AN APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION, ON THE Humanity and Policy OF FORMING A NATIONAL INSTITUTION, FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LIVES AND PROPERTY FROM SHIPWRECK. BY SIR WILLIAM HILLARY, BARONET. AUTHOR OF "A PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEAM LIFE BOAT AND FOR THEEXTINGUISHMENT OF FIRE AT SEA;" "SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT ANDEMBELLISHMENT OF THE METROPOLIS, " AND "A SKETCH OF IRELAND IN 1824. " _THIRD EDITION. _ LONDON:PRINTED FOR GEO. B. WHITTAKER, AVE-MARIA-LANE. 1825. TO THE KING. SIRE, From Your Majesty's exalted station as Sovereign of the greatestmaritime power on earth, and from the ardent zeal with which You havegraciously extended Your Royal patronage to every measure which couldpromote the welfare and the glory of the British Navy, I have presumed, with the utmost deference, to dedicate the following pages to YourMajesty. With the most dutiful respect, I have the honour to subscribe myself, SIRE, Your Majesty'sMost devoted subject and servant, WILLIAM HILLARY. INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION[A]. The few pages of which the present edition is composed, were principallywritten under the circumstances there stated, which had forcibly calledmy attention to the fatal effects of those ever-recurring tempests, which scatter devastation and misery round our coasts, where the veterancommander and his hardy crew, with their helpless passengers of everyage and station in life, are left wretchedly to perish from the want ofthat succour which it has become my object earnestly to solicit forthese destitute victims of the storm. Another winter has scarcely yet commenced, and our coasts are spreadover with the shattered fragments of more than two hundred vessels, which, in one fatal tempest, have been stranded on the British shores, attended with an appalling havoc of human life, beyond all present meansto ascertain its extent, besides the loss of property to an enormousamount. And shall these fearful warnings also be without avail? Shall westill close our eyes on conviction, until further catastrophes wringfrom us those reluctant efforts, which ought to spring spontaneouslyfrom a benevolent people? With the most ample means for the rescue ofthousands of human beings from a watery grave, shall we still leave themto their fate? Shall we hear unmoved of this widely-spread destruction, and not each contribute to those exertions, to which the commoncharities of human nature, and the certainty of the direful evils wemight avert, and the sufferings we might assuage, ought to incite us tolend our utmost aid? The conflicting fury of the elements, the darkness of night, thedisasters of the sea, and the dangers of the adjacent shores, but toofrequently combine to place the unhappy mariner beyond the power ofhuman relief. But if all cannot be rescued, must all therefore be leftto perish? If every effort cannot be attended with success, must not anyattempt be made to mitigate these terrible calamities, which bring homethe evil to our very doors, and force conviction on us by theirdesolating effects, and by the destruction of hundreds of ourcountrymen, whose wretched remains perpetually strew our shores?--Whilstwe pause, they continue to perish; whilst we procrastinate, the work ofdestruction pursues its course; and each delay of another winter, in theadoption of measures more commensurate with the extent of thesedeplorable events, is attended with the sacrifice--perhaps of a thousandhuman lives. Even were the preservation of the vessels and their cargoes alone theobjects of our care, the present want of all system for such a purposeis, in its consequences, as lavish of property as it is of life; andfrom the vast amount now annually lost on our shores, infinitely moremight unquestionably be preserved to the commercial interests of thecountry, by the establishment of the Institution proposed, than itssupport would cost to the nation on its most extended scale. Actuated by these impressions, I have sought by every argument to rousethe dormant energies of a brave and a humane people to the rescue oftheir fellow-creatures; and through the ardent zeal, the generousenterprise, and the liberal bounty of a great nation, to awaken everyfeeling which can stimulate to the effort, and provide every means whichcan insure its success. In our great insular empire, almost all individuals, from the mostexalted and powerful in the land to the lowly and obscure, are at someperiod of their lives induced, by their various avocations andpursuits, to leave their own coasts. The brave seamen, the gallantsoldiers, and the various subjects of these realms, of all ranks anddegrees, are to be found traversing every stormy sea, and exposed toperil on every dangerous shore. This is not then an object for which thegreat and the affluent are called on for the relief of the humble andthe destitute alone--the cause is individual, national, and universal, perhaps beyond any other which has ever yet been addressed to a countryfor support. It appeals equally to personal interest and to nationalpolicy--to private benevolence and to public justice; and each who thusextends the benefits of his efforts and his bounty to his countrymen andto mankind, may also be contributing to the future safety of his family, his friends, or himself. In the pursuit of this arduous undertaking, I have felt it to be a dutyI owed to the cause of which I have thus become an advocate, to offer myviews to those of every class and department, who, from their humanity, their talents, or their station, are the most calculated, or the bestenabled, to promote this great object of national benevolence. I have dedicated this cause, with all deference, to a most gracioussovereign; I have addressed myself in its behalf to his ministers; and Ihave appealed to various distinguished individuals, to almost all thegreat national and benevolent institutions in the kingdom, to thecommercial and shipping interests, and to the public at large, for thesupport of an object well worthy the deep attention of the greatestnaval power of the present or of any former age, for the rescue of hernumerous seamen and subjects from one of the most frequent and mostawful of all the various calamities which desolate the human race. From the same motives, I have most respectfully submitted this nationaland international system to the sovereigns and governments of theprincipal maritime powers of Europe and of America; and I avail myselfwith pleasure of the present occasion, to express my gratefulacknowledgments for the promptitude with which several of theirministers, resident at this court, have transmitted it to theirrespective governments. Encouraged to persevere in my endeavours, by the flattering support andapprobation of many distinguished and enlightened characters, I aminduced to hope that the day is not remote, when this contemplatedinstitution may be established on a permanent basis, by the unitedenergies of a noble and a benevolent nation, to whose support such acause has never yet been addressed in vain. The interest which this subject has already excited, has induced me tocommit another edition of my pamphlet to the press; whilst the magnitudeand vital importance of these objects, to our country and tomankind, --on our own and every foreign shore, --in the present and everyfuture age, --will, I trust, best plead my excuse as a retiredindividual, and acquit me from the charge of presumption, in having hadthe temerity to submit my views to the consideration of so manyillustrious personages, and for the earnest solicitude with which I haveaddressed myself to the humanity, the benevolence, and the justice ofthe British nation. 10th November, 1823. FOOTNOTE: [A] The introduction to the second edition and the followingpamphlet were published previously to the formation of "the RoyalNational Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, " whichit originally projected, as will be obvious by reference to dates and tothe accompanying Appendix. AN APPEAL, _&c. _ For many years, and in various countries, the melancholy and fatalshipwrecks which I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest inmy mind for the situation of those who are exposed to these awfulcalamities; but the idea of the advantages which would result from theestablishment of a national institution, for the preservation of humanlife from the perils of the sea, first suggested itself to me during myresidence on a part of the coast, often exposed to the most distressingscenes of misery, and where the dreadful storms of the last autumnprevailed with unusual violence. On some occasions, it has been my lot to witness the loss of manyvaluable lives, under circumstances, where, had there beenestablishments previously formed for affording prompt relief, andencouragement given to those who might volunteer in such a cause, in allprobability the greater part would have been rescued from destruction. At other times I have seen the noblest instances of self-devotion; menhave saved the lives of their fellow-creatures at the peril of theirown, without a prospect of reward if