friend and champion true ; A good Samaritan on danger's field. To pain a solace, and distress a shield : He lov'd his men, in vict'ry or defeat, (i^) And smooth'd the suflf'rings of a hard retreat ; In scales of justice placed the hero's sword, C^) And honest merit met its due reward. •i^-' 16 There is in man an aptness to evade ; Procrastination inars the promise made ; He hugs delay, — his fervid passions cool, Till ardour sinks in dark oblivion's pool. This Frederick scorn'd, his glowing breast display 'd l!s purest flame in friendship's hallow'd shade; His honour permanent, his purpose true. As earth's pole firm, and staunch as ocean's bine! When o'er profoundest skill disease prcvail'd. And fatal pangs his dying breast assail'd, Behold him pleading at his Sov'reign's hand,('^) The well earn'd laurels of his vet'rau band ; His last commands conferring worthy fame On hearts that triumph'd in his bounteous name. Hence shall the world of our allegiance sing, — Of Brunswick's Princes, and of England's King ; For no enforcements so effective prove, No legions guard like fealty and love. THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. 17 Yon kind Asylum claims his fost'ring hand, C'^) Where blest Instruction leads her orphan band ; As lovely Charity, in angel form, Protects her offspring from affliction's storm. There, smiling- infants, taught to lisp his name, Sustain'd in mercy's arms, their birthright claim. The widow's heart there beam'd with joyous light,— Her soul rebounded o'er affliction's night; In Frederick's name a faithful friend she found, A balm to solace each maternal wound. From sheds of want, the genial spark he caught, To graft aspiring views on youthful thought ; And guard our nation with an active train. That else had languish'd in mishap and pain. But mark yon edifice that decks the dale, (20) And rears her banner in the morninjr £rale • Behold, with graceful step her polish'd line, And trace the o])ject of his grand design. c 18 THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. 'o There science shines in juvenile resort, Directs the tournament, and guards the fort ; With mathematic skill her ranks extends, And growing art from Error's shafts defends. As o'er th' inspiring roll young warriors muse. See emulation's budding beams diffuse ; There Wolfe's exploits, there Marlborough's deeds expand, And Granby's feats allure yon bloomy band ; There beams, perchance, a Moore his dawnin«- ray, Or Nelson's pow'rs in ductile silence lay ; Whilst Brunswick's courage cheers their short de- bates. And reminiscence youthful souls dilates. Hence valour tow'rs, and future chiefs may rise. Reflecting lustre on the College prize; Dispensing wisdom with efficient hand. The strength and glory of a warlike land. 19 Here let us pause, in contemplation's mood, Resolve the evil and define the good. Rather I'd sing of that delightful theme, For ever placid as Sol's evening beam ; When softest breezes o'er the mountain skim, And not a surge disturbs the ocean's brim; When convoys, armaments, and martial toil, Nor range the main, nor sap the fertile soil ; When long-bound captives share a full release, And nature rests in harmony and peace. But if man's destinies abound in war. If fleets and cities feel her cannons' roar; If Kings and peasants must endure her darts, And sorrow mingle her redoubled smarts: Whilst in the circuit of mundane affairs, We see a hand that prospers or impairs ; O may the agents of that dreadful rod. Be men of talent in the fear of God ! With eagle eye, and arm of lion's might, May Britain's soldiers wage their country's fight ; 90 ^ THE soldier's friend. And ev'ry bosom bum with pity's glow, To shield in mercy's arms each vanquish'd foe ! Let savage nations callous rites ordain, (^0 And reckless tyrants mock the cries of pain ; Inflicting' torments on the dying breast, Or dark'ning thraldom by inhuman test ; The gen'rous edicts of the " Soldier's Friend," (22) With British law magnanimously blend. The loyal bosom all that's base disdains, — Exulting not in agonizing pains ; But, nobly stooping, drops her conq'ring shield, Bestowing succour o'er th' ensanguin'd field. O would that love our Hero's mind dis- play 'd, (23) Revive the duellist with heavenly aid ; To calm the rage of bacchanalian strife, And soothe the rash antagonists of life. As unanimity new strength imparts, And crowns the efforts of assembled hearts,— THE soldier's FRIEND. 