pondents, however, (and of many fuch we have to boaft) will not be displeased at this mode of conducting the VISITOR-for their pieces we fhall always feel grateful, and they may reft affured of an early infertion.

With regard to VALUABLE EXTRACTS from New Books, or even from Old Books, when they are forgotten their worth is indifputable. We intend, therefore, for the future, to introduce a greater abundance of them into our Mifcellany. Publications of every kind are expenfive in these times, nor are there many individuals whofe leifure can command an entire perusal of them. Thefe circumftances impart an additional value to fuch Extracts, and we know them to be the most interesting portion of our Miscellany.

To the Public we exprefs our obligation for the liberal Support with which we have been honoured. We are proud of the extenfive Patronage we have received. Our exertions to inftruct and please our numerous Readers, have been unwearied; though at the fame time we well know, that to imagine that every article will pleafe every Reader, would be a molt unreasonable fuppofition. We can only, therefore, add, that we shall not relax our efforts in the honourable caufe of Knowledge, Virtue, and Religion. This caufe, with whatever attacks it may be combated, we are affured will be finally triumphant, and every revolving year haftens its confummation. Happy indeed hall we deem ourselves in contributing our mite towards the arrival of a period when mankind, freed from the empire of Ignorance and Folly, fhall be placed in the poffeffion of fubftantial felicity.

London, January 1, 1800.

THE

រ

THE

MONTHLY VISITOR.

JANUARY 1800.

IN

SKETCH

OF

LORD BRIDPORT.

N this eventful period of our hiftory, we cannot be at a lofs to felect characters for the purpose of adorning our Mifcellany. In the literary world, in the departments of civil life, and both in the army and navy, individuals are to be found whofe talents and virtues reflect an honour on our country. Independent of religious or political prejudices, we would wish to afcertain the extent of real merit, and bestow the palm of approbation where it is juftly deferved.

In our paft labours we have not confined our attention to any one clafs of men; we have ranged through the feveral stations of life, and have marked the traits of celebrity which have excited the notice of mankind. Our province is to bring forward characters who, in various ways, appear to have been ufeful to their country. This is the centre to which all our efforts are directed-this is the point in which all our exertions are concentrated. Our private and public actions ought either immediately or remotely to promote the welfare of the community.

We make no apology, at the same time, for the frequent introduction of naval characters, Our sea giri

A 3

ifle is a proverbial expreffion; and to nautical exploits we are indebted for the greateft portion of our glory. The portraits of fuch perfons, and the particulars of their biography, muft be acceptable to the lovers of their country.

On a former occafion we prefented our readers with the Memoirs of Howe, Duncan, Nelfon, Warren, and others of the fame defcription, whose names make a figure on the roll of fame. We now add BRIDPORT to the lift-he is worthy of the acceffion.

LORD BRIDPORT is the fon of a refpectable clergyman in Devon fhire, and was, we have reafon to believe, educated by his parent, who took particular pains in forming his mind to virtue. Where parental inftruction can be procured, it is to be preferred; but every parent is not furnished either with leisure or ability for discharging of this important duty.

So early as the year 1746 did this veteran officer ftep forward in the fervice of his country. He was at this period made lieutenant; and ten years after he was promoted to be captain, a ftation for which he was well fitted, having ferved in the Mediterranean, under the command of Rear-admiral Saunders, where he exerted himfelf with uncommon activity. During this time, however, he was not much known; but he passed through the ufual progreffive fituations in the navy neceffary to the attainment of diftinction. A mind of ability fhews itfelf by a manly patience; fubmitting to thofe restraints without which no real celebrity can be attained. Whereas a fuperficial mind difplays a rashnefs and impatience by no means calculated to advance its welfare. Such a precipitancy, in any station, ren. ders the character ridiculous, and not unfrequently terminates in its fudden and utter deftruction.

About the commencement of his prefent Majesty's reign, a circumftance occurred in LORD BRIDPORT'S history, which greatly attracted the attention of his country. It was an engagement between his fhip, the

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