initial commit of ebook 27322HEADmain

75 files changed, 5797 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/27322-8.txt b/27322-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d239086
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1924 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: 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 (1825)
+
+Author: William Hillary
+
+Release Date: November 24, 2008 [EBook #27322]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+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 THE
+EXTINGUISHMENT OF FIRE AT SEA;" "SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND
+EMBELLISHMENT 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 greatest
+maritime power on earth, and from the ardent zeal with which You have
+graciously extended Your Royal patronage to every measure which could
+promote the welfare and the glory of the British Navy, I have presumed,
+with the utmost deference, to dedicate the following pages to Your
+Majesty.
+
+With the most dutiful respect, I have the honour to subscribe myself,
+
+SIRE,
+
+Your Majesty's
+Most devoted subject and servant,
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TO THE
+
+SECOND EDITION[A].
+
+
+The few pages of which the present edition is composed, were principally
+written under the circumstances there stated, which had forcibly called
+my attention to the fatal effects of those ever-recurring tempests,
+which scatter devastation and misery round our coasts, where the veteran
+commander and his hardy crew, with their helpless passengers of every
+age and station in life, are left wretchedly to perish from the want of
+that succour which it has become my object earnestly to solicit for
+these destitute victims of the storm.
+
+Another winter has scarcely yet commenced, and our coasts are spread
+over 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 means
+to ascertain its extent, besides the loss of property to an enormous
+amount. And shall these fearful warnings also be without avail? Shall we
+still close our eyes on conviction, until further catastrophes wring
+from us those reluctant efforts, which ought to spring spontaneously
+from a benevolent people? With the most ample means for the rescue of
+thousands of human beings from a watery grave, shall we still leave them
+to their fate? Shall we hear unmoved of this widely-spread destruction,
+and not each contribute to those exertions, to which the common
+charities of human nature, and the certainty of the direful evils we
+might avert, and the sufferings we might assuage, ought to incite us to
+lend our utmost aid?
+
+The conflicting fury of the elements, the darkness of night, the
+disasters of the sea, and the dangers of the adjacent shores, but too
+frequently combine to place the unhappy mariner beyond the power of
+human relief. But if all cannot be rescued, must all therefore be left
+to perish? If every effort cannot be attended with success, must not any
+attempt be made to mitigate these terrible calamities, which bring home
+the evil to our very doors, and force conviction on us by their
+desolating effects, and by the destruction of hundreds of our
+countrymen, whose wretched remains perpetually strew our shores?--Whilst
+we pause, they continue to perish; whilst we procrastinate, the work of
+destruction pursues its course; and each delay of another winter, in the
+adoption of measures more commensurate with the extent of these
+deplorable events, is attended with the sacrifice--perhaps of a thousand
+human lives.
+
+Even were the preservation of the vessels and their cargoes alone the
+objects of our care, the present want of all system for such a purpose
+is, in its consequences, as lavish of property as it is of life; and
+from the vast amount now annually lost on our shores, infinitely more
+might unquestionably be preserved to the commercial interests of the
+country, by the establishment of the Institution proposed, than its
+support would cost to the nation on its most extended scale.
+
+Actuated by these impressions, I have sought by every argument to rouse
+the dormant energies of a brave and a humane people to the rescue of
+their fellow-creatures; and through the ardent zeal, the generous
+enterprise, and the liberal bounty of a great nation, to awaken every
+feeling which can stimulate to the effort, and provide every means which
+can insure its success.
+
+In our great insular empire, almost all individuals, from the most
+exalted and powerful in the land to the lowly and obscure, are at some
+period of their lives induced, by their various avocations and
+pursuits, to leave their own coasts. The brave seamen, the gallant
+soldiers, and the various subjects of these realms, of all ranks and
+degrees, are to be found traversing every stormy sea, and exposed to
+peril on every dangerous shore. This is not then an object for which the
+great and the affluent are called on for the relief of the humble and
+the destitute alone--the cause is individual, national, and universal,
+perhaps beyond any other which has ever yet been addressed to a country
+for support. It appeals equally to personal interest and to national
+policy--to private benevolence and to public justice; and each who thus
+extends the benefits of his efforts and his bounty to his countrymen and
+to 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 duty
+I owed to the cause of which I have thus become an advocate, to offer my
+views to those of every class and department, who, from their humanity,
+their talents, or their station, are the most calculated, or the best
+enabled, to promote this great object of national benevolence.
+
+I have dedicated this cause, with all deference, to a most gracious
+sovereign; I have addressed myself in its behalf to his ministers; and I
+have appealed to various distinguished individuals, to almost all the
+great national and benevolent institutions in the kingdom, to the
+commercial and shipping interests, and to the public at large, for the
+support of an object well worthy the deep attention of the greatest
+naval power of the present or of any former age, for the rescue of her
+numerous seamen and subjects from one of the most frequent and most
+awful of all the various calamities which desolate the human race.
+
+From the same motives, I have most respectfully submitted this national
+and international system to the sovereigns and governments of the
+principal maritime powers of Europe and of America; and I avail myself
+with pleasure of the present occasion, to express my grateful
+acknowledgments for the promptitude with which several of their
+ministers, resident at this court, have transmitted it to their
+respective governments.
+
+Encouraged to persevere in my endeavours, by the flattering support and
+approbation of many distinguished and enlightened characters, I am
+induced to hope that the day is not remote, when this contemplated
+institution may be established on a permanent basis, by the united
+energies of a noble and a benevolent nation, to whose support such a
+cause has never yet been addressed in vain.
+
+The interest which this subject has already excited, has induced me to
+commit another edition of my pamphlet to the press; whilst the magnitude
+and vital importance of these objects, to our country and to
+mankind,--on our own and every foreign shore,--in the present and every
+future age,--will, I trust, best plead my excuse as a retired
+individual, and acquit me from the charge of presumption, in having had
+the temerity to submit my views to the consideration of so many
+illustrious personages, and for the earnest solicitude with which I have
+addressed myself to the humanity, the benevolence, and the justice of
+the British nation.
+
+10th November, 1823.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] The introduction to the second edition and the following
+pamphlet were published previously to the formation of "the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck," which
+it originally projected, as will be obvious by reference to dates and to
+the accompanying Appendix.
+
+
+
+
+AN APPEAL,
+
+_&c._
+
+
+For many years, and in various countries, the melancholy and fatal
+shipwrecks which I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest in
+my mind for the situation of those who are exposed to these awful
+calamities; but the idea of the advantages which would result from the
+establishment of a national institution, for the preservation of human
+life from the perils of the sea, first suggested itself to me during my
+residence on a part of the coast, often exposed to the most distressing
+scenes of misery, and where the dreadful storms of the last autumn
+prevailed with unusual violence.
+
+On some occasions, it has been my lot to witness the loss of many
+valuable lives, under circumstances, where, had there been
+establishments previously formed for affording prompt relief, and
+encouragement given to those who might volunteer in such a cause, in all
+probability the greater part would have been rescued from destruction.
+At other times I have seen the noblest instances of self-devotion; men
+have saved the lives of their fellow-creatures at the peril of their
+own, without a prospect of reward if successful, and with the certainty
+that their families would be left destitute if they perished.
+
+From these considerations, I have been induced to wish, that the results
+of the experience, talent, and genius of the most distinguished
+commanders, and men of science, should be united in the formation of one
+great Institution, which would in itself embrace every possible means
+for the preservation of life from the hazards of shipwreck.
+
+Though many individuals have employed their time, their attention, and
+often exposed their personal safety for this object, yet nearly the
+whole of the most extensive and dangerous parts of our coasts are left
+without any means having been adopted, any precautions taken, for
+rendering assistance to vessels in distress; and, winter after winter,
+we have the most afflicting details of the consequences attendant on
+this lamentable apathy to human misery--an awful destruction of life, on
+almost every shore which surrounds the British dominions: acts have even
+sometimes been perpetrated at which humanity shudders, and which have
+caused other nations to cast reproach and opprobrium on the British
+name.
+
+But individual efforts, however meritorious in themselves, are unequal
+to produce all the benefits contemplated, or to remedy all the evils,
+attendant on one of the most tremendous of perils to which human nature
+is exposed, and which is most likely to fall upon those who are in the
+very prime of manhood, and in the discharge of the most active and
+important duties of life. From the calamity of shipwreck no one can say
+that he may at all times remain free; and whilst he is now providing
+only for the safety of others, a day may come which will render the
+cause his own.
+
+These are not arguments founded on the visionary contemplation of remote
+or improbable dangers. Their urgent necessity must be obvious to every
+mind. So long as man shall continue to navigate the ocean, and the
+tempests shall hold their course over its surface, in every age and on
+every coast, disasters by sea, shipwrecks, and peril to human life, must
+inevitably take place; and with this terrible certainty before our eyes,
+the duty becomes imperative, that we should use every means to obviate
+and to mitigate the deplorable consequences.