21 So discord severs, and impairs the mind, And mars the purport noblest views design'd. Witlj specious etiquette, and jealous ire, Of honour reeking- with malignant fire ; Austere and frantic, spurning- truth's reply, (-^) Men war with bubhles, and for nought they die; With lead or steel despoiling kindred blood. That else had rallied in its country's good. Expell'd from Eden's walls, ambitious man Soon rais'd the spear that pierc'd his parent clan. Hence murder's torrent stain'd the verdant earth, And truth's first martyr bled for heav'n-born worth. But Eden's Judge aloud to vengeance call'd, " Where is thy brother ?" — his heinous soul ap- pall'd; The widow's tear, the tender orphan's cry, Arraign'd his breast — transfix'd his glaring- eye; Infernal terrors throng'd his sleepless gloom, — His parents' grief, his own detested doom ; 22 THE soldier's FKIEND. II is native vale obnoxious censures teeni'd, And all ils loveliness a desert seem'd ; Self-curs'd, he fled from ev'ry liuman face,— But all his woe devolv'd on Adam's race. Soldiers ! behold your chieftain, and esteem That sympathetic, that exalted, gleam ; That strength of soul his peaceful bosom knew, When by his dauntless front the bullet flew. Behold a monument of high relief, To grace a prelate or exalt a chief; The noblest test of military fame. Then sank the soldier in the christian name; Then fire divine suppress'd the burning gall, Disdaining to discharge resentment's ball. If admiration fills your soaring heart, Here let example all its force impart; And know, forgiveness is the bravest deed, The Hero's richest plume and choicest meed. THE soldier's FRIEND. 23 Awake ! aspiring souls, awake to life ! My soaring- theme with ardent purpose rife, In conscious rectitude and humble zeal, Now dares to glance at your eternal weal. That sacred precept England's King expressM, Your late Commander reverenc'd and caress'd. Remember, he bestow'd that halloAv'd line, (25) Whose ev'ry letter beams with light divine; That claims your service, now your steps would guide To yon vast bourn past time's revolving* tide ; And points to glory in yon cloudless skies, Where virtue only lives — where valour never dies. In wisest purpose nature firm imprest The love of glory in the soldier's breast ; Upheld by Hope, immortal reign it sways, — Renown and courage form its deathless bays ; For conquest, passing- mines of sordid gold. He braves the battle's heat and midnight's cold ; '2i THE soldier's FRIEND. His country calls — to danger's post be'll roam. From nature's ties and all tlie bliss of home. Thus courage reign'd in Brunswick's valiant mind, Maturing all his Royal Sire design'd ; Whilst sweet composure harmoniz'd his frame, Connecting- duty's call with friendship's name. Who by ignoble aim his favour sought, Knew not his standard of heroic thoiioht : — His patriot fire above detraction soar'd. In martial suit, or round the festive board ; Nor crouching mien, nor adulation, drew The firm approval of his nobler view. Rear'd by parental care in life's pure dawn, (-c) To simplest pastime on the palace lawn ; Where, in meridian light, experience shone, And knowledge triumpli'd in her heav'nly zone ; Where truth and science fram'dth' enlighten'dplan, And form'd in youth the faculties of man. In fair routine our Royal Pupil train'd. To feats of Enterprize and Rule attain'd ; THE soldier's FRIEND. 25 As intellectual growth might impulse yield, To fill the Senate or command the field ; To quell the rebel feud by manly fiarce, And give stability to valour's course. No party spirit cramp'd his lib'ral hand, The friend of Liberty on Freedom's land ; His royal purpose shone with ceaseless ray, Inclin'd to Glory's palm, and led the fearless way. Ye sage logicians, skill'd in virtue's strain. Who shall this mighty meed of honour gain ? Or what yon starry heights of glory climb. Except the noblest thought, the true sublime? Here dwells the impetus, where truth presides. Which ev'ry principle of action guides ; That gives perfection to each true design. And aids mortality with strength divine : Monarchs and Knights it leads in duty's way, — 'Twas Nelson's war-cry, Pitt's immortal lay ; D 26 THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. 