The Admiralty has recently sent a handsome sword to Lieut. Dupare, of the French navy, in acknowledgment of the friendly assistance he gave to the Bellerophon in February, 1838, when that ship accidentally placed in a situation of considerable danger of Gibraltar, when the French Lieut. then commanding the Phare steamer, towed her into a place of safety. We should say that the value of the present would have been much enhanced if the Admiralty had been a little more prompt in the acknowledgement of Lieut. Dupare's services, and not allowed two years and a half to elapse thinking about it.
The absurdity of the late order for entering men for the navy is observable daily, at the Redezvons where dozens of fine active men are rejected and sent back to their homes, perhaps distant 10, 15, and 20 miles, because they have never "been accustomed to boats and small craft." If seamen are so much wanted, of which there is not the smallest doubt, why not send these lads on board the Victory, and employ them "in boats and small craft" until their services are actually required. We made it our business to enquire of a strapping young fellow who had in vain applied to be entered, where he came from, his reply was, 'I came from Petersfield, Sir, having heard what a scarcity of sailors there were. I made certain of their taking me as I am very desirous of going to sea, but as I have never been accustomed to boats they refuse to enter me. There are five or six more now on their way here, but they might as well stop at home.'—Is it a matter of surprise that British seamen are scarce?