+
+This subject in a peculiar manner appeals to the British people
+collectively and individually. For ages, our seamen have been the
+acknowledged support of our splendour and our power; and until every
+thing which the ingenuity of man can suggest, and every inducement and
+regulation which social institutions can offer and arrange, have been
+combined into one great plan for their safety, we shall be wanting in
+our best duties to them, to our country, and to ourselves.
+
+Local associations cannot call forth the energy which such a cause
+demands at our hands; they are only partial benefits, whilst the great
+evil remains unredressed. We have many noble institutions, widely spread
+through the extent of the British dominions, supported by voluntary
+contributions, and exalting our name above that of every other nation by
+our disinterested efforts in the cause of humanity; whilst this great
+and vital object to every Briton, seems alone to have been strangely and
+unaccountably overlooked, or only partially undertaken.
+
+Our coasts are surrounded by land-marks as a guide by day, and lights
+and beacons by night; our mariners are furnished with charts of every
+sea, every rock is pointed out, every shoal set down, and every channel
+buoyed. Pilots are to be found at the entrance of every port, and all
+that science, indefatigable labour, and liberal expenditure can effect,
+to warn the seaman of his danger, and to prevent vessels from being
+wrecked,--all has long, and ardently, and ably been studied and
+accomplished.
+
+Whilst the vessels are yet secure, every safeguard is at their command,
+amply supplied by public associations, or by the state; and towards
+which, on their safe arrival in port, they contribute their quota for
+the benefits they have received,--and all must but too often prove in
+vain; many may thus be warned of their danger, and be saved; shipwrecks
+will still continue to take place, despite of all human means, and their
+crews be exposed to every species of peril and distress,--but what then
+becomes their fate?
+
+Wretched, exhausted, and in the last extremity of danger, on whom does
+their rescue devolve? to what body or class of men, or to which of our
+numerous departments, does it now become an honourable and an imperative
+duty to afford them assistance in this their utmost need?--where are the
+national funds for such an object, to supply ample means for the
+hazardous attempt, to reward the brave efforts of those who succeed, or
+to relieve the destitute families of those who perish in so honourable a
+cause?
+
+The melancholy catastrophe closed, every human being on board having
+perished, or having quitted their shattered vessel in despair; the laws
+and usages of recompense are clearly defined;--salvage for the property
+preserved, in proportion to its amount.
+
+But in the dreadful crisis between these two extremes, does one law of
+the land, or one National Institution, hold out the established claim to
+certain reward for a life saved?
+
+In the nineteenth century, surrounded by every improvement and
+institution which the benevolent can suggest, or the art of man
+accomplish for the mitigation or prevention of human ills, will it for a
+moment be capable of belief, that there does not, in all our great and
+generous land, exist one National Institution which has for its direct
+object the rescue of human life from shipwreck?
+
+The protection of property is in every stage a subject of legislation
+and of care;--the rescue of life from shipwreck has never yet been
+adopted as a national and a legislative object.
+
+With the exception of the recompenses voluntarily given by the liberal
+institution of Lloyd's, the very few associations scattered thinly on
+the coasts, and the valuable inventions and gallant efforts of those
+brave and enlightened individuals who do honour to their country, our
+shipwrecked seamen are left in this awful situation, to the spontaneous
+exertions of enterprise and humanity, the chance of the moment, or the
+mercy 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, I
+believe it will be found too faithfully correct.
+
+I am firmly convinced, that these appalling facts have never yet reached
+the great majority of the nation; but the veil once withdrawn, the
+honour, the justice, and the humanity of Britain will be deeply
+compromised, if the evil is not promptly and effectually redressed;--not
+any human means should be spared to atone for the past, and to alleviate
+the future.
+
+In bringing this deeply interesting subject before the public, it is my
+ardent hope that it may call forth the attention of those better
+qualified to bring to perfection so important a work. Let this great
+national object but once engage the attention of the public mind, and
+not any thing can arrest its course.
+
+The power of united effort, in the attainment of any great work of
+national benevolence, has never yet failed of success. The institution I
+have in view is equally a claim of justice and of benevolence; it
+peculiarly belongs to the greatest maritime nation in existence, and
+will, I trust, be deemed worthy the attention of the Admiralty of
+England, who have so long held their high station with as much honour to
+themselves as benefit to their country.
+
+By whose immediate patronage the first measures for the organization of
+such a system may be honoured, or under the sanction of what names the
+requisite public meetings to carry them into effect may be announced, it
+would be the utmost presumption in me to anticipate; but it appears to
+me, that the immediate assembling of such meetings in London, would best
+contribute to the establishment of this Institution on a permanent and
+extensive foundation.
+
+To the consideration of such meetings, I must respectfully beg leave to
+submit:
+
+That a national institution should be formed, equally worthy of Great
+Britain, important to humanity, and beneficial to the naval and
+commercial interests of the United Empire; having for its objects,
+
+_First_, The preservation of human life from shipwreck; which should
+always be considered as the first great and permanent object of the
+Institution,
+
+_Secondly_, Assistance to vessels in distress, which immediately
+connects itself with the safety of the crews.
+
+_Thirdly_, The preservation of vessels and property, when not so
+immediately connected with the lives of the people, or after the crews
+and passengers shall already have been rescued.
+
+_Fourthly_, The prevention of plunder and depredations in case of
+shipwreck.
+
+_Fifthly_, The succour and support of those persons who may be rescued;
+the promptly obtaining of medical aid, food, clothing, and shelter for
+those whose destitute situation may require such relief, with the means
+to forward them to their homes, friends, or countries. The people and
+vessels of every nation, whether in peace or in war, to be equally
+objects of this Institution; and the efforts to be made, and the
+recompenses to be given for their rescue, to be in all cases the same as
+for British subjects and British vessels.
+
+_Sixthly_, The bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue the
+lives of others from shipwreck, or who assist vessels in distress; and
+the supplying of relief to the destitute widows or families of the brave
+men 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 personages
+and distinguished characters in the state, under whose fostering care,
+as patrons and presidents, the system would have the best prospect of
+being brought to maturity; it would only be requisite to proceed to the
+next duty of the meeting, which would be the formation of a numerous
+Committee, including liberal and enlightened men from all classes and
+departments, naval and military officers, members of the Trinity House
+and of Lloyd's, merchants and commanders in the East India and other
+services, &c.
+
+In addition to this central Committee, it would be requisite, in order
+to carry the objects of the association into active execution, that
+branches of the Institution, and subject to its rules, should be formed
+in all the principal ports, and on the most dangerous sea-coasts of the
+United Kingdom; each having its own separate Committee, in direct
+communication with that in London. But, on the general central meetings
+of Presidents and Committee in London, would devolve the primary
+measures for the permanent establishment of the Institution; the general
+system of finance, the formation of rules and regulations, and the plans
+for giving activity and effect to the whole.
+
+Perhaps it might facilitate the progress of the measures in view, if the
+labour were divided, and two or more separate Committees or Boards were
+formed from the whole, consisting of individuals best qualified for the
+objects of each separate department, whose reports, before being finally
+adopted, should receive the sanction of the Institution at large.
+
+Under this view of the subject, a Committee of finance would be
+desirable, whose duty, in the first instance, would be to arrange and
+pursue the best and most active measures to diffuse a general knowledge
+of the objects and principles of the association; and to obtain
+donations and subscriptions, for the purpose of carrying them into
+effect.
+
+From the peculiarly interesting nature of this Institution, it is to be
+presumed, that this part of their duty would be found easy in its
+progress, 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 their
+nature, and small in importance compared with the present, which
+contemplates the rescue of thousands of human beings now in existence,
+and an incalculable number yet unborn, from one of the most tremendous
+of all perils,--who is there, to whom such an Institution once became
+known, that would refuse his aid? It is a cause which extends from the
+palace to the cottage, in which politics and party cannot have any
+share, and which addresses itself with equal force to all the best
+feelings of every class in the state.
+
+The names of every branch of the Royal Family are to be found at the
+head of all the benevolent Institutions of the empire.
+
+From the nobility and gentry large donations and subscriptions may
+naturally be expected. The clergy of every class will, no doubt, be
+foremost in the cause of humanity. To the whole body of the navy, the
+marines, and to the army, who, in the prosecution of their professional
+duties, encounter so many of the dangers of the sea, such an appeal will
+never be made in vain. Can it be supposed that there is one East India
+Director, one member of Lloyd's, an under-writer, a merchant, a
+shipowner, or commander in the India or merchants' service, from whom a
+subscription, liberal in proportion to his means, will not be obtained?