'Twas Frederick's solace, when, on life's retrace, (27) He view'd the tenor of his public race ; And lean'd on him whose shafts are tipp'd with lore, As resignation built his hopes above. Bright emanations of a Father's soul, — (28) The valued Monarch of a long controul; From whose patrician worth, and guidance sage, Our empire ranks in hist'ry's highest page. But here my feeble powers more feeble prove, To sing his worth, or pen his people's love ; His glorious reign, with deepest int'rest charged, Saw Europe freed, and distant pow'rs enlarged ; — Saw tyrants humbled — demagogues subdued ; — Saw traitors crush'd, with guiltless blood imbued :— Saw Freedom's angel snap the Afric's chain,— And true Religion spread her mighty main ; Himself a paragon of light divine, His dome a temple, and his throne a shrine ! THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. SECTION 3. THE ARGUMENT. Retrospect of the French Revolution.— Usiupalioii of Napoleon Bonaparte. — Waterloo.— Peace obtained by the Allied Armies. — England's superior advantage in being exempt from the ravages and spoliation of war. — Tribute of the British Parliament to the Public Services of tlie Duke of York. — The National Monument intended for the Duke of York, under the auspices of His Grace the Duke of Wellington — Contemplation on the enjoyment of Celestial Peace.— The Author vindicates the serious style of his subject — Awful visitation of Death — Human virtue dependent on Jehovah's mercy — Lines of condo- lence to His Majesty. Could I review the tlavksome years of France, (29) When faction forc'd the axe and led the dance ; That nocent dance of anarchy and blood, Of despots tranj[)ling on their country's good ; 28 THE soldier's friend. With reckless bosoms scatliing Prince and peer, Whilst horror's furies raged in Robespiere. Then reason's harpies rear'd her tott'ring pile, Subverting order, governance, and style ; Then mercy wept — then justice, hopeless, sigh'd — Religion sank in persecution's tide ; Truth's banner fell — her vot'ries mourn'd the day — And martyrs rais'd to heav'n their dying lay ! could the muse her plaintive pow'rs prolong, And breathe new sympathies in sorrow's song ; Could all the energies of feeling dwell In one shrill pipe, and grace one copious swell, — The woes of France would hush its loudest strain. And twice ten thousand echoes peal in vain ! Here may the muse that painful theme engage, Of Bourbon's exile, and Napoleon's rage. Expert in arms and democratic sway. He hail'd the genius of that evil day ; Inflamed the fire of irreligious pride, And flatter'd France with his presumptuous stride. THE soldier's FRIEND. 29 Subdu'd by secular and martial awe, Devoted Rome bis iron sceptre saw ; And Egypt witness'd his uulialiow'd tread, As England mourn'd her Abercrombie dead. Hispania too, the proud usurper's seat, And Germany, their shameful wrongs repeat : From Hamburgli's vale to Moscow's burning plain, Despoil and slaughter mark'd the tyrant's train. Scarce had the husbandman his borders sown. Or scarce the vine its vernal blossoms blown ; The scatter'd fragments of the spoiler's hand, O'errun by many a fierce and ruthless band ; Scarce had the matron mourn'd her faithful lord, — Or scarce affection's tear bedew'd his sword ; When war's shrill clarion burst with fresh alarms, xAnd call'd the widow's hope, her son, to arms. Shall Europe, then, th' emblazon'd trophy rear — The matchless laurels of a long career— For which our treasure and our blood combin'd. And shall notFrederick's wreath be there entwin'd? ^^ THE soldier's FRIEND. From bounteous Nile to Rhine's contended shore, His mandate ealm'd the miseries of war; Th' emancipated world declares his tame, And many a joyous home resounds his name. See Waterloo ! her conquerors' chaplets grace, i^^^ And thirty diadems with "Peace" enchase ! The peace of Europe! O, delightful theme ! Could ever joy more universal gleam? Did ever cause such sov'reigu strength obtain, Or ever arms a brighter conquest gain ? The widow'd hearts, that griev'd full twenty years ; The captive's tortures, and the orphan's tears; That hateful enterprize which scourged the world, And flags of tyranny and death unfurl'd ; That barr'd the boon of heav'n's auspicious ray, And chang'd th' autumnal morn to winter's day — Conjoin'd the zeal of England's bold allies, And peace and justice form'd their only prize. Shall England, then, whose sacred soil remain'd By usinpation and by blood unstain'd, THE soldier's FRIEND. 