successful, and with the certaintythat their families would be left destitute if they perished. From these considerations, I have been induced to wish, that the resultsof the experience, talent, and genius of the most distinguishedcommanders, and men of science, should be united in the formation of onegreat Institution, which would in itself embrace every possible meansfor the preservation of life from the hazards of shipwreck. Though many individuals have employed their time, their attention, andoften exposed their personal safety for this object, yet nearly thewhole of the most extensive and dangerous parts of our coasts are leftwithout any means having been adopted, any precautions taken, forrendering assistance to vessels in distress; and, winter after winter, we have the most afflicting details of the consequences attendant onthis lamentable apathy to human misery--an awful destruction of life, onalmost every shore which surrounds the British dominions: acts have evensometimes been perpetrated at which humanity shudders, and which havecaused other nations to cast reproach and opprobrium on the Britishname. But individual efforts, however meritorious in themselves, are unequalto produce all the benefits contemplated, or to remedy all the evils, attendant on one of the most tremendous of perils to which human natureis exposed, and which is most likely to fall upon those who are in thevery prime of manhood, and in the discharge of the most active andimportant duties of life. From the calamity of shipwreck no one can saythat he may at all times remain free; and whilst he is now providingonly for the safety of others, a day may come which will render thecause his own. These are not arguments founded on the visionary contemplation of remoteor improbable dangers. Their urgent necessity must be obvious to everymind. So long as man shall continue to navigate the ocean, and thetempests shall hold their course over its surface, in every age and onevery coast, disasters by sea, shipwrecks, and peril to human life, mustinevitably take place; and with this terrible certainty before our eyes, the duty becomes imperative, that we should use every means to obviateand to mitigate the deplorable consequences. This subject in a peculiar manner appeals to the British peoplecollectively and individually. For ages, our seamen have been theacknowledged support of our splendour and our power; and until everything which the ingenuity of man can suggest, and every inducement andregulation which social institutions can offer and arrange, have beencombined into one great plan for their safety, we shall be wanting inour best duties to them, to our country, and to ourselves. Local associations cannot call forth the energy which such a causedemands at our hands; they are only partial benefits, whilst the greatevil remains unredressed. We have many noble institutions, widely spreadthrough the extent of the British dominions, supported by voluntarycontributions, and exalting our name above that of every other nation byour disinterested efforts in the cause of humanity; whilst this greatand vital object to every Briton, seems alone to have been strangely andunaccountably overlooked, or only partially undertaken. Our coasts are surrounded by land-marks as a guide by day, and lightsand beacons by night; our mariners are furnished with charts of everysea, every rock is pointed out, every shoal set down, and every channelbuoyed. Pilots are to be found at the entrance of every port, and allthat science, indefatigable labour, and liberal expenditure can effect, to warn the seaman of his danger, and to prevent vessels from beingwrecked, --all has long, and ardently, and ably been studied andaccomplished. Whilst the vessels are yet secure, every safeguard is at their command, amply supplied by public associations, or by the state; and towardswhich, on their safe arrival in port, they contribute their quota forthe benefits they have received, --and all must but too often prove invain; many may thus be warned of their danger, and be saved; shipwreckswill still continue to take place, despite of all human means, and theircrews be exposed to every species of peril and distress, --but what thenbecomes their fate? Wretched, exhausted, and in the last extremity of danger, on whom doestheir rescue devolve? to what body or class of men, or to which of ournumerous departments, does it now become an honourable and an imperativeduty to afford them assistance in this their utmost need?--where are thenational funds for such an object, to supply ample means for thehazardous attempt, to reward the brave efforts of those who succeed, orto relieve the destitute families of those who perish in so honourable acause? The melancholy catastrophe closed, every human being on board havingperished, or having quitted their shattered vessel in despair; the lawsand usages of recompense are clearly defined;--salvage for the propertypreserved, in proportion to its amount. But in the dreadful crisis between these two extremes, does one law ofthe land, or one National Institution, hold out the established claim tocertain reward for a life saved? In the nineteenth century, surrounded by every improvement andinstitution which the benevolent can suggest, or the art of manaccomplish for the mitigation or prevention of human ills, will it for amoment be capable of belief, that there does not, in all our great andgenerous land, exist one National Institution which has for its directobject the rescue of human life from shipwreck? The protection of property is in every stage a subject of legislationand of care;--the rescue of life from shipwreck has never yet beenadopted as a national and a legislative object. With the exception of the recompenses voluntarily given by the liberalinstitution of Lloyd's, the very few associations scattered thinly onthe coasts, and the valuable inventions and gallant efforts of thosebrave and enlightened individuals who do honour to their country, ourshipwrecked seamen are left in this awful situation, to the spontaneousexertions of enterprise and humanity, the chance of the moment, or themercy of the winds and waves;--or rather let us say, to a greater mercy, and a higher Power. It may be thought that this picture is overcharged; but unhappily, Ibelieve it will be found too faithfully correct. I am firmly convinced, that these appalling facts have never yet reachedthe great majority of the nation; but the veil once withdrawn, thehonour, the justice, and the humanity of Britain will be deeplycompromised, if the evil is not promptly and effectually redressed;--notany human means should be spared to atone for the past, and to alleviatethe future. In bringing this deeply interesting subject before the public, it is myardent hope that it may call forth the attention of those betterqualified to bring to perfection so important a work. Let this greatnational object but once engage the attention of the public mind, andnot any thing can arrest its course. The power of united effort, in the attainment of any great work ofnational benevolence, has never yet failed of success. The institution Ihave in view is equally a claim of justice and of benevolence; itpeculiarly belongs to the greatest maritime nation in existence, andwill, I trust, be deemed worthy the attention of the Admiralty ofEngland, who have so long held their high station with as much honour tothemselves as benefit to their country. By whose immediate patronage the first measures for the organization ofsuch a system may be honoured, or under the sanction of what names therequisite public meetings to carry them into effect may be announced, itwould be the utmost presumption in me to anticipate; but it appears tome, that the immediate assembling of such meetings in London, would bestcontribute to the establishment of this Institution on a permanent andextensive foundation. To the consideration of such meetings, I must respectfully beg leave tosubmit: That a national institution should be formed, equally worthy of GreatBritain, important to humanity, and beneficial to the naval andcommercial interests of the United Empire; having for its objects, _First_, The preservation of human life from shipwreck; which shouldalways be considered as the first great and permanent object of theInstitution, _Secondly_, Assistance to vessels in distress, which immediatelyconnects itself with the safety of the crews. _Thirdly_, The preservation of vessels and property, when not soimmediately connected with the lives of the people, or after the crewsand passengers shall already have been rescued. _Fourthly_, The prevention of plunder and depredations in case ofshipwreck. _Fifthly_, The succour and support of those persons who may be rescued;the promptly obtaining of medical aid, food, clothing, and shelter forthose whose destitute situation may require such relief, with the meansto forward them to their homes, friends, or countries. The people andvessels of every nation, whether in peace or in war, to be equallyobjects of this Institution; and the efforts to be made, and therecompenses to be given for their rescue, to be in all cases the same asfor British subjects and