+Nor will the generous aid of any class of society, I am persuaded, be
+wanting for such a purpose; and as a stimulus to the whole, by example
+in their donations, and by the widely-extended circle of their
+influence, the British females of every station in life will, I am
+convinced, particularly distinguish themselves in aid of this cause.
+
+From these opinions, which I so confidently entertain of the humanity
+and liberality of the British people, I rest firmly persuaded, that the
+most ample means will be easily and speedily obtained for every possible
+expenditure which can attend the objects of this Institution.
+
+When the funds shall have been once established, the duty of the
+Committee will be, to have the permanent superintendence and regulation
+of their finance under the proper control of the whole society.
+
+A second Board, or Committee, should be formed from the most
+experienced and enlightened officers of the navy, seamen, engineers, and
+scientific men, for the purpose of carrying the direct objects of the
+Institution 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 joint
+knowledge and experience of the whole body, in plain and simple
+language, divested as much as possible of technical phraseology, and
+capable of being understood by every individual. This code of
+instruction should comprise the best and most prompt measures to be
+adopted in every sort of danger to which a vessel can be exposed, and on
+whatever kind of coast, in order that the most effectual assistance may
+be given, with the least possible loss of time, and with such means as
+in remote situations can most probably be obtained; and the Committee
+should be requested to report, from time to time, the result of those
+measures which they had found from experience to be most successful;
+whilst every friend to such a cause, who might suggest an invention or a
+means to facilitate these objects, would be certain, that in this
+Committee his plans would receive the most attentive consideration from
+those who would possess the power and the inclination to carry them into
+effect.
+
+It will be desirable that this Committee should suggest the most
+eligible 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 highly
+patriotic 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 the
+preservation of lives in danger, and the assistance of vessels in
+distress, according to the nature of the coasts on which the respective
+depôts may be established. The purchase, safe custody, and control over
+the stores of the Institution, their being deposited in places best
+situated for instant issue on every emergency, and always in a state fit
+for immediate service, are objects which demand the utmost
+circumspection and care.
+
+This department is perhaps the most important of the whole--it is the
+operative; and on its judicious arrangements, the means of prompt and
+effectual efforts, the success of the most hazardous undertakings, the
+safety of those employed, and the rescue of those in peril, will
+unquestionably depend.
+
+For these purposes, as well as every other connected with the
+Institution, the respective Committees proposed to be formed, in every
+port, and on every coast, will be of the most essential use. The zeal,
+and other requisite qualities, which the members of such Committees may
+naturally be supposed to possess, point them out as the most eligible
+persons to have the immediate direction of the measures to be adopted.
+From them also it is to be expected that the most experienced in
+nautical affairs may be selected to command.
+
+To that department under which boats are to go out, and men are to risk
+their lives, for the rescue of those who may be in danger, the utmost
+attention is due: that, when they are so employed, it shall be under the
+direction of the most skilful advice which the occasion can afford; that
+their boats and equipments shall be such as best to insure their safety;
+and that the crews shall be selected from the bravest and most
+experienced persons who can be found.
+
+To insure order and promptitude on these occasions, where the least
+delay or indecision may cause the loss of all opportunity of acting with
+effect, a previous and, as far as practicable, a permanent arrangement
+should be formed. Volunteers should be invited to enrol themselves from
+amongst the resident pilots, seamen, fishermen, boatmen, and others, in
+sufficient numbers to insure the greatest probability of having every
+aid at hand, which, in the moment of danger, may be requisite. Each man
+should have his department previously assigned, and the whole should
+act under their respective leaders.
+
+To these regulations might be added a system of signals, equally
+available by night or by day, through which persons on board of vessels
+in distress could communicate the nature of the assistance of which they
+stood in need; and those on shore warn them of any danger, inform them
+of the succour they were going to afford, or give them any instructions
+requisite to their safety.
+
+In addition to these means, a great source of assistance to vessels in
+distress might be secured to be at all times within reach, by permanent
+and judicious arrangements with pilot companies, steam vessels, anchor
+vessels, harbour boats, trawl and other fishing boats, which, under
+proper indemnities, and for reasonable remuneration, would doubtless at
+all times contribute their aid, and act under the regulations of the
+Institution; it might also be advantageous, on many parts of the coast,
+to give premiums to those owners of boats who should have them fitted up
+with air tight cases, casks or cork, so as to answer the purpose of life
+boats, and who should constantly keep them in that state, ready for
+immediate service.
+
+At the same time care should be taken not to trammel by unnecessary
+regulations the spontaneous efforts of those, who, actuated by a
+generous ardour, on the emergency of the moment, seize on the first
+means which present themselves, and often accomplish their object in a
+manner which, to a cooler calculation, would appear impracticable.
+
+To expect a large body of men to enrol themselves, and be in constant
+readiness to risk their own lives for the preservation of those whom
+they have never known or seen, perhaps of another nation, merely because
+they are fellow-creatures in extreme peril, is to pay the highest
+possible compliment to my countrymen; and that on every coast there are
+such men, has been fully evinced, even under the present want of system,
+when the best means for their purpose are not supplied; when they are
+without any certainty of reward; and act under the peculiarly appalling
+consideration, that if they perish, they may leave wives, children, and
+every one destitute who depend on them for support.
+
+If, under such discouragement, we every year have so many instances of
+self-devotion, what might not be expected from the same men, when they
+knew that in the performance of their arduous duties, every possible
+means to execute them, with safety to themselves, and success to the
+objects of their efforts, would be supplied; that if they succeeded,
+they would be honoured and recompensed, according to their merits and
+situation in life; and if it were their lot to perish in so noble a
+cause, they had at least the consolation to know, beyond a doubt, that
+their families would not be left to deplore their loss in unassisted
+poverty?
+
+To these objects the Institution ought unquestionably to extend, or it
+would be unworthy of the great country to which it belonged, and of the
+high patronage with which I hope it may be honoured.
+
+Nor will I suppose that those whom I have specified are the only persons
+who will take an active part on such occasions. There is another class,
+who, from what I have individually seen, will, I am certain, become able
+and zealous leaders,--not only the employed, but the half-pay officers
+of the navy, now so widely spread over the coasts of the United Kingdom.
+Living in retirement in time of peace, they would not allow their
+energies to sleep when their brother seamen were in danger, but come
+forward with the conscious feeling, that those distinguished characters
+who preside over the British navy, would regard such meritorious
+services as being in the direct path of honour; and that to rescue a
+human being from the perils of shipwreck would not be less acceptable to
+their country than to subdue her enemies in battle.
+
+The Romans rewarded with the civic crown those who had saved the life
+of a fellow citizen. Our late venerable sovereign conferred the
+baronetage on the gallant Viscount Exmouth, then Captain Pellew, for his
+noble and successful efforts, at the extreme hazard of his own life, to
+save the crew of an East Indiaman, wrecked at Plymouth, when the
+situation of every one on board appeared beyond the reach of human aid.
+
+The whole class of the preventive service, with many departments of the
+revenue, could not be more honourably employed, and they must naturally
+feel that their brave exertions, on such occasions, would be fully
+estimated.
+
+The assistance of medical men, who would enrol themselves to be ready to
+attend, might frequently be of the utmost importance to succour and
+restore those who might have sustained severe injury, or whose lives
+might be nearly extinct; and it is confidently to be hoped, that the
+happiest consequences would frequently result, from having always ready
+for use, the apparatus of the Royal Humane Society for restoring
+suspended animation--also by the circulation of their instructions for
+the treatment of persons in that situation.
+
+There is not perhaps any subject connected with this proposed
+Institution, more worthy of its utmost attention and care, than the
+protection of persons and property from the cruel rapacity of those
+abandoned marauders, who, on some parts of our coasts, have but too long
+followed a practice disgraceful to a civilized state, and dangerous in
+its example as fatal to its victims, of plundering from wrecks, and
+there is much reason to fear, often suffering to perish, from want of
+assistance, many who might otherwise have been rescued from peril, and
+restored to their friends and their country; but by means of the
+numerous establishments of this Institution, the effects of a better
+example, the stimulus of rewards given for the preservation of life, the
+vigilant care and the vigorous measures which in such cases would
+unquestionably be pursued, it is confidently to be hoped that such
+atrocities 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 on
+these occasions, should be protected from the impress, by belonging to
+this service. The number need not be large, as the retired veterans of
+the navy, and the fishermen on the coast, would constitute the majority
+to be employed.
+
+The nature and extent of the recompenses for time and trouble, and the
+reward of those who hazard their own lives in the rescue of others,
+would form another important branch of the Institution for the labours
+of this Committee.
+
+The qualifications for these rewards naturally form themselves into
+classes.