31 With cheerless gaze that threaten'd era trace Which prov'dthe valour of her true-born race? Whilst other lands the storm of pillage bore, (30 Amid the ravage of incessant war ; As Gallia's arms, with intermittent blaze, In fury march'd, or paus'd in dubious maze ! By heav'n preserv'd when impious foes engaged, And war's dire thunderbolts with faction raged; Can England fail t' attune her grateful pow'rs, And sing of conquest in her peaceful hours? No, she adores the hand that vict'ry gave, — That arm omnipotent to shield and save ! Remembrance holds her fleets, her armies ,dcar ; Ascription consecrates her joyful tear, — And faithful record stores each hero's name, With him the chiefest in the ranks of fame. See Britain's Senate his bright ensign raise, (32) Of hearts unbiass'd by dependent praise ; His peerless worth, by Liverpool express'd. By Eldon honour'd, and by Peel caress'd ; 32 THE soldier's friend. Whilst other hearts with loyal zeal expand, That fought and bled within his brave com- mand ; That watch'd the splendour of his warlike ray, From valour's dawn to fame's unsetting- day ; His noble brow with laurel wreath they crown, And rear his cenotaph of just renown. There, as Time's rolling- tide sweeps States away, Conquests revolve, and dynasties decay ; As names, coeval on the world's wide list. Forgotten die, or hated yet exist : Remember'd only for some treacli'rous deed, — He lives in martial praise, and senatorial meed ! In brilliant characters, on golden leaves, Britannia's worthies deck her vast archives. The sculptur'd bust, th' equestrian statue, bears Her hero's names above the wreck of years ; Her royal domes excel in kingly bays, — The civic mount her senators displays ; THE soldier's FRIEND. 33 Whilst kiiiglits and peers on various columns shine, Whose talents rare with mental worth combine. But V/ellington as grand a bust shall raise (^3) As Phoebus gilds in his diurnal blaze ; Or ever yet the faithful chisel graced That princely brow, on precious marble traced. The Prince, the Hero, and the army's sire, Shall grace the tablet of the nation's spire ; Each vivid stroke that shade and glow imparts, Shall beam its prototype in British hearts ; And babes unborn shall lisp th' inscriptive line, That years on years shall more illustrious shine. But, O, beyond time's vain and fading- bays, Beyond the conqu'ror's badge, and breath of praise; Amid th' enraptur'd scene of heav'n's employ. May his pure soul empyreal bliss enjoy ! There war's proud din and pow'r's contending strife Vent not defiance o'er the sea of life, — E ^■^ THE soldier's FRIEND. But peace, celestial peace, her meekness sheds, And o'er the truly brave her mantle spreads ; Her song' re-echoes in that blissful sky, Devoid of clamour,— peace without a sigh, — Where Zion's warriors palms of conquest bear, Unbought by tyranny, by groan, or tear ; Trophies and crowns, with heav'nly symbols graced — War's eagles fled, war's mottos all effaced; Where, 'neath the banner of the spotless dove, The righteous enter by (he watch-word— "Love." Let polish'd deists mock this gloomy strain, And shrewd polemic bards my theme disdain ; I wage not faction with the learned throtie-. Nor greet the volatile with syren sono- . In mythologic car unskill'd to soar, 1 tune no anthem to the god of war ; But higher strains my feeble essay sings, 'S' And claims allegiance to the Kins- of K ings. THE SOI.DII:r'S FRIENn. 