British vessels. _Sixthly_, The bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue thelives of others from shipwreck, or who assist vessels in distress; andthe supplying of relief to the destitute widows or families of the bravemen who unhappily may lose their lives in such meritorious attempts. The objects of the Institution being thus defined, and having, I hope, already obtained the powerful support of those illustrious personagesand distinguished characters in the state, under whose fostering care, as patrons and presidents, the system would have the best prospect ofbeing brought to maturity; it would only be requisite to proceed to thenext duty of the meeting, which would be the formation of a numerousCommittee, including liberal and enlightened men from all classes anddepartments, naval and military officers, members of the Trinity Houseand of Lloyd's, merchants and commanders in the East India and otherservices, &c. In addition to this central Committee, it would be requisite, in orderto carry the objects of the association into active execution, thatbranches of the Institution, and subject to its rules, should be formedin all the principal ports, and on the most dangerous sea-coasts of theUnited Kingdom; each having its own separate Committee, in directcommunication with that in London. But, on the general central meetingsof Presidents and Committee in London, would devolve the primarymeasures for the permanent establishment of the Institution; the generalsystem of finance, the formation of rules and regulations, and the plansfor giving activity and effect to the whole. Perhaps it might facilitate the progress of the measures in view, if thelabour were divided, and two or more separate Committees or Boards wereformed from the whole, consisting of individuals best qualified for theobjects of each separate department, whose reports, before being finallyadopted, should receive the sanction of the Institution at large. Under this view of the subject, a Committee of finance would bedesirable, whose duty, in the first instance, would be to arrange andpursue the best and most active measures to diffuse a general knowledgeof the objects and principles of the association; and to obtaindonations and subscriptions, for the purpose of carrying them intoeffect. From the peculiarly interesting nature of this Institution, it is to bepresumed, that this part of their duty would be found easy in itsprogress, and successful in its results. When we see long columns filled with the first names in the country, with large sums placed opposite to them, for objects temporary in theirnature, and small in importance compared with the present, whichcontemplates the rescue of thousands of human beings now in existence, and an incalculable number yet unborn, from one of the most tremendousof all perils, --who is there, to whom such an Institution once becameknown, that would refuse his aid? It is a cause which extends from thepalace to the cottage, in which politics and party cannot have anyshare, and which addresses itself with equal force to all the bestfeelings of every class in the state. The names of every branch of the Royal Family are to be found at thehead of all the benevolent Institutions of the empire. From the nobility and gentry large donations and subscriptions maynaturally be expected. The clergy of every class will, no doubt, beforemost in the cause of humanity. To the whole body of the navy, themarines, and to the army, who, in the prosecution of their professionalduties, encounter so many of the dangers of the sea, such an appeal willnever be made in vain. Can it be supposed that there is one East IndiaDirector, one member of Lloyd's, an under-writer, a merchant, ashipowner, or commander in the India or merchants' service, from whom asubscription, liberal in proportion to his means, will not be obtained?Nor will the generous aid of any class of society, I am persuaded, bewanting for such a purpose; and as a stimulus to the whole, by examplein their donations, and by the widely-extended circle of theirinfluence, the British females of every station in life will, I amconvinced, particularly distinguish themselves in aid of this cause. From these opinions, which I so confidently entertain of the humanityand liberality of the British people, I rest firmly persuaded, that themost ample means will be easily and speedily obtained for every possibleexpenditure which can attend the objects of this Institution. When the funds shall have been once established, the duty of theCommittee will be, to have the permanent superintendence and regulationof their finance under the proper control of the whole society. A second Board, or Committee, should be formed from the mostexperienced and enlightened officers of the navy, seamen, engineers, andscientific men, for the purpose of carrying the direct objects of theInstitution into effect. One of the most important duties of this Committee will be to combine, in a clear, concise, and well-digested system, the result of the jointknowledge and experience of the whole body, in plain and simplelanguage, divested as much as possible of technical phraseology, andcapable of being understood by every individual. This code ofinstruction should comprise the best and most prompt measures to beadopted in every sort of danger to which a vessel can be exposed, and onwhatever kind of coast, in order that the most effectual assistance maybe given, with the least possible loss of time, and with such means asin remote situations can most probably be obtained; and the Committeeshould be requested to report, from time to time, the result of thosemeasures which they had found from experience to be most successful;whilst every friend to such a cause, who might suggest an invention or ameans to facilitate these objects, would be certain, that in thisCommittee his plans would receive the most attentive consideration fromthose who would possess the power and the inclination to carry them intoeffect. It will be desirable that this Committee should suggest the mosteligible plans for permanent establishments in all sea-ports, road-steads, and resorts for shipping, and particularly on remote, wild, and exposed parts of the coast, where lifeboats, anchors, cables, hawsers, and the beneficial inventions of those enlightened and highlypatriotic officers, Sir William Congreve, Captains Marryat, Manby, Dansey, Mr. Trengrouse, and various other meritorious individuals, should be kept in constant readiness for use, with every means for thepreservation of lives in danger, and the assistance of vessels indistress, according to the nature of the coasts on which the respectivedepôts may be established. The purchase, safe custody, and control overthe stores of the Institution, their being deposited in places bestsituated for instant issue on every emergency, and always in a state fitfor immediate service, are objects which demand the utmostcircumspection and care. This department is perhaps the most important of the whole--it is theoperative; and on its judicious arrangements, the means of prompt andeffectual efforts, the success of the most hazardous undertakings, thesafety of those employed, and the rescue of those in peril, willunquestionably depend. For these purposes, as well as every other connected with theInstitution, the respective Committees proposed to be formed, in everyport, and on every coast, will be of the most essential use. The zeal, and other requisite qualities, which the members of such Committees maynaturally be supposed to possess, point them out as the most eligiblepersons to have the immediate direction of the measures to be adopted. From them also it is to be expected that the most experienced innautical affairs may be selected to command. To that department under which boats are to go out, and men are to risktheir lives, for the rescue of those who may be in danger, the utmostattention is due: that, when they are so employed, it shall be under thedirection of the most skilful advice which the occasion can afford; thattheir boats and equipments shall be such as best to insure their safety;and that the crews shall be selected from the bravest and mostexperienced persons who can be found. To insure order and promptitude on these occasions, where the leastdelay or indecision may cause the loss of all opportunity of acting witheffect, a previous and, as far as practicable, a permanent arrangementshould be formed. Volunteers should be invited to enrol themselves fromamongst the resident pilots, seamen, fishermen, boatmen, and others, insufficient numbers to insure the greatest probability of having everyaid at hand, which, in the moment of danger, may be requisite. Each manshould have his department previously assigned, and the whole shouldact under their respective leaders. To these regulations might be added a system of signals, equallyavailable by night or by day, through which persons on board of vesselsin distress could communicate the nature of the assistance of which theystood in need; and those on shore warn them of any danger, inform themof the succour they were going to afford, or give them any instructionsrequisite to their safety. In