always delightful to record such traits of magnanimity and kindness,
and we feel that British sailors can well afford to do honour to those
virtues in others, for which they have ever been so distinguished
themselves.

Admiral Russel handsomely acknowledged his obligation to the Dutch
government in the following letter to Admiral Kirkhurt:--

H.B.M. Ship Eagle, Dec. 2, 1804.

'Sir--I have this moment received your flag of truce, conveying
to me the Honourable Captain Colville, late of his Majesty's
ship, the Romney, (wrecked upon your coast,) with eight of his
officers, whom you have first humanely saved from impending
destruction, and whom your government, with its ancient
magnanimity, has released and restored to their country and
their friends, on their _parole d'honneur_. They are all, Sir,
most sensibly affected with heartfelt gratitude to the Batavian
government for their emancipation from captivity; to Admiral
Kirkhurt for their preservation from the jaws of death, and to
all the Dutch officers and inhabitants of the Texel, for their
kindness and most humane attention.

'This, Sir, is nobly alleviating the rigours of war, as the
Christian heroes of your country and mine were wont to do in
these seas, before a considerable portion of European intellect
was corrupted by false philosophy. Captain Colville will
communicate to the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, your proposal for an exchange of prisoners.
Accept my sincere thanks, and the assurance that I am, &c. &c.