35 Shall mail's last enemy, and nalure's grave, (34) Warn not the eloquent, the gay, the brave 'i Here e'en the wisest and the purest pause, — Tiiey who exemplify religion's laws,— That mete the standard of devotion's flame, Establish virtue and give vice its name. Who fronts his shield at death's tremendous fight, And braves the shock of dissolution's night ! When wisdom institutes her sacred trust. Corrects the infidel, and proves the just ; Impugn'd with guilt, and bow'd with mortal fear, Compunction starts the penitential tear ; And virtue's champions fetter'd captives prove, Whom nought can ransom but Jehovah's love! Ye who have rnouni'dsome tender brother'sdeath, Whose blessings blest you with life's parting' breath ; Whose rosy energies with your's kept pace, To youthful exercise and manly grace; — ^^ THE SOLi)IER's FRIEND. Ye who respond, in David's liallow'd strain, " How are the mighty fall'u— the victors shun ! "War's barbed darts in death's dark valley marr'd, "And glory's stoutest sons ot'Iife debarr'd :" Now let the consecrated flame arise, And mingle with your Sovereign's kindred sighs. Him, O yeseraph'd host, in heav'n's command, With shelt'ring pinions and protecting hand, From night's fell shafts of pestilence and woe, And death's keen arrows that unceasing flow,— From chequer'd ills, that man's frail life infest, Defend, unhurt, his amaranthine breast. The friend of kings, himself ordain'd to sway (35) The brightest sceptre of imperial day ; His reign unparallel'd for Christian lio-ht Dispelling sorrow's gloom and error's night ; The world's proud boast on England's lovely shore, Replete with science, liberty, and pow'r ! 37 O, if the humble soul may meekly bead, Almighty God, thiue ear of mercy lend; With thy peculiar grace our Sire preserve, Exalt each thought, and brace each latent nerve ; Prolong- his reign, and shield his crown above, Secure in thy defence, and blest in Britain's LOVE ! NOTES TO THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND; OR MEMORIALS OF BRUNSWICK. NOTE 1, PAGE 4. Few Royal seats such mutual comfort knew, jIs reign' d at Buckingham, and beam'd at Kew. Buckingham House, the town residence of Iier Ma- jesty, and Kew Palace, the chief country resort and royal nursery of her august family, during many succes- sive years, wore an aspect of serenity and domestic feli- city unparalleled in the history of royal mansions. The first-fruits of each returning day were strictly devoted by their Majesties, to the duties of family worship. Early rising and the most simple regimen were amongst their choicest habits, and with due regard to the periods allotted by his Majesty to the transacting of public ^^^ THE soldier's FRIEND, business, the respective concerns of the family were proportionally reijulated — with sacred punctuality the hours of infant education were faithfully observed, in which best of all parental employments, His Majesty took peculiar delight. Here, at the purest fountain of instruction, their tender and beloved offspring imbibed tlie fundamental principles of filial duty and fraternal love. Similar attention was also paid to the hours of recreation and innocent amusement ; — established on the basis of true religion and morality, pure philan- thropy pervaded the warmest exercises of the heart ; — here indeed was a lesson for royalty, in which example formed the most jjrominent feature in the family of George the Third. Not a single object of distress, in the immediate precincts of the Palace or its vicinity, was allowed to pass without a patient hearing. The fatherless and the widow were visited in their affliction ; the distressed classic and fugitive artist, were also kindly relieved; and all ])ublic institutions, whether for the extension of religion, the encouragement of literature or manufacture, the benefit of the houseless and afflicted, or the suppression of vice and immorality, were likewise liberally patronised and supported ; and whilst her Majesty, and every branch of her royal house, cheerfully extended their individual influence for the public good, may it never be forgotten that George the Third, from his coronation to the year 1789, never expended less than £14,000 per year in charity ! being very nearly one fourth of his income. THE soldier's FRIEND. 