+
+First, in case of successful efforts, where persons, at the risk of
+their own lives, save from imminent peril those of their
+fellow-creatures,--it should be established, beyond all doubt, that they
+should receive such reward for each life saved, as the Institution, on
+mature consideration, may determine. This might be fixed at not less
+than a certain sum, with power to extend it to a greater amount, to be
+decided by the Committee, according to the nature of the case; but, at
+all events, to the smallest of these rewards the parties to have an
+absolute claim, on furnishing unquestionable evidence of having saved a
+life.
+
+In many cases of persons rescued from the wreck, saved amongst rocks, or
+when found washed by the breakers on shore, particularly on remote
+coasts, but too often exposed to scenes of lawless depredation, the
+parties should equally be entitled to reward.
+
+Where lives are saved, without those employed hazarding their own, they
+should 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 be
+given to the first, second, and other boats which get alongside, and for
+other assistance.
+
+Remunerations should be given, and every inducement held out, for the
+prevention of plunder, and for the preservation of lives and vessels, in
+every situation of danger to which they may become exposed.
+
+When a life is saved by a person who had been equally fortunate on a
+former occasion, his reward should be larger, and increase progressively
+for other successful efforts. In case of crime, the second offence is
+punished more severely than the first, and the third than the second. In
+meritorious acts, it were only sound policy that the rewards should bear
+a similar proportion.
+
+Where an individual perishes in his attempts to rescue lives from
+shipwreck, or when assisting vessels in distress, his wife, children, or
+aged parents, if dependent on him for support, should have every relief
+which it may become practicable to give, and according to the particular
+circumstances of the case.
+
+The Institution should also recompense for severe injuries, ascertained
+to have been unquestionably sustained in the actual performance of such
+services.
+
+Ample and general powers should be given to confer rewards for such
+other acts as the Committee may consider justly entitled to them.
+
+It might, perhaps, also be worthy the consideration of the Institution
+at large, whether any badge or medal conferred on a man who had saved a
+life from shipwreck at the hazard of his own, might not have a very
+powerful effect. To many minds, even in the humblest walks of life, such
+a recompense would be more acceptable than a pecuniary reward, whilst a
+laudable ambition might be thus excited in others to imitate so
+meritorious an example--thus holding out every species of inducement, to
+the brave and the generous--to the humble but humane, to render their
+utmost aid to the shipwrecked of every land, in the moment of their
+extreme distress.
+
+To receive applications for rewards, to examine into the nature and
+extent of services performed, and to make reports, and forward
+certificates and recommendations to the general Committee, would become
+one of the most important duties of the local departments, on the
+judicious and faithful performance of which the honour and credit of
+the Institution would materially depend.
+
+These appear to me to be the principal objects to which the attention of
+the Committees should be directed, in the original formation of the
+establishment, and subject to the decision of the general meetings of
+the Institution, to whom their reports should be submitted.
+
+It is to be presumed that various parts of the interior of the United
+Kingdom will furnish considerable funds to the Institution, without
+calling upon it for any supplies; that many of the great sea-ports may
+perhaps raise means equal to the amount of their expenditure, in their
+immediate district; whilst there is a vast extent of the most rugged
+coast lying far distant from any prompt assistance, on which, above all
+others, vessels are exposed to the greatest danger. For such places,
+establishments could only be formed at a considerable expense; it being
+obvious, that from the solitude and remoteness of the surrounding
+country, only small pecuniary aid could be obtained; yet in these
+situations the seamen and fishermen ought to be stimulated by every
+possible incitement to take an active and decided part in the cause of
+humanity; since on these very coasts the vessels belonging to the most
+distant ports might be lost, and the relatives of those who resided in
+the very interior of the kingdom might perish. The cause, therefore,
+becomes common to all, and it will be of the highest importance to its
+success, that arrangements should be formed between the central
+Committee and the district associations, that, united in funds and in
+measures, they may as much as possible act in concert, in carrying the
+objects contemplated into the fullest effect through the whole extent of
+the British dominions.
+
+How far it may be desirable to apply for an act of parliament, or to
+establish the Institution into a chartered association, will remain for
+the general Committee to decide, when the whole has assumed a distinct
+form. It is also probable that great advantages might result from the
+investigations of a Committee of the House of Commons into the
+insufficiency of the enactments and regulations now in force for the
+preservation of life, and the prevention of plunder, from vessels which
+may be wrecked within the jurisdiction of our laws.
+
+I also venture, with deference, to recommend, that other maritime
+nations should be invited to form similar establishments, so far as
+accords with their respective laws and usages, and to concur in mutual
+arrangements with Great Britain for the reciprocal aid of the subjects
+and vessels of each other.
+
+Nor is the universal adoption of this system more imperatively
+demanded, by those feelings which should incite us to afford the most
+prompt assistance to the people of every country who may be in danger of
+shipwreck on our shores, than it is consistent with a wise and
+enlightened policy, which should extend our views from our own immediate
+coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every
+neighbouring state; more particularly from the entrance of the English
+Channel to the frozen regions of the North. And when we recollect the
+vast commercial fleets which the enterprise of our merchants adventures
+into every sea, and during every season; when more than a thousand sail
+of British vessels pass the sound of the Baltic each year; ought we not
+to bear in mind to what hazards the subjects and vessels of Great
+Britain are constantly exposed, on the whole of so extended a coast, and
+in every stormy and dangerous sea? and shall we not be wanting to them
+and to humanity, if we do not endeavour to obtain for our own
+shipwrecked countrymen, in every foreign land, the same effectual aid in
+the hour of danger, which, I doubt not, it will become one of the
+proudest objects of this Institution to extend to the vessels of every
+nation which may be in distress on the British shores?--Even during the
+most arduous prosecution of war, the cause of humanity, and the
+progress of civilization, would be eminently promoted by these noble and
+generous efforts, for the rescue of those, whom the fury of the elements
+had divested of all hostile character, and thrown helpless and powerless
+on a foreign coast.
+
+Thus would nations be drawn by mutual benefits into more strict bonds of
+amity during peace, and thus might the rigours of war be ameliorated, by
+having one common object of benevolence remaining; in the exercise of
+which the jealousies and angry passions incident to a state of hostility
+could not have any part with a generous and a high-minded people; whilst
+the experience and penetration of liberal and enlightened governments
+could, without difficulty, form such arrangements as would prevent that
+which was intended as a benefit to mankind, from being made subservient
+to any political abuse.
+
+My utmost wishes would be accomplished by seeing these international
+regulations established, in connexion with one great Institution, to
+extend to the most remote province of the empire, on the exalted
+principle, that wherever the British flag should fly, her seamen should
+be protected; and that those who risked their own lives to save their
+fellow-creatures from the perils of shipwreck should be honoured and
+rewarded; whilst every stranger, whom the disasters of the sea may cast
+on 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 preceding
+Pamphlet was committed to the press, when the great object it
+recommended was accomplished, with an unanimity and a promptitude which
+the irresistible power of such a cause could alone effect, by the
+establishment of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of
+Life from Shipwreck;--district associations on a very extended scale
+have also been formed in the county of Norfolk, and on various other
+important parts of the coast, avowedly founded on the plan which this
+work had projected.
+
+It has therefore become expedient, in the future circulation of this
+Pamphlet, to add a few pages, containing authentic statements of those
+proceedings by which the Institution was organized--how cordially this
+measure has been received and adopted, and how much in conformity with
+that outline which I had ventured to offer to the consideration of my
+country, these documents will best evince.
+
+It will at the same time be seen, that the resolutions of the General
+Meeting do not extend to the remuneration of the Salvors of property in
+cases of shipwreck, where not immediately connected with the
+preservation of life, it having been the opinion of the Provisional
+Committee that the existing laws had already made such regulations as to
+render that measure unnecessary.
+
+In reference to those passages which treat of the rewards to be
+conferred for services which may be performed, and more particularly as
+to the relief to be afforded to the destitute families of those who
+unhappily may perish in their attempts to preserve the lives of others,
+it will be obvious that the extent of such recompenses and relief must
+of necessity be guided by those means, which the liberality of the
+nation may supply--at the same time, I have the utmost satisfaction in
+stating the humane declaration of the Institution, that their operations
+will be limited only by the amount of those funds which may be placed at
+their disposal, or the number of cases calling for assistance; and I
+most sincerely concur in the confident hope which the Central Committee
+express, that the contributions may be so general as not only to give
+present effect, but also permanence, to this great national undertaking.
+
+Honoured, as this Institution has been, by the high patronage of the
+King, and of his illustrious family--constituted a Royal Institution by
+his Majesty's gracious command--sanctioned by many of the most
+distinguished characters in the church and state, and sustained by the
+bounty of a generous nation--it is not for me to have the presumption to
+offer my acknowledgements, for that support which the cause of our
+shipwrecked fellow-creatures has obtained from the sovereign and the
+people of this great country.