addition to these means, a great source of assistance to vessels indistress might be secured to be at all times within reach, by permanentand judicious arrangements with pilot companies, steam vessels, anchorvessels, harbour boats, trawl and other fishing boats, which, underproper indemnities, and for reasonable remuneration, would doubtless atall times contribute their aid, and act under the regulations of theInstitution; it might also be advantageous, on many parts of the coast, to give premiums to those owners of boats who should have them fitted upwith air tight cases, casks or cork, so as to answer the purpose of lifeboats, and who should constantly keep them in that state, ready forimmediate service. At the same time care should be taken not to trammel by unnecessaryregulations the spontaneous efforts of those, who, actuated by agenerous ardour, on the emergency of the moment, seize on the firstmeans which present themselves, and often accomplish their object in amanner which, to a cooler calculation, would appear impracticable. To expect a large body of men to enrol themselves, and be in constantreadiness to risk their own lives for the preservation of those whomthey have never known or seen, perhaps of another nation, merely becausethey are fellow-creatures in extreme peril, is to pay the highestpossible compliment to my countrymen; and that on every coast there aresuch men, has been fully evinced, even under the present want of system, when the best means for their purpose are not supplied; when they arewithout any certainty of reward; and act under the peculiarly appallingconsideration, that if they perish, they may leave wives, children, andevery one destitute who depend on them for support. If, under such discouragement, we every year have so many instances ofself-devotion, what might not be expected from the same men, when theyknew that in the performance of their arduous duties, every possiblemeans to execute them, with safety to themselves, and success to theobjects of their efforts, would be supplied; that if they succeeded, they would be honoured and recompensed, according to their merits andsituation in life; and if it were their lot to perish in so noble acause, they had at least the consolation to know, beyond a doubt, thattheir families would not be left to deplore their loss in unassistedpoverty? To these objects the Institution ought unquestionably to extend, or itwould be unworthy of the great country to which it belonged, and of thehigh patronage with which I hope it may be honoured. Nor will I suppose that those whom I have specified are the only personswho will take an active part on such occasions. There is another class, who, from what I have individually seen, will, I am certain, become ableand zealous leaders, --not only the employed, but the half-pay officersof the navy, now so widely spread over the coasts of the United Kingdom. Living in retirement in time of peace, they would not allow theirenergies to sleep when their brother seamen were in danger, but comeforward with the conscious feeling, that those distinguished characterswho preside over the British navy, would regard such meritoriousservices as being in the direct path of honour; and that to rescue ahuman being from the perils of shipwreck would not be less acceptable totheir country than to subdue her enemies in battle. The Romans rewarded with the civic crown those who had saved the lifeof a fellow citizen. Our late venerable sovereign conferred thebaronetage on the gallant Viscount Exmouth, then Captain Pellew, for hisnoble and successful efforts, at the extreme hazard of his own life, tosave the crew of an East Indiaman, wrecked at Plymouth, when thesituation of every one on board appeared beyond the reach of human aid. The whole class of the preventive service, with many departments of therevenue, could not be more honourably employed, and they must naturallyfeel that their brave exertions, on such occasions, would be fullyestimated. The assistance of medical men, who would enrol themselves to be ready toattend, might frequently be of the utmost importance to succour andrestore those who might have sustained severe injury, or whose livesmight be nearly extinct; and it is confidently to be hoped, that thehappiest consequences would frequently result, from having always readyfor use, the apparatus of the Royal Humane Society for restoringsuspended animation--also by the circulation of their instructions forthe treatment of persons in that situation. There is not perhaps any subject connected with this proposedInstitution, more worthy of its utmost attention and care, than theprotection of persons and property from the cruel rapacity of thoseabandoned marauders, who, on some parts of our coasts, have but too longfollowed a practice disgraceful to a civilized state, and dangerous inits example as fatal to its victims, of plundering from wrecks, andthere is much reason to fear, often suffering to perish, from want ofassistance, many who might otherwise have been rescued from peril, andrestored to their friends and their country; but by means of thenumerous establishments of this Institution, the effects of a betterexample, the stimulus of rewards given for the preservation of life, thevigilant care and the vigorous measures which in such cases wouldunquestionably be pursued, it is confidently to be hoped that suchatrocities would be heard of no more on our shores. In time of war, it might be advisable that a limited number of known, steady, and brave seamen, who had already distinguished themselves onthese occasions, should be protected from the impress, by belonging tothis service. The number need not be large, as the retired veterans ofthe navy, and the fishermen on the coast, would constitute the majorityto be employed. The nature and extent of the recompenses for time and trouble, and thereward of those who hazard their own lives in the rescue of others, would form another important branch of the Institution for the laboursof this Committee. The qualifications for these rewards naturally form themselves intoclasses. First, in case of successful efforts, where persons, at the risk oftheir own lives, save from imminent peril those of theirfellow-creatures, --it should be established, beyond all doubt, that theyshould receive such reward for each life saved, as the Institution, onmature consideration, may determine. This might be fixed at not lessthan a certain sum, with power to extend it to a greater amount, to bedecided by the Committee, according to the nature of the case; but, atall events, to the smallest of these rewards the parties to have anabsolute claim, on furnishing unquestionable evidence of having saved alife. In many cases of persons rescued from the wreck, saved amongst rocks, orwhen found washed by the breakers on shore, particularly on remotecoasts, but too often exposed to scenes of lawless depredation, theparties should equally be entitled to reward. Where lives are saved, without those employed hazarding their own, theyshould at least receive the smaller of the premiums conferred. Rewards should also be given where every possible effort has been made, though unhappily without success. When vessels are actually in distress, proportionate premiums should begiven to the first, second, and other boats which get alongside, and forother assistance. Remunerations should be given, and every inducement held out, for theprevention of plunder, and for the preservation of lives and vessels, inevery situation of danger to which they may become exposed. When a life is saved by a person who had been equally fortunate on aformer occasion, his reward should be larger, and increase progressivelyfor other successful efforts. In case of crime, the second offence ispunished more severely than the first, and the third than the second. Inmeritorious acts, it were only sound policy that the rewards should beara similar proportion. Where an individual perishes in his attempts to rescue lives fromshipwreck, or when assisting vessels in distress, his wife, children, oraged parents, if dependent on him for support, should have every reliefwhich it may become practicable to give, and according to the particularcircumstances of the case. The Institution should also recompense for severe injuries, ascertainedto have been unquestionably sustained in the actual performance of suchservices. Ample and general powers should be given to confer rewards for suchother acts as the Committee may consider justly entitled to them. It might, perhaps, also be worthy the consideration of the Institutionat large, whether any badge or medal conferred on a man who had saved alife from shipwreck at the hazard of his own, might not have a verypowerful effect. To many minds, even in the humblest walks of life, sucha recompense would be more acceptable than a pecuniary reward, whilst alaudable ambition might be thus excited in others to imitate someritorious an example--thus holding out every species of inducement, tothe brave and the generous--to the humble but humane, to render theirutmost aid to the shipwrecked of every land, in the moment of theirextreme distress. To receive applications for