41 NOTE 2, PAGE 5. As infant Alfred and Octavtus fled. Octavius, eighth son of his late Majesty, was bom February 25, 1779, and died ^lay 3, 1783 : and Alfred his ninth and youngest son, was born September 22, 1780, and died August 20, 1782. NOTE 3, PAGE G. He heard Amelia's prayer — " Rememherme !" Amelia, youngest daughter of their late Majesties, de- paited this life 2nd November, 1810, in the 28th year of her age, justly revered for her enlightened under- standing and endearing disposition ; her loss was universally deplored, but more particularly by all her illustrious relatives. During her long and severe malady, her venerable sire, tliough nearly blind, paid constant visits to her room, — frequently vratched over her dying couch, — and with that solicitude with which a father pitieth his children, he administered religi- ous consolation to his languishing and dear departing child . Let the peasant, who boasts of an Englishman's birthright, here behold the Monarch of his country pointing out to Amelia the vast importance of salva- tion through the Redeemer, as a subject far more inte- resting to both of them, than the most exalted honours and magnificence of royalty. But let those who have F 42 THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. painfully witnessed the cliaste and solemn overflowings of gratitude evinced in tlie last hours of their beloved offspring, judge the conflicting feelings of our lamented Sovereign, when, without the least previous notice, the Princess, on one of his pious visits, summoning up all the remaining strength of an exhausted frame, contrived to place upon his finger a ring, which had been con- structed according to her own directions, containing a small lock of her hair, enclosed under a crystal tablet surrounded with diamonds, repeating emphatically, at the same time, its sacred motto — " Remember me !" The death of the Princess soon after this event, relieved her from the painful sensation which must have ensued, had she known the serious shock which this filial cir- cumstance produced on his Majesty's immediate relapse into that suspension of intellect, under which he had before so unhappily suffered, and which lamentable attack terminated only on his demise. NOTE 4, PAGE 6. Then fair Augtista fell, in life's full bloom. The universal grief consequent on the death of her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales, consort of His Serene Highness Prince Leopold, which took place on the 5th November, 1817, is yet fresh in our memory ; the remembrance of that most awful pub- lic visitation, extends to posterity her exalted character, and the quotation of her name, is of itself, the herald of THE soldier's FRIEND- 43 her many virtues. To a mind richly stored with the most enlarged ideas of general knowledge, were added the softer attributes of female excellence. Privileged in early life with the tuition of the Bishop of Exeter, and occasionally with that of the good Bishop Porteus, together with tlie frequent superintendence of her revered grandsire, she was firmly grounded in the scriptural principles of true religion, to which she bore ample testimony, when that critical and solemn period arrived, which bereaved England of a Princess, in whom was combined the acquirements of science and literature, the sacred attachments of affection and fide- lity, with the immortal graces of piety, charity, and love. Cheerfully forsaking the fascinating round of Court engagements, whilst the whole empire, struck with the contemplation of her elevated mind, was anticipating her glory in that imjjortant station which she was not destined to adorn, she devoted her few but happy days, to the more captivating joys of conjugal felicity, en- livened by rural pastime in the delightful scenery of Claremont, and the unrestrained exercise of liberality and sympathy. Her Royal Highness was in the 22nd year of her age, and had been married only one year and six months. NOTE 5, PAGE 6. JVext Royal Charloiie, Queen of virtue's light. After supporting, with unimpeachable dignity, the important rank of Queen Consort of Great Britain for 57 44 THE soldier's friend. years, this most illustrious ornament of female cha- racter departed this life, November 17, 1818. On reading a letter, addressed by her late Majesty, in the year 1760, to Frederick the Great, on the desolations V hich one of his recent victories had poured on the country of Mecklenburg — " This," exclaimed our late august Sovereign, "is the lady whom I shall " secure for my consort ; if the disposition of the " Princess but equals her refined sense, I shall be the " happiest man, as I hope with my