+
+But there are some names, the omission of which would be an act of
+injustice--the gentlemen of the Provisional Committee, who prepared the
+way for that success which attended the public meeting, over which his
+grace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided, in a manner as advantageous
+to the measures which he so essentially contributed to promote, as
+honourable to his own benevolent feelings; and the equally zealous
+members of the Central Committee, who now so ably conduct the affairs of
+the Institution, are eminently entitled to the warmest thanks of every
+friend of this cause, for their early and important exertions in its
+establishment, 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 in
+affording their valuable co-operation in the formation of this
+Institution.
+
+It only remains for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction which I
+experience, in witnessing the attainment of this object of my most
+earnest solicitude, and in the firm conviction with which I am
+impressed, that this Institution is now established on principles which
+will extend its beneficial effects to the most distant shores, and to
+generations yet unborn.
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+May 29, 1824.
+
+
+No. I.
+
+_Circular, convening a preliminary and select Meeting, to consider of
+the Suggestions in the Pamphlet by Sir William Hillary, Bart. of an
+Institution 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, to
+confer on certain measures which will then be submitted, and to
+determine on the expedience of calling a General Meeting in London, for
+the formation of a "National Institution for the Preservation of Life
+from 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 at
+the 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 human
+life by shipwreck, and believing that by the preconcerted exertions of
+practical men, and the adoption of practical means, such calamities
+might often be averted, are of opinion that a National Institution
+should be formed (to be supported by voluntary donations and
+subscriptions) for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck on the
+coasts of the united kingdom; for affording such immediate assistance to
+the persons rescued, as their necessities may require; for conferring
+rewards on those who preserve their fellow-creatures from destruction;
+and for granting relief to the destitute families of any who may
+unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others.
+
+Resolved unanimously,
+
+That, with a view to the formation of such an Institution, a general
+Meeting of the Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Traders, and others, be
+convened for Wednesday, the 25th instant, at twelve for one o'clock
+precisely, or such other day as may be found more convenient.
+
+Resolved unanimously,
+
+That the following be a provisional Committee in the interim, with power
+to 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 the
+Meeting, 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. for
+his able conduct in the chair, and for his zeal in the support of the
+objects 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, held
+at 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.--That
+an Institution be now formed for the Preservation of Life in cases of
+Shipwreck on the Coasts of the United Kingdom, to be supported by
+donations and annual subscriptions; and to be called the "National
+Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck."
+
+II. Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Captain Deans
+Dundas, R.N.--That medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who
+rescue lives in cases of shipwreck.
+
+III. Moved by the Lord Bishop of London; seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Bridges, M.P.--That such immediate assistance be afforded to persons
+rescued 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 persons
+who may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of
+others.
+
+V. Moved by Captain John Foulerton;--seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Venables,--That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the
+Institution, as well in war as in peace; that the same rewards be given
+for their rescue as for British subjects; and that foreigners saved from
+shipwreck, and being in a state of destitution, be placed under the care
+of the consuls or other accredited agents of their own nations, or be
+forwarded 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 for
+the preservation of lives, in cases of shipwreck, as shall be most
+effectual for that purpose.
+
+VII. Moved by Matthias Attwood, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Thomas
+Wilkinson, Esq.--That the Institution be established in London, and be
+conducted by a patron, vice-patrons, a president, vice-presidents,
+governors, forty committeemen, a treasurer, three trustees, three
+auditors, a secretary, and assistants.
+
+VIII. Moved by John Blades, Esq.; seconded by John Marshall, Esq.--That
+the committee be denominated the "London Central Committee," and do
+continue to act for the first two years; and that after the expiration
+of that term, an election of six new members take place at each annual
+meeting, in the room of the six who shall be found to have attended the
+fewest number of times in the preceding year: and that the vice-patrons,
+president, vice-presidents, and treasurer, be also members of the
+committee.
+
+IX. Moved by Joseph Pulley, Esq.; seconded by John Atkins, jun.
+Esq.--That donations and annual subscriptions be now entered into, and
+solicited, 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, and
+the inland counties of the united kingdom, and the British isles, be
+earnestly invited to form district associations, as branches of this
+Institution, 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 Christopher
+Richardson, jun. Esq.--That it be recommended to such district
+associations, that their affairs be managed in conformity with the
+principles of the London central committee, and that their committees do
+consist of a chairman, and such other members as they may deem
+expedient.
+
+XII. Moved by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M.P.; seconded by David Carruthers,
+Esq.--That the committee be empowered to form rules, regulations, and
+by-laws, for the government of the Institution, which are to be
+submitted 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 the
+ambassadors, 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 convey
+to the King's most gracious Majesty, the deep and grateful sense which
+this Meeting entertains of the distinguished honour which his Majesty
+has 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 offered
+to their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Sussex, and
+Gloucester, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, for their readiness to
+become the vice-patrons of the Institution.
+
+XVI. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by John Vincent
+Purrier, Esq.--That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Earl of
+Liverpool, 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 the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other noble and distinguished
+personages who have accepted the office of vice-presidents of the
+Institution.
+
+XVIII. Moved by George Lyall, Esq.; seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq.
+M.P.--That the best thanks of this Meeting are due to Sir William
+Hillary, Bart. for his patriotic efforts in bringing this subject before
+the public, and for his zealous endeavours to promote the establishment
+of the Institution.
+
+XIX. Moved by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.; seconded by Thomas Maltby,
+Esq.--That copies of the resolutions entered into this day be
+transmitted to the Admiralty, to the Trinity House, and to Lloyd's; and
+that copies of the resolutions be published in several of the provincial
+papers.
+
+XX. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by Sir Charles Flower,
+Bart.--That the warmest thanks of this Meeting be presented to Thomas
+Wilson, Esq. M.P. for his humane, zealous, and persevering exertions in
+the establishment of this Institution.
+
+
+His Grace the Archbishop having left the chair, Thomas Wilson, Esq. was
+unanimously 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 given
+to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the important service
+which he has rendered the Institution, and particularly for his
+condescension in taking the chair this day.
+
+(Signed) THOMAS WILSON,
+Chairman.
+
+
+_At a General Court of the Subscribers and Friends to the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, held
+at 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 William
+Hillary, 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 the
+Royal National Institution, now happily established for the preservation
+of Life from Shipwreck, a brief recapitulation of the important nature
+of its objects and its plans, will perhaps be the best conclusion I can
+offer to those pages, which have already been received by the public in
+a manner so gratifying to my own feelings.
+
+From the most early periods, and in every state of society, shipwreck
+has been one of those never ceasing evils which has excited the
+commiseration of mankind; but, until recently, appears scarcely ever to
+have called forth their humane efforts to mitigate its deplorable
+consequences. For centuries our mariners have been left, unassisted, to
+endure every peril of the sea, as if shipwreck were a calamity in every
+instance utterly beyond all reach of mortal succour, and in every age,
+thousands of our fellow-creatures have thus miserably perished, who
+unquestionably might have been rescued.
+
+Of late years, various efforts have been made on parts of our coasts for
+the preservation of life from impending peril, and some excellent
+inventions have been introduced for that purpose; these had however
+hitherto been only a means, not a system--local, not national.
+
+But when we reflect on the great waste of human life attendant on these
+dreadful catastrophes, and the vital importance to their country of
+those who have thus been abandoned to their wretched fate, it cannot
+fail to excite our astonishment that amongst all the noble Institutions
+of this great empire, which have been patronized by the crown, promoted
+by the government, or sustained by the bounty of the people, there never
+before has been established, in this the most powerful maritime state of
+ancient or of modern days, one general association, or national
+Institution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck.
+
+The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused to
+this important object,--this void in our benevolent establishments has
+been supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, under
+the 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 and
+the commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend their
+beneficial influence to every age and every country.
+
+It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within the
+scope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck--not only of the
+seamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation who
+may become exposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally in
+peace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urging
+them to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them with
+every means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safety
+to themselves--conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for their
+generous efforts--rendering every practicable relief to the destitute
+widows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in their
+attempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may be
+thus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing,
+medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require--to
+enable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes,
+or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And the
+subjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to place
+them in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their own
+nation.
+
+This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of such
+inventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Lives
+from Shipwreck.
+
+Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to be
+the best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritime
+people--to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remained
+dormant, or hitherto have only been partially exerted, and to arouse
+our countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power from
+those direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed--which
+are not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome and not liable to
+recur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to every
+coast--each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain to
+continue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented,
+in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shall
+extend itself over the globe.
+
+To all who revere the naval glory of Britain--to all who duly estimate
+the commercial greatness of their country, or who profit by its
+success--to all who feel the humanity and the policy of preserving the
+brave 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 national
+honour, and the maritime interest of their country, that all the means
+which the bounty of a wealthy and a liberal people can supply, and all
+the efforts which experience and humanity can prompt, should be devoted
+to so sacred a cause.