rewards, to examine into the nature andextent of services performed, and to make reports, and forwardcertificates and recommendations to the general Committee, would becomeone of the most important duties of the local departments, on thejudicious and faithful performance of which the honour and credit ofthe Institution would materially depend. These appear to me to be the principal objects to which the attention ofthe Committees should be directed, in the original formation of theestablishment, and subject to the decision of the general meetings ofthe Institution, to whom their reports should be submitted. It is to be presumed that various parts of the interior of the UnitedKingdom will furnish considerable funds to the Institution, withoutcalling upon it for any supplies; that many of the great sea-ports mayperhaps raise means equal to the amount of their expenditure, in theirimmediate district; whilst there is a vast extent of the most ruggedcoast lying far distant from any prompt assistance, on which, above allothers, vessels are exposed to the greatest danger. For such places, establishments could only be formed at a considerable expense; it beingobvious, that from the solitude and remoteness of the surroundingcountry, only small pecuniary aid could be obtained; yet in thesesituations the seamen and fishermen ought to be stimulated by everypossible incitement to take an active and decided part in the cause ofhumanity; since on these very coasts the vessels belonging to the mostdistant ports might be lost, and the relatives of those who resided inthe very interior of the kingdom might perish. The cause, therefore, becomes common to all, and it will be of the highest importance to itssuccess, that arrangements should be formed between the centralCommittee and the district associations, that, united in funds and inmeasures, they may as much as possible act in concert, in carrying theobjects contemplated into the fullest effect through the whole extent ofthe British dominions. How far it may be desirable to apply for an act of parliament, or toestablish the Institution into a chartered association, will remain forthe general Committee to decide, when the whole has assumed a distinctform. It is also probable that great advantages might result from theinvestigations of a Committee of the House of Commons into theinsufficiency of the enactments and regulations now in force for thepreservation of life, and the prevention of plunder, from vessels whichmay be wrecked within the jurisdiction of our laws. I also venture, with deference, to recommend, that other maritimenations should be invited to form similar establishments, so far asaccords with their respective laws and usages, and to concur in mutualarrangements with Great Britain for the reciprocal aid of the subjectsand vessels of each other. Nor is the universal adoption of this system more imperativelydemanded, by those feelings which should incite us to afford the mostprompt assistance to the people of every country who may be in danger ofshipwreck on our shores, than it is consistent with a wise andenlightened policy, which should extend our views from our own immediatecoasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to everyneighbouring state; more particularly from the entrance of the EnglishChannel to the frozen regions of the North. And when we recollect thevast commercial fleets which the enterprise of our merchants adventuresinto every sea, and during every season; when more than a thousand sailof British vessels pass the sound of the Baltic each year; ought we notto bear in mind to what hazards the subjects and vessels of GreatBritain are constantly exposed, on the whole of so extended a coast, andin every stormy and dangerous sea? and shall we not be wanting to themand to humanity, if we do not endeavour to obtain for our ownshipwrecked countrymen, in every foreign land, the same effectual aid inthe hour of danger, which, I doubt not, it will become one of theproudest objects of this Institution to extend to the vessels of everynation which may be in distress on the British shores?--Even during themost arduous prosecution of war, the cause of humanity, and theprogress of civilization, would be eminently promoted by these noble andgenerous efforts, for the rescue of those, whom the fury of the elementshad divested of all hostile character, and thrown helpless and powerlesson a foreign coast. Thus would nations be drawn by mutual benefits into more strict bonds ofamity during peace, and thus might the rigours of war be ameliorated, byhaving one common object of benevolence remaining; in the exercise ofwhich the jealousies and angry passions incident to a state of hostilitycould not have any part with a generous and a high-minded people; whilstthe experience and penetration of liberal and enlightened governmentscould, without difficulty, form such arrangements as would prevent thatwhich was intended as a benefit to mankind, from being made subservientto any political abuse. My utmost wishes would be accomplished by seeing these internationalregulations established, in connexion with one great Institution, toextend to the most remote province of the empire, on the exaltedprinciple, that wherever the British flag should fly, her seamen shouldbe protected; and that those who risked their own lives to save theirfellow-creatures from the perils of shipwreck should be honoured andrewarded; whilst every stranger, whom the disasters of the sea may caston her shores, should never look for refuge in vain. DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN, 28th Feb. 1823. APPENDIX. A year had scarcely elapsed after the first edition of the precedingPamphlet was committed to the press, when the great object itrecommended was accomplished, with an unanimity and a promptitude whichthe irresistible power of such a cause could alone effect, by theestablishment of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation ofLife from Shipwreck;--district associations on a very extended scalehave also been formed in the county of Norfolk, and on various otherimportant parts of the coast, avowedly founded on the plan which thiswork had projected. It has therefore become expedient, in the future circulation of thisPamphlet, to add a few pages, containing authentic statements of thoseproceedings by which the Institution was organized--how cordially thismeasure has been received and adopted, and how much in conformity withthat outline which I had ventured to offer to the consideration of mycountry, these documents will best evince. It will at the same time be seen, that the resolutions of the GeneralMeeting do not extend to the remuneration of the Salvors of property incases of shipwreck, where not immediately connected with thepreservation of life, it having been the opinion of the ProvisionalCommittee that the existing laws had already made such regulations as torender that measure unnecessary. In reference to those passages which treat of the rewards to beconferred for services which may be performed, and more particularly asto the relief to be afforded to the destitute families of those whounhappily may perish in their attempts to preserve the lives of others, it will be obvious that the extent of such recompenses and relief mustof necessity be guided by those means, which the liberality of thenation may supply--at the same time, I have the utmost satisfaction instating the humane declaration of the Institution, that their operationswill be limited only by the amount of those funds which may be placed attheir disposal, or the number of cases calling for assistance; and Imost sincerely concur in the confident hope which the Central Committeeexpress, that the contributions may be so general as not only to givepresent effect, but also permanence, to this great national undertaking. Honoured, as this Institution has been, by the high patronage of theKing, and of his illustrious family--constituted a Royal Institution byhis Majesty's gracious command--sanctioned by many of the mostdistinguished characters in the church and state, and sustained by thebounty of a generous nation--it is not for me to have the presumption tooffer my acknowledgements, for that support which the cause of ourshipwrecked fellow-creatures has obtained from the sovereign and thepeople of this great country. But there are some names, the omission of which would be an act ofinjustice--the gentlemen of the Provisional Committee, who prepared theway for that success which attended the public meeting, over which hisgrace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided, in a manner as advantageousto the measures which he so essentially contributed to promote, ashonourable to his own benevolent feelings; and the equally zealousmembers of the Central Committee, who now so ably conduct the affairs ofthe Institution, are eminently entitled to the warmest thanks of everyfriend of this cause, for their early and important exertions in itsestablishment, of whom I may perhaps be permitted to name Thomas Wilson, Esq. One of the representatives in parliament for the City of London, and George Hibbert, Esq. As having been amongst the foremost