people's concur- " rence, to be the happiest monarch, in Europe." The realization of His Majesty's virtuous hope is well known. If we trace the history of her Majesty, from leaving her native territories, August 7, 17G1, to the day of her departure from mortality to immortal bliss, we behold at one view, the following unrivalled and lasting qua- lifications — a dignified regard to that correctness and decorum of deportment which constitutes the most refined and attractive ornament of her sex, — an unremitting watchfulness and anxiety in her attention to His Majesty's personal felicity, (of which he never lost sight, even during his severest affliction,) — with a tender, and indefatigable solicitude in the infancy of her children, shewing an unequalled example of ma- ternal susceptibility, on which the blessing of Heaven was manifested in the gratitude and filial devotion of her royal offspring. She also cherished a hallowed regard for the soundest principles of religion and the constitution of England, Regular in the duties of Christianity, and truly benevolent in all the acts of her Tin: soldier's friend, 45 extensive munificence, she still lives in tlie hearts of her subjects, and future ages shall repeat her name with sacred veneration. NOTE 6, PAGE 7. Soon pious Edward bow'd to health's stern foe. " Courage" says Sir Walter Scott, " is the unalterable " family attribute of the House of Brunswick." And perhaps the annals of history will not furnish a stronger proof of this assertion than was exemplified in the military life of His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. In the expedition against the French West India Islands, in 1794, under the command of General Grey, His Royal Highness displayed the most intrepid detennination to set an example of bravery to the troops, by soliciting and carrying into execution the most desperate exploits ; unwearied not only with camp duties, Imt, in cases of assault and urgent neces- sity, we find him visiting the batteries, even during the hottest part of the bombardment, — leading on his men by affability and cool resolve, to the attack of almost impregnable fortifications, and carrying at the point of the bayonet, heights and positions surrounded only by difficulty and danger. But it was not in the career of enterprize alone we were led to admire his intrinsic worth ; for during the latter part of his valuable life, we find him engaged, in the most sincere and unas- 46 THE SOIDIER'S FRIEND. suming- manner, in j)romoting the interests of charity, education and religion. By patronage and individual exertion. His Royal Highness espoused the cause of more than twenty philanthropic institutions, and not only assisted them by personal inspection and corres- ponding influence, but stood forward on the stage of their public meetings to advocate, with his peculiar eloquence, the weighty claims of true religion and the uneducated poor. He was a warm benefactor to the Lancasterian system of education ; and there is no doubt but the pious examples of his Royal Father, for whom he always expressed the greatest reverence, were seriously engrafted in all his Christian-like engage- ments. His Royal Highness died at Sidmouth, 23rd January 1820, in the 53rd year of his age, from a neg- lected cold, which it M'as supposed he caught by sitting in wet boots. NOTE 7, PAGE 7. -But scarce had England irept his pass inf^ hcU, When faith/ ul George in death's embraces fell. Not only was George HI., of blessed memoiy, faith- ful, both as a King and a parent, but it is well known that he viewed in the most solemn manner, his title of '• Defender of the Faith." From adulation, especially in the pulpit, he turned with just indignation. To the clergy he gave admonition, that spiritual exhortation and purity of character would be the most cfrectual THE soldier's friend. 