+
+Each in his respective sphere is earnestly solicited to bear a
+part--the great and the affluent, and those residing in the interior of
+the kingdom, by their influence and their contributions--the active and
+the zealous, by their energetic efforts--those on the coasts, by the
+more hazardous exertions of enterprise and bravery--and all, according
+to their power and their stations, to promote the success, and to
+recompense the endeavours of those who voluntarily encounter the
+greatest 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 scale
+commensurate with the frequency and the extent of the misfortunes they
+are intended to alleviate, requires the combined efforts of numerous
+public bodies and zealous individuals--preconcerted arrangements on
+every dangerous coast, and considerable pecuniary resources.
+
+Under these convictions, I presume most earnestly to recommend, that
+public meetings should be held in those maritime counties and great sea
+ports of the united kingdom which have not yet come forward in this
+cause, for the formation of district or local associations on all our
+coasts, regulated in their internal concerns by their own committees, as
+departments of, and in direct communication with, the parent
+Institution, having an union of funds, of object and of effort, for the
+most extended adoption of every means which the magnitude of the evil to
+be averted imperatively demands at our hands.
+
+Nor are those whose residence is the most remote from the scenes of
+these disasters, less interested in the universal establishment of this
+system.--Where is to be found that family, of any station, even in the
+very interior of the kingdom, which has not some near and dear
+connexions, some valued relatives or friends, who, from their
+professions or their pursuits, may become exposed to the hazard of
+shipwreck, and who may be thus preserved, through the very means to
+which their bounty may contribute? Themselves distant from the scene of
+danger, they may, without effort or toil, become instrumental in the
+rescue of those they most value in life--equally then are they called on
+to take measures for the collection of funds in the midland counties as
+on 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 the
+public mind, the adoption of more extended and systematic plans will
+naturally impress themselves on our consideration.
+
+From an almost universal want of foresight in our seamen, and a
+carelessness in providing against future dangers, naturally arising
+from the reckless bravery of their character, they would turn with
+contempt from any proposition that each should always take with him to
+sea, some one of those simple but practicable means by which his rescue
+from shipwreck might be greatly facilitated. In like manner the owners
+or masters of vessels, some from an ill timed parsimony, but far more,
+from thoughtlessness or prejudice, neglect to provide their vessels with
+any of the apparatus which would, in many instances, insure the safety
+of the passengers and crews.
+
+What is thus the duty of every one, will, amongst such a numerous class
+of 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 most
+imperative duties of an enlightened government--it has therefore become
+indispensably requisite, in this great maritime nation, that these
+evils, arising from causes which no unity of opinion or of action, in
+the parties most interested, can ever be expected to remove, should as
+far as possible be obviated by legislative enactment--and that vessels
+should not, after a given period, be permitted to clear out at the
+ports from which they are to sail, until, according to their tonnage,
+the number of their passengers and crews, and the nature of the voyage
+on which they are bound, it shall have been ascertained that they have
+been 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 for
+establishing a communication in case of wreck, between the vessel and
+the shore--materials for the construction of rafts--lifebuoys--cork
+jackets, or other buoyant means of safety to individuals; boats in a
+reasonable proportion to the numbers on board, to some of which the
+properties of life boats might immediately and easily be given--with
+other measures which the great importance of the object demands, on a
+scale consistent with that economy which should ever attend compulsatory
+regulations.
+
+The extent and nature of these precautionary measures require mature
+consideration, and would best be ascertained by a committee of
+experienced and scientific officers and individuals selected from the
+navy, the Trinity House, Lloyd's, the Ship-owners' Society, and other
+departments connected with maritime affairs, on whose reports, and after
+minute and deliberate investigation, perhaps an enactment could alone be
+founded to produce the much desired effect.--It is only by reducing
+into a system those measures which are now left to chance, or to the
+forethought or the caprice of thousands, that such effectual precautions
+can be taken, as will insure that at all times the danger may be
+promptly met by adequate means of rescue.
+
+It has been allowed by those of much ability and experience, that it
+would be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should be
+examined, by some competent authority, to be established for the
+purpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, on
+which the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews must
+continually depend, before any one, who has not already filled that
+office, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of such
+tonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more full
+investigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite.
+
+We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in our
+course,--the greatness of our objects--the goodness of our cause--the
+conviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail to
+bring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolent
+feelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of their
+fellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, and
+ultimately to insure its complete success.
+
+Much has recently been accomplished--several noble establishments have
+already been formed on our coasts--rewards for many lives preserved have
+already been bestowed--infinitely more remains yet to be done--nor
+should we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from their
+ardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall be
+surrounded by well organized branches of the Institution--until every
+mariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feel
+assured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which a
+generous enterprise can make, supported by every means which human
+foresight can arrange--and until, prompted by our example, and
+witnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will have
+received on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the people
+of every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importance
+of this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation of
+similar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentially
+contribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system for
+the mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of the
+civilised world.
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+19th July, 1825.
+
+
+LONDON:
+PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+***** This file should be named 27322-8.txt or 27322-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/2/27322/
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/27322-8.zip b/27322-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24aafe1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-8.zip
diff --git a/27322-h.zip b/27322-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a7186ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-h.zip
diff --git a/27322-h/27322-h.htm b/27322-h/27322-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..645f7ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-h/27322-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,1933 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of An Appeal to the British Nation, by Sir William Hillary.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
+         }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+    hr { width: 33%;
+	 margin-top: 2em;
+	 margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    body{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+        }
+
+    hr.smler { width: 10%; }
+
+    .pagenum  { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+            /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+                position: absolute;
+                left: 92%;
+                font-size: smaller;
+                text-align: right;
+                text-indent: 0px;
+              } /* page numbers */
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smaller  {font-size: smaller;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+    .right            {text-align: right;}
+    .tbrk	  {margin-bottom: 3.5em;}
+
+    .fnanchor         {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;}
+
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: 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 (1825)
+
+Author: William Hillary
+
+Release Date: November 24, 2008 [EBook #27322]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>AN APPEAL</h1>
+
+<h3>TO THE</h3>
+
+<h1>BRITISH NATION,</h1>
+
+<h3>ON THE</h3>
+
+<h1>Humanity and Policy</h1>
+
+<h3>OF FORMING</h3>
+
+<h1>A NATIONAL INSTITUTION,</h1>
+
+<h3>FOR THE PRESERVATION OF</h3>
+
+<h2>LIVES AND PROPERTY</h2>
+
+<h3>FROM</h3>
+
+<h1>SHIPWRECK.</h1>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<h2>BY SIR WILLIAM HILLARY, BARONET.</h2>
+
+<h3>AUTHOR OF "A PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEAM LIFE<br />
+BOAT AND FOR THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF FIRE AT SEA;"<br />"SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND EMBELLISHMENT<br />
+OF THE METROPOLIS," AND "A SKETCH<br />OF IRELAND IN 1824."</h3>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<h3><i>THIRD EDITION.</i></h3>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<h3>LONDON:<br />PRINTED FOR GEO. B. WHITTAKER,<br />AVE-MARIA-LANE.</h3>
+
+<h3>1825.</h3>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h3>TO</h3>
+
+<h1>THE KING.</h1>
+
+<p>SIRE,</p>
+
+<p>From Your Majesty's exalted station as Sovereign of the greatest
+maritime power on earth, and from the ardent zeal with which You have
+graciously extended Your Royal patronage to every measure which could
+promote the welfare and the glory of the British Navy, I have presumed,
+with the utmost deference, to dedicate the following pages to Your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p>With the most dutiful respect, I have the honour to subscribe myself,</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Sire</span>, &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />
+Your Majesty's &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />
+Most devoted subject and servant,</p>
+
+<p class="right">WILLIAM HILLARY.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCTION</h3>
+
+<h4>TO THE</h4>
+
+<h2>SECOND EDITION<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>.</h2>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<p>The few pages of which the present edition is composed, were principally
+written under the circumstances there stated, which had forcibly called
+my attention to the fatal effects of those ever-recurring tempests,
+which scatter devastation and misery round our coasts, where the veteran
+commander and his hardy crew, with their helpless passengers of every