inaffording their valuable co-operation in the formation of thisInstitution. It only remains for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction which Iexperience, in witnessing the attainment of this object of my mostearnest solicitude, and in the firm conviction with which I amimpressed, that this Institution is now established on principles whichwill extend its beneficial effects to the most distant shores, and togenerations yet unborn. WILLIAM HILLARY. May 29, 1824. No. I. _Circular, convening a preliminary and select Meeting, to consider ofthe Suggestions in the Pamphlet by Sir William Hillary, Bart. Of anInstitution for the Rescue of Lives from Shipwreck. _ No. 33, New Broad Street, February 4, 1824. SIR, You are respectfully requested to attend at the City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 12th instant, at twelve for one o'clock precisely, toconfer on certain measures which will then be submitted, and todetermine on the expedience of calling a General Meeting in London, forthe formation of a "National Institution for the Preservation of Lifefrom Shipwreck. " I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, S. COCK. No. II. _Proceedings of a preliminary Meeting of Noblemen and Gentlemen, held atthe City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 12th of February, 1824. _ Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. Was called to the Chair. Resolved unanimously, That this Meeting, taking into consideration the frequent loss of humanlife by shipwreck, and believing that by the preconcerted exertions ofpractical men, and the adoption of practical means, such calamitiesmight often be averted, are of opinion that a National Institutionshould be formed (to be supported by voluntary donations andsubscriptions) for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck on thecoasts of the united kingdom; for affording such immediate assistance tothe persons rescued, as their necessities may require; for conferringrewards on those who preserve their fellow-creatures from destruction;and for granting relief to the destitute families of any who mayunfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others. Resolved unanimously, That, with a view to the formation of such an Institution, a generalMeeting of the Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Traders, and others, beconvened for Wednesday, the 25th instant, at twelve for one o'clockprecisely, or such other day as may be found more convenient. Resolved unanimously, That the following be a provisional Committee in the interim, with powerto add to their number. THOMAS WILSON, Esq. M. P. Chairman. Henry Baring, Esq. M. P. Vice-Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K. C. B. John Blackburn, Esq. Henry Blanchard, Esq. John William Buckle, Esq. James Cazenove, jun. Esq. Simon Cock, Esq. Captain J. W. Deans Dundas, R. N. David C. Guthrie, Esq. Samuel Gurney, Esq. George Hibbert, Esq. Sir William Hillary, Bart. Samuel Hoare, Esq. George Lyall, Esq. Rev. H. H. Norris. John Clark Powell, Esq. Joseph Pulley, Esq. John Vincent Purrier, Esq. Christopher Richardson, jun. Esq. Benjamin Shaw, Esq. Right Honourable Lord Suffield. Christopher Tenant, Esq. Mr. Alderman Thompson, M. P. William Vaughan, Esq. Joshua Walker, Esq. M. P. Joshua Watson, Esq. Thomas Wilkinson, Esq. George Frederick Young, Esq. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Sir William Hillary, Bart. For his exertions in bringing this interesting subject before theMeeting, and for his assistance in its deliberations. Mr. Wilson having left the chair, It was resolved unanimously, That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to Thomas Wilson, Esq. Forhis able conduct in the chair, and for his zeal in the support of theobjects in contemplation. No. III. ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK. _LONDON, MARCH 4, 1824. _ PATRON--THE KING. Vice-Patrons. His Royal Highness the Duke of York. His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence. His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. PRESIDENT--The Earl of Liverpool, K. G. Vice-Presidents. His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. His Grace the Archbishop of York. His Grace the Duke of St. Alban's. The Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne. The Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford, K. G. Vice-Admiral of Cornwall, and of the Coast of Suffolk. The Most Noble the Marquis of Camden, K. G. The Right Hon. The Earl Spencer, K. G. The Right Hon. The Earl of Craven. The Right Hon. The Earl of Lonsdale, K. G. The Right Hon. The Earl of Harrowby. The Right Hon. Earl Brownlow. The Right Hon. Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K. C. B. The Right Hon. Lord John Russell, M. P. The Right Hon. Viscount Torrington. The Right Hon. Viscount Melville, K. T. The Right Hon. Viscount Exmouth, G. C. B. The Lord Bishop of London. The Lord Bishop of Durham. The Lord Bishop of Chester, now Bath and Wells. The Lord Bishop of Bristol. The Right Hon. Lord Suffield. The Right Hon. Lord Braybrooke. The Right Hon. Lord Amherst, Governor-General of India. The Right Hon. Lord Stowell. The Right Hon. Robert Peel. The Right Hon. George Canning. The Right Hon. Frederick John Robinson. The Right Hon. William Huskisson. Sir William Hillary, Bart. Sir Claude Scott, Bart. Sir Charles Forbes, Bart. M. P. William Haldimand, Esq. M. P. George Hibbert, Esq. William Manning, Esq. M. P. The Chairman of the Hon. East India Company. The Deputy Master of Trinity House. The Chairman for Lloyd's. N. M. Rothschild, Esq. John Smith, Esq. M. P. Joshua Walker, Esq. M. P. Joshua Watson, Esq. Thomas Wilkinson, Esq. Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. Central Committee. Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. Chairman. Captain Astley, R. N. Henry Blanchard, Esq. Richardson Borradaile, Esq. Captain William Bowles, R. N. John William Buckle, Esq. John Capel, Esq. David Carruthers, Esq. James Cazenove, jun. Esq. Jonathan Chapman, Esq. G. R. Clarke, Esq. Simon Cock, Esq. William Cotton, Esq. Captain Ed. Henry a'Court, R. N. M. P. Captain C. C. Dansey, R. A. John Deacon, Esq. Captain Joseph Dowson. Captain Deans Dundas, R. N. Captain John Foulerton. Charles Francis, Esq. James Halford, Esq. Edward Hurry, Esq. Captain John Locke, H. C. S. Edward Hawke Locker, Esq. George Lyall, Esq. W. A. Madocks, Esq. M. P. John Marshall, Esq. John Petty Muspratt, Esq. John Clark Powell, Esq. John D. Powles, Esq. Joseph Pulley, Esq. John Vincent Purrier, Esq. Christoper Richardson, jun. Esq. Captain R. Saumarez, R. N. K. L. Thomas Snodgrass, Esq. Christopher Tennant, Esq. Mr. Alderman Thompson, M. P. Mr. Alderman Venables. John Wild, Esq. H. S. H. Wollaston, Esq. George Frederick Young, Esq. Treasurer. William Sikes, Esq. 5, Mansion House Street. Trustees. Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. James Cazenove, jun. Esq. John Clark Powell, Esq. Auditors. Timothy A. Curtis, Esq. Henry Sikes, Esq. Mr. Alderman Thompson, M. P. Secretary. Thomas Edwards, Esq. Office of the Institution, No. 12, Austin Friars, London. At a Public Meeting of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Merchants, and others, heldat the City of London Tavern, this day, His Grace the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY in the Chair, The following resolutions were passed unanimously:-- I. Upon the motion of his Grace; seconded by Captain Bowles, R. N. --Thatan Institution be now formed for the Preservation of Life in cases ofShipwreck on the Coasts of the United Kingdom, to be supported bydonations and annual subscriptions; and to be called the "NationalInstitution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. " II. Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. ; seconded by Captain DeansDundas, R. N. --That medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those whorescue lives in cases of shipwreck. III. Moved by the Lord Bishop of London; seconded by Mr. AldermanBridges, M. P. --That such immediate assistance be afforded to personsrescued as their necessities may require. IV. Moved by the Lord Bishop of Chester; seconded by William Manning, Esq. M. P. --That relief be supplied to the widows and families of personswho may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives ofothers. V. Moved by Captain John Foulerton;--seconded by Mr. AldermanVenables, --That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of theInstitution, as well in war as in peace; that the same rewards be givenfor their rescue as for British subjects; and that foreigners saved fromshipwreck, and being in a state of destitution, be placed under the careof the consuls or other accredited agents of their own nations, or beforwarded to their respective countries. VI. Moved by Joshua Walker, Esq. M. P. ; seconded by John William Buckle, Esq. --That medallions be conferred on the authors of such inventions forthe preservation of lives, in cases of shipwreck, as shall be mosteffectual for that purpose. VII. Moved by Matthias Attwood, Esq. M. P. ; seconded by ThomasWilkinson, Esq. --That the Institution be established in London, and beconducted