47 means of dispensing the word of life in the church and in the world. And to eveiy member of his household he gave a personal injunction, that no individual in his employ should persecute another on account of religion, on pain of dismissal, — "being determined," he observed, " to defend the faith, at least in his own household." His Majesty died 29th January, 1820, and was interred at Windsor, 16th February, four days after His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. NOTE 8, PAGE 8. Beloved and dignified Ulrica's name. Her Royal Highness Frederica Charlotte Ulrica, eldest daughter of the late King of Prussia, died at Oatlands, 6th August, 1820, in the 54th year of her age, and agreeably to her own request, was interred in a small vault in Weybridge Church, prepared according to her directions, in preference to being laid in the royal mau- soleum at Windsor. Being fond of retirement and horti- cular amusements, and more attracted by rural scenery and simple manners than the gaieties of fashionable life, she mixed very little with the higher circle of her elevated rank. To the canine and the feathered s2:)ecies she was particularly watchful and tender, in protecting them and their young ones from molestation. The collecting of shells and fossils considerably engaged her attention, and she constructed one of the finest grottos in Eng- land, upon which was expended about £12,000. But possessing a kind and liberal heart, alive to all the 48 THE .SOLDIER S FRIEND, sympathies of nature^ she devoted her time chiefly to charitable purposes. Her royal highness was patroness to the British Lying-in Hospital for married women, also to the Westminster Lying-Tn Hospital. In Lon- don, she had a great many pensioners, of both sexes, whom she allowed from £o. to £20. per annum. But to the poor in the vicinity of her country resi- dence, she was indefatigably attentive. All the chil- dren of the neighbourhood who stood in need, she con- sidered as belonging to her own household. By her they were clothed, fed, and educated ; and as they grew up, the boys were put out as apprentices, and the girls either received as domestics in her own family or provided with suitable situations. To the most deserv- ing she gave small dowries, and such continued encou- ragement, that the surrounding hamlets displayed a great number of cottages, tenanted by her adopted children. Her royal highness also founded and gene- rously supported two Benefit Societies, in aid of the labouring classes. Aftable and courteous in all her deportment, her hand never shrunk from doing good, her ear never turned from the tale of sorrow, but the blessing of the needy followed her to her grave, and the voice of grateful lamentation breathed her requiem of departed worth. NOTE 9, PAGE 8. Behold our King immured in sorrow's night. The aftectionate sympathy evinced by His Majesty, during his royal brother's protracted illness, together THE SOiDIER's FRIEND. 49 with the mutual regard of their illustrious relatives, must ever endear them in the page of history. This kind attention was duly appreciated by his late Royal Highness, who eagerly embraced every opportunity of testifying, to use his own words, " his affectionate duty to the King." Nearly equal in age, they had both naturally imbibed in their own happy domestic circle, sentiments alike pleasing and congenial; in that native element of social intercourse, nurtured by kind and indulgent parents, their infant hearts were united in brotherly affection, that warmed the bolder current of manly vigour, and cheered the evening of declining years. NOTE 10, PAGE 9. The Soldiefs Friend, the hapless Orphaii's Sire. " His incredible devotion to his official duties — his superintending' care over the conduct of the officers, and the comfort of the private soldiers his impartiality in the reward of merit — and his inflexible adherence to what he conceived to be his duty, were the sources of incalculable benefits to the army. The urbanity of manners, also, which distinguished the Royal Duke — his unafiected benevolence— his condescension to the claims of the humblest suppliant — his willin"" remembrance of the worn-out veteran — his kindness to the widow and the orphan — and the unnumbered acts of tenderness and pity which distinguished him, excited general regard, and procured for his Royal Highness the simple, but affecting title of — The Soldier's Friend, an eulogium which speaks to every heart." — The Bcv. Daniel Wilson s Funeral Sermon on His Royal Highness the £>:'he\ M - W V-J * M J ' I » rf » • ■"'^ I? 1 i^JI? i k^^ CD Aavaaii'i'i''' i(3VANtUfJ> IdV^^ AA 000 369 278 7 - -* ij*^n F *i ilHHA^