+age and station in life, are left wretchedly to perish from the want of
+that succour which it has become<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> my object earnestly to solicit for
+these destitute victims of the storm.</p>
+
+<p>Another winter has scarcely yet commenced, and our coasts are spread
+over 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 means
+to ascertain its extent, besides the loss of property to an enormous
+amount. And shall these fearful warnings also be without avail? Shall we
+still close our eyes on conviction, until further catastrophes wring
+from us those reluctant efforts, which ought to spring spontaneously
+from a benevolent people? With the most ample means for the rescue of
+thousands of human beings from a watery grave, shall we still leave them
+to their fate? Shall we hear unmoved of this widely-spread destruction,
+and not each contribute to those exertions, to which the common
+charities of human nature, and the certainty of the direful evils we
+might avert, and the sufferings we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> might assuage, ought to incite us to
+lend our utmost aid?</p>
+
+<p>The conflicting fury of the elements, the darkness of night, the
+disasters of the sea, and the dangers of the adjacent shores, but too
+frequently combine to place the unhappy mariner beyond the power of
+human relief. But if all cannot be rescued, must all therefore be left
+to perish? If every effort cannot be attended with success, must not any
+attempt be made to mitigate these terrible calamities, which bring home
+the evil to our very doors, and force conviction on us by their
+desolating effects, and by the destruction of hundreds of our
+countrymen, whose wretched remains perpetually strew our shores?&mdash;Whilst
+we pause, they continue to perish; whilst we procrastinate, the work of
+destruction pursues its course; and each delay of another winter, in the
+adoption of measures more commensurate with the extent of these
+deplorable events, is attended with the sacrifice&mdash;perhaps of a thousand human lives.</p>
+
+<p>Even were the preservation of the vessels<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> and their cargoes alone the
+objects of our care, the present want of all system for such a purpose
+is, in its consequences, as lavish of property as it is of life; and
+from the vast amount now annually lost on our shores, infinitely more
+might unquestionably be preserved to the commercial interests of the
+country, by the establishment of the Institution proposed, than its
+support would cost to the nation on its most extended scale.</p>
+
+<p>Actuated by these impressions, I have sought by every argument to rouse
+the dormant energies of a brave and a humane people to the rescue of
+their fellow-creatures; and through the ardent zeal, the generous
+enterprise, and the liberal bounty of a great nation, to awaken every
+feeling which can stimulate to the effort, and provide every means which
+can insure its success.</p>
+
+<p>In our great insular empire, almost all individuals, from the most
+exalted and powerful in the land to the lowly and obscure, are at some
+period of their lives induced, by their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> various avocations and
+pursuits, to leave their own coasts. The brave seamen, the gallant
+soldiers, and the various subjects of these realms, of all ranks and
+degrees, are to be found traversing every stormy sea, and exposed to
+peril on every dangerous shore. This is not then an object for which the
+great and the affluent are called on for the relief of the humble and
+the destitute alone&mdash;the cause is individual, national, and universal,
+perhaps beyond any other which has ever yet been addressed to a country
+for support. It appeals equally to personal interest and to national
+policy&mdash;to private benevolence and to public justice; and each who thus
+extends the benefits of his efforts and his bounty to his countrymen and
+to mankind, may also be contributing to the future safety of his family,
+his friends, or himself.</p>
+
+<p>In the pursuit of this arduous undertaking, I have felt it to be a duty
+I owed to the cause of which I have thus become an advocate, to offer my
+views to those of every class and department, who, from their humanity,
+their talents, or their station, are the most calculated, or the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> best
+enabled, to promote this great object of national benevolence.</p>
+
+<p>I have dedicated this cause, with all deference, to a most gracious
+sovereign; I have addressed myself in its behalf to his ministers; and I
+have appealed to various distinguished individuals, to almost all the
+great national and benevolent institutions in the kingdom, to the
+commercial and shipping interests, and to the public at large, for the
+support of an object well worthy the deep attention of the greatest
+naval power of the present or of any former age, for the rescue of her
+numerous seamen and subjects from one of the most frequent and most
+awful of all the various calamities which desolate the human race.</p>
+
+<p>From the same motives, I have most respectfully submitted this national
+and international system to the sovereigns and governments of the
+principal maritime powers of Europe and of America; and I avail myself
+with pleasure of the present occasion, to express my grateful
+acknowledgments for the promptitude with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> which several of their
+ministers, resident at this court, have transmitted it to their
+respective governments.</p>
+
+<p>Encouraged to persevere in my endeavours, by the flattering support and
+approbation of many distinguished and enlightened characters, I am
+induced to hope that the day is not remote, when this contemplated
+institution may be established on a permanent basis, by the united
+energies of a noble and a benevolent nation, to whose support such a
+cause has never yet been addressed in vain.</p>
+
+<p>The interest which this subject has already excited, has induced me to
+commit another edition of my pamphlet to the press; whilst the magnitude
+and vital importance of these objects, to our country and to
+mankind,&mdash;on our own and every foreign shore,&mdash;in the present and every
+future age,&mdash;will, I trust, best plead my excuse as a retired
+individual, and acquit me from the charge of presumption, in having had
+the temerity to submit my views to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> consideration of so many
+illustrious personages, and for the earnest solicitude with which I have
+addressed myself to the humanity, the benevolence, and the justice of the British nation.</p>
+
+<p>10th November, 1823.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The introduction to the second edition and the following
+pamphlet were published previously to the formation of "the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck," which
+it originally projected, as will be obvious by reference to dates and to the accompanying Appendix.</p></div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h1>AN APPEAL,</h1>
+
+<h3><i>&amp;c.</i></h3>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<p>For many years, and in various countries, the melancholy and fatal
+shipwrecks which I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest in
+my mind for the situation of those who are exposed to these awful
+calamities; but the idea of the advantages which would result from the
+establishment of a national institution, for the preservation of human
+life from the perils of the sea, first suggested itself to me during my
+residence on a part of the coast, often exposed to the most distressing
+scenes of misery, and where the dreadful storms of the last autumn
+prevailed with unusual violence.</p>
+
+<p>On some occasions, it has been my lot to witness the loss of many
+valuable lives, under circumstances, where, had there been
+establishments previously formed for affording prompt relief, and
+encouragement given to those who might volunteer in such a cause, in all
+probability the greater part would have been rescued from destruction.
+At other times I have seen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> the noblest instances of self-devotion; men
+have saved the lives of their fellow-creatures at the peril of their
+own, without a prospect of reward if successful, and with the certainty
+that their families would be left destitute if they perished.</p>
+
+<p>From these considerations, I have been induced to wish, that the results
+of the experience, talent, and genius of the most distinguished
+commanders, and men of science, should be united in the formation of one
+great Institution, which would in itself embrace every possible means
+for the preservation of life from the hazards of shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p>Though many individuals have employed their time, their attention, and
+often exposed their personal safety for this object, yet nearly the
+whole of the most extensive and dangerous parts of our coasts are left
+without any means having been adopted, any precautions taken, for
+rendering assistance to vessels in distress; and, winter after winter,
+we have the most afflicting details of the consequences attendant on
+this lamentable apathy to human misery&mdash;an awful destruction of life, on
+almost every shore which surrounds the British dominions: acts have even
+sometimes been perpetrated at which humanity shudders, and which have
+caused other nations to cast reproach and opprobrium on the British name.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p><p>But individual efforts, however meritorious in themselves, are unequal
+to produce all the benefits contemplated, or to remedy all the evils,
+attendant on one of the most tremendous of perils to which human nature
+is exposed, and which is most likely to fall upon those who are in the
+very prime of manhood, and in the discharge of the most active and
+important duties of life. From the calamity of shipwreck no one can say
+that he may at all times remain free; and whilst he is now providing
+only for the safety of others, a day may come which will render the cause his own.</p>
+
+<p>These are not arguments founded on the visionary contemplation of remote
+or improbable dangers. Their urgent necessity must be obvious to every
+mind. So long as man shall continue to navigate the ocean, and the
+tempests shall hold their course over its surface, in every age and on
+every coast, disasters by sea, shipwrecks, and peril to human life, must
+inevitably take place; and with this terrible certainty before our eyes,
+the duty becomes imperative, that we should use every means to obviate
+and to mitigate the deplorable consequences.</p>
+
+<p>This subject in a peculiar manner appeals to the British people
+collectively and individually. For ages, our seamen have been the
+acknowledged support of our splendour and our power;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> and until every
+thing which the ingenuity of man can suggest, and every inducement and
+regulation which social institutions can offer and arrange, have been
+combined into one great plan for their safety, we shall be wanting in
+our best duties to them, to our country, and to ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>Local associations cannot call forth the energy which such a cause
+demands at our hands; they are only partial benefits, whilst the great
+evil remains unredressed. We have many noble institutions, widely spread
+through the extent of the British dominions, supported by voluntary
+contributions, and exalting our name above that of every other nation by
+our disinterested efforts in the cause of humanity; whilst this great
+and vital object to every Briton, seems alone to have been strangely and