by a patron, vice-patrons, a president, vice-presidents, governors, forty committeemen, a treasurer, three trustees, threeauditors, a secretary, and assistants. VIII. Moved by John Blades, Esq. ; seconded by John Marshall, Esq. --Thatthe committee be denominated the "London Central Committee, " and docontinue to act for the first two years; and that after the expirationof that term, an election of six new members take place at each annualmeeting, in the room of the six who shall be found to have attended thefewest number of times in the preceding year: and that the vice-patrons, president, vice-presidents, and treasurer, be also members of thecommittee. IX. Moved by Joseph Pulley, Esq. ; seconded by John Atkins, jun. Esq. --That donations and annual subscriptions be now entered into, andsolicited, for carrying the objects of this Institution into effect. X. Moved by Captain Manby; seconded by Thomas Shirley Gooch, Esq. M. P. --That maritime counties or districts, the principal sea ports, andthe inland counties of the united kingdom, and the British isles, beearnestly invited to form district associations, as branches of thisInstitution, for the purpose of promoting donations and subscriptions, and for assisting to carry its general objects into effect. XI. Moved by Captain Richard Saumarez, R. N. ; seconded by ChristopherRichardson, jun. Esq. --That it be recommended to such districtassociations, that their affairs be managed in conformity with theprinciples of the London central committee, and that their committees doconsist of a chairman, and such other members as they may deemexpedient. XII. Moved by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M. P. ; seconded by David Carruthers, Esq. --That the committee be empowered to form rules, regulations, andby-laws, for the government of the Institution, which are to besubmitted to the next general meeting. XIII. Moved by Quarles Harris, Esq. ; seconded by James Cazenove, Esq. --That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to theambassadors, consuls, or other representatives of foreign states, resident in this country. XIV. Moved by Sir Charles Flower, Bart. ; seconded by William Walcot, Esq. --That his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury be requested to conveyto the King's most gracious Majesty, the deep and grateful sense whichthis Meeting entertains of the distinguished honour which his Majestyhas conferred upon the Institution in becoming its patron. XV. Moved by Captain Deans Dundas, R. N. ; seconded by John Wilson, Esq. --That the grateful thanks of this Meeting be respectfully offeredto their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Sussex, andGloucester, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, for their readiness tobecome the vice-patrons of the Institution. XVI. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq. ; seconded by John VincentPurrier, Esq. --That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Earl ofLiverpool, for his acceptance of the presidency of the Institution. XVII. Moved by William Cotton, Esq. ; seconded by Jonathan Chapman, Esq. --That the thanks of this Meeting be also given to his Grace theArchbishop of Canterbury, and the other noble and distinguishedpersonages who have accepted the office of vice-presidents of theInstitution. XVIII. Moved by George Lyall, Esq. ; seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq. M. P. --That the best thanks of this Meeting are due to Sir WilliamHillary, Bart. For his patriotic efforts in bringing this subject beforethe public, and for his zealous endeavours to promote the establishmentof the Institution. XIX. Moved by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq. ; seconded by Thomas Maltby, Esq. --That copies of the resolutions entered into this day betransmitted to the Admiralty, to the Trinity House, and to Lloyd's; andthat copies of the resolutions be published in several of the provincialpapers. XX. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq. ; seconded by Sir Charles Flower, Bart. --That the warmest thanks of this Meeting be presented to ThomasWilson, Esq. M. P. For his humane, zealous, and persevering exertions inthe establishment of this Institution. His Grace the Archbishop having left the chair, Thomas Wilson, Esq. Wasunanimously called upon to take it. Moved by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. Seconded by Sir Chas. Flower, Bart. And resolved unanimously, --That the best thanks of this Meeting be givento his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the important servicewhich he has rendered the Institution, and particularly for hiscondescension in taking the chair this day. (Signed) THOMAS WILSON, Chairman. _At a General Court of the Subscribers and Friends to the RoyalNational Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, heldat the City of London Tavern, on the 10th of March, 1825. _ The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Chair. It was moved by George Hibbert, Esq. Seconded by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M. P. And resolved unanimously, That the Gold Medallion of the Institution be presented to Sir WilliamHillary, Bart. , by whom this NATIONAL INSTITUTION was first suggested, and ably recommended by his publications on the subject. (Signed) THOMAS WILSON, Chairman of the Committee. Having thus shown, by official documents, the great outline of theRoyal National Institution, now happily established for the preservationof Life from Shipwreck, a brief recapitulation of the important natureof its objects and its plans, will perhaps be the best conclusion I canoffer to those pages, which have already been received by the public ina manner so gratifying to my own feelings. From the most early periods, and in every state of society, shipwreckhas been one of those never ceasing evils which has excited thecommiseration of mankind; but, until recently, appears scarcely ever tohave called forth their humane efforts to mitigate its deplorableconsequences. For centuries our mariners have been left, unassisted, toendure every peril of the sea, as if shipwreck were a calamity in everyinstance utterly beyond all reach of mortal succour, and in every age, thousands of our fellow-creatures have thus miserably perished, whounquestionably might have been rescued. Of late years, various efforts have been made on parts of our coasts forthe preservation of life from impending peril, and some excellentinventions have been introduced for that purpose; these had howeverhitherto been only a means, not a system--local, not national. But when we reflect on the great waste of human life attendant on thesedreadful catastrophes, and the vital importance to their country ofthose who have thus been abandoned to their wretched fate, it cannotfail to excite our astonishment that amongst all the noble Institutionsof this great empire, which have been patronized by the crown, promotedby the government, or sustained by the bounty of the people, there neverbefore has been established, in this the most powerful maritime state ofancient or of modern days, one general association, or nationalInstitution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck. The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused tothis important object, --this void in our benevolent establishments hasbeen supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, underthe immediate patronage of the King. The objects contemplated by this Institution are, in their nature, deeply interesting to the cause of humanity--important to the naval andthe commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend theirbeneficial influence to every age and every country. It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within thescope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck--not only of theseamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation whomay become exposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally inpeace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urgingthem to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them withevery means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safetyto themselves--conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for theirgenerous efforts--rendering every practicable relief to the destitutewidows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in theirattempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may bethus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing, medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require--toenable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes, or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And thesubjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to placethem in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their ownnation. This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of suchinventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Livesfrom Shipwreck. Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to bethe best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritimepeople--to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remaineddormant, or hitherto have only been partially exerted, and to arouseour countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power fromthose direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed--whichare not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome and not liable torecur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to everycoast--each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain tocontinue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented, in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shallextend itself over the globe. To all who revere the naval glory of Britain--to all who duly estimatethe commercial greatness of their country, or who profit by itssuccess--to all who feel the humanity and the policy of preserving thebrave defenders of the state, and the hardy conductors of that commerce, from those dangers, to which, in the exercise of their arduous duties, they are continually exposed--this Institution cannot appeal in vain. Every class must feel how deeply it is connected with the nationalhonour, and the maritime interest of their country, that all the meanswhich the bounty of a wealthy and a liberal people can supply, and allthe efforts which experience and humanity can prompt, should be devotedto so sacred a cause. Each in his respective sphere is earnestly solicited to bear apart--the great and the affluent, and those residing in the interior ofthe kingdom, by their influence and their contributions--the active andthe zealous, by their energetic efforts--those on the coasts, by themore hazardous exertions of enterprise and bravery--and all, accordingto their power and their stations, to promote the success, and torecompense the endeavours of those who voluntarily encounter thegreatest perils, for the rescue of the unhappy mariner, of every nation, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our coasts. The accomplishment of so many and such important objects, on a scalecommensurate with the frequency and the extent of the misfortunes theyare intended to alleviate, requires the combined efforts of numerouspublic bodies and zealous individuals--preconcerted arrangements onevery dangerous coast, and considerable pecuniary resources. Under these convictions, I presume most earnestly to recommend, thatpublic meetings should be held in those maritime counties and great seaports of the united kingdom which have not yet come forward in thiscause, for the formation of district or local associations on all ourcoasts, regulated in their internal concerns by their own committees, asdepartments of, and in direct communication with, the parentInstitution, having an union of funds, of object and of effort, for themost extended adoption of every means which the magnitude of the evil tobe averted imperatively demands at our hands. Nor are those whose residence is the most remote from the scenes ofthese disasters, less interested in the universal establishment of thissystem. --Where is to be found that family, of any station, even in thevery interior of the kingdom, which has not some near and dearconnexions, some valued relatives or friends, who, from theirprofessions or their pursuits, may become exposed to the hazard ofshipwreck, and who may be thus preserved, through the very means towhich their bounty may contribute? Themselves distant from the scene ofdanger, they may, without effort or toil, become instrumental in therescue of those they most value in life--equally then are they called onto take measures for the collection of funds in the midland counties ason the coasts, in order to give increased resources to the Institution, for the most effectual prosecution of its plans. As this great national measure shall continue to establish itself in thepublic mind, the adoption of more extended and systematic plans willnaturally impress themselves on our consideration. From an almost universal want of foresight in our seamen, and acarelessness in providing against future dangers, naturally arisingfrom the reckless bravery of their character, they would turn withcontempt from any proposition that each should always take with him tosea, some one of those simple but practicable means by which his rescuefrom shipwreck might be greatly facilitated. In like manner the ownersor masters of vessels, some from an ill timed parsimony, but far more, from thoughtlessness or prejudice, neglect to provide their vessels withany of the apparatus which would, in many instances, insure the safetyof the passengers and crews. What is thus the duty of every one, will, amongst such a numerous classof individuals, be either entirely neglected or imperfectly executed, and a continued sacrifice of life be the certain consequence. Our seamen constitute one of the most valuable properties of the state. The preservation of the life of the subject is one of the mostimperative duties of an enlightened government--it has therefore becomeindispensably requisite, in this great maritime nation, that theseevils, arising from causes which no unity of opinion or of action, inthe parties most interested, can ever be expected to remove, should asfar as possible be obviated by legislative enactment--and that vesselsshould not, after a given period, be permitted to clear out at theports from which they are to sail, until, according to their tonnage, the number of their passengers and crews, and the nature of the voyageon which they are bound, it shall have been ascertained that they havebeen provided by the owners, and according to established regulations, with those means of safety which shall be required. These should consist of the most simple and effectual apparatus forestablishing a communication in case of wreck, between the vessel andthe shore--materials for the construction of rafts--lifebuoys--corkjackets, or other buoyant means of safety to individuals; boats in areasonable proportion to the numbers on board, to some of which theproperties of life boats might immediately and easily be given--withother measures which the great importance of the object demands, on ascale consistent with that economy which should ever attend compulsatoryregulations. The extent and nature of these precautionary measures require matureconsideration, and would best be ascertained by a committee ofexperienced and scientific officers and individuals selected from thenavy, the Trinity House, Lloyd's, the Ship-owners' Society, and otherdepartments connected with maritime affairs, on whose reports, and afterminute and deliberate investigation, perhaps an enactment could alone befounded to produce the much desired effect. --It is only by reducinginto a system those measures which are now left to chance, or to theforethought or the caprice of thousands, that such effectual precautionscan be taken, as will insure that at all times the danger may bepromptly met by adequate means of rescue. It has been allowed by those of much ability and experience, that itwould be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should beexamined, by some competent authority, to be established for thepurpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, onwhich the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews mustcontinually depend, before any one, who has not already filled thatoffice, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of suchtonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more fullinvestigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite. We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in ourcourse, --the greatness of our objects--the goodness of our cause--theconviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail tobring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolentfeelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of theirfellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, andultimately to insure its complete success. Much has recently been accomplished--several noble establishments havealready been formed on our coasts--rewards for many lives preserved havealready been bestowed--infinitely more remains yet to be done--norshould we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from theirardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall besurrounded by well organized branches of the Institution--until everymariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feelassured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which agenerous enterprise can make, supported by every means which humanforesight can arrange--and until, prompted by our example, andwitnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will havereceived on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the peopleof every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importanceof this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation ofsimilar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentiallycontribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system forthe mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of thecivilised world. WILLIAM HILLARY. 19th July, 1825. LONDON:PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.