+unaccountably overlooked, or only partially undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>Our coasts are surrounded by land-marks as a guide by day, and lights
+and beacons by night; our mariners are furnished with charts of every
+sea, every rock is pointed out, every shoal set down, and every channel
+buoyed. Pilots are to be found at the entrance of every port, and all
+that science, indefatigable labour, and liberal expenditure can effect,
+to warn the seaman of his danger, and to prevent vessels from being
+wrecked,&mdash;all has long, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>ardently, and ably been studied and
+accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the vessels are yet secure, every safeguard is at their command,
+amply supplied by public associations, or by the state; and towards
+which, on their safe arrival in port, they contribute their quota for
+the benefits they have received,&mdash;and all must but too often prove in
+vain; many may thus be warned of their danger, and be saved; shipwrecks
+will still continue to take place, despite of all human means, and their
+crews be exposed to every species of peril and distress,&mdash;but what then
+becomes their fate?</p>
+
+<p>Wretched, exhausted, and in the last extremity of danger, on whom does
+their rescue devolve? to what body or class of men, or to which of our
+numerous departments, does it now become an honourable and an imperative
+duty to afford them assistance in this their utmost need?&mdash;where are the
+national funds for such an object, to supply ample means for the
+hazardous attempt, to reward the brave efforts of those who succeed, or
+to relieve the destitute families of those who perish in so honourable a cause?</p>
+
+<p>The melancholy catastrophe closed, every human being on board having
+perished, or having quitted their shattered vessel in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>despair; the laws
+and usages of recompense are clearly defined;&mdash;salvage for the property
+preserved, in proportion to its amount.</p>
+
+<p>But in the dreadful crisis between these two extremes, does one law of
+the land, or one National Institution, hold out the established claim to
+certain reward for a life saved?</p>
+
+<p>In the nineteenth century, surrounded by every improvement and
+institution which the benevolent can suggest, or the art of man
+accomplish for the mitigation or prevention of human ills, will it for a
+moment be capable of belief, that there does not, in all our great and
+generous land, exist one National Institution which has for its direct
+object the rescue of human life from shipwreck?</p>
+
+<p>The protection of property is in every stage a subject of legislation
+and of care;&mdash;the rescue of life from shipwreck has never yet been
+adopted as a national and a legislative object.</p>
+
+<p>With the exception of the recompenses voluntarily given by the liberal
+institution of Lloyd's, the very few associations scattered thinly on
+the coasts, and the valuable inventions and gallant efforts of those
+brave and enlightened individuals who do honour to their country, our
+shipwrecked seamen are left in this awful situation, to the spontaneous
+exertions of enterprise and humanity, the chance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> of the moment, or the
+mercy of the winds and waves;&mdash;or rather let us say, to a greater mercy, and a higher Power.</p>
+
+<p>It may be thought that this picture is overcharged; but unhappily, I
+believe it will be found too faithfully correct.</p>
+
+<p>I am firmly convinced, that these appalling facts have never yet reached
+the great majority of the nation; but the veil once withdrawn, the
+honour, the justice, and the humanity of Britain will be deeply
+compromised, if the evil is not promptly and effectually redressed;&mdash;not
+any human means should be spared to atone for the past, and to alleviate the future.</p>
+
+<p>In bringing this deeply interesting subject before the public, it is my
+ardent hope that it may call forth the attention of those better
+qualified to bring to perfection so important a work. Let this great
+national object but once engage the attention of the public mind, and
+not any thing can arrest its course.</p>
+
+<p>The power of united effort, in the attainment of any great work of
+national benevolence, has never yet failed of success. The institution I
+have in view is equally a claim of justice and of benevolence; it
+peculiarly belongs to the greatest maritime nation in existence, and
+will, I trust, be deemed worthy the attention of the Admiralty of
+England, who have so long held their high station with as much honour to
+themselves as benefit to their country.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>By whose immediate patronage the first measures for the organization of
+such a system may be honoured, or under the sanction of what names the
+requisite public meetings to carry them into effect may be announced, it
+would be the utmost presumption in me to anticipate; but it appears to
+me, that the immediate assembling of such meetings in London, would best
+contribute to the establishment of this Institution on a permanent and
+extensive foundation.</p>
+
+<p>To the consideration of such meetings, I must respectfully beg leave to submit:</p>
+
+<p>That a national institution should be formed, equally worthy of Great
+Britain, important to humanity, and beneficial to the naval and
+commercial interests of the United Empire; having for its objects,</p>
+
+<p><i>First</i>, The preservation of human life from shipwreck; which should
+always be considered as the first great and permanent object of the Institution,</p>
+
+<p><i>Secondly</i>, Assistance to vessels in distress, which immediately
+connects itself with the safety of the crews.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thirdly</i>, The preservation of vessels and property, when not so
+immediately connected with the lives of the people, or after the crews
+and passengers shall already have been rescued.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourthly</i>, The prevention of plunder and depredations in case of shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifthly</i>, The succour and support of those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> persons who may be rescued;
+the promptly obtaining of medical aid, food, clothing, and shelter for
+those whose destitute situation may require such relief, with the means
+to forward them to their homes, friends, or countries. The people and
+vessels of every nation, whether in peace or in war, to be equally
+objects of this Institution; and the efforts to be made, and the
+recompenses to be given for their rescue, to be in all cases the same as
+for British subjects and British vessels.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixthly</i>, The bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue the
+lives of others from shipwreck, or who assist vessels in distress; and
+the supplying of relief to the destitute widows or families of the brave
+men who unhappily may lose their lives in such meritorious attempts.</p>
+
+<p>The objects of the Institution being thus defined, and having, I hope,
+already obtained the powerful support of those illustrious personages
+and distinguished characters in the state, under whose fostering care,
+as patrons and presidents, the system would have the best prospect of
+being brought to maturity; it would only be requisite to proceed to the
+next duty of the meeting, which would be the formation of a numerous
+Committee, including liberal and enlightened men from all classes and
+departments, naval and military officers, members of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> the Trinity House
+and of Lloyd's, merchants and commanders in the East India and other
+services, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this central Committee, it would be requisite, in order
+to carry the objects of the association into active execution, that
+branches of the Institution, and subject to its rules, should be formed
+in all the principal ports, and on the most dangerous sea-coasts of the
+United Kingdom; each having its own separate Committee, in direct
+communication with that in London. But, on the general central meetings
+of Presidents and Committee in London, would devolve the primary
+measures for the permanent establishment of the Institution; the general
+system of finance, the formation of rules and regulations, and the plans
+for giving activity and effect to the whole.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it might facilitate the progress of the measures in view, if the
+labour were divided, and two or more separate Committees or Boards were
+formed from the whole, consisting of individuals best qualified for the
+objects of each separate department, whose reports, before being finally
+adopted, should receive the sanction of the Institution at large.</p>
+
+<p>Under this view of the subject, a Committee of finance would be
+desirable, whose duty, in the first instance, would be to arrange and
+pursue the best and most active measures to diffuse<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> a general knowledge
+of the objects and principles of the association; and to obtain
+donations and subscriptions, for the purpose of carrying them into effect.</p>
+
+<p>From the peculiarly interesting nature of this Institution, it is to be
+presumed, that this part of their duty would be found easy in its
+progress, and successful in its results.</p>
+
+<p>When we see long columns filled with the first names in the country,
+with large sums placed opposite to them, for objects temporary in their
+nature, and small in importance compared with the present, which
+contemplates the rescue of thousands of human beings now in existence,
+and an incalculable number yet unborn, from one of the most tremendous
+of all perils,&mdash;who is there, to whom such an Institution once became
+known, that would refuse his aid? It is a cause which extends from the
+palace to the cottage, in which politics and party cannot have any
+share, and which addresses itself with equal force to all the best
+feelings of every class in the state.</p>
+
+<p>The names of every branch of the Royal Family are to be found at the
+head of all the benevolent Institutions of the empire.</p>
+
+<p>From the nobility and gentry large donations and subscriptions may
+naturally be expected. The clergy of every class will, no doubt, be
+foremost in the cause of humanity. To the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> whole body of the navy, the
+marines, and to the army, who, in the prosecution of their professional
+duties, encounter so many of the dangers of the sea, such an appeal will
+never be made in vain. Can it be supposed that there is one East India
+Director, one member of Lloyd's, an under-writer, a merchant, a
+shipowner, or commander in the India or merchants' service, from whom a
+subscription, liberal in proportion to his means, will not be obtained?
+Nor will the generous aid of any class of society, I am persuaded, be
+wanting for such a purpose; and as a stimulus to the whole, by example
+in their donations, and by the widely-extended circle of their
+influence, the British females of every station in life will, I am
+convinced, particularly distinguish themselves in aid of this cause.</p>
+
+<p>From these opinions, which I so confidently entertain of the humanity
+and liberality of the British people, I rest firmly persuaded, that the
+most ample means will be easily and speedily obtained for every possible
+expenditure which can attend the objects of this Institution.</p>
+
+<p>When the funds shall have been once established, the duty of the
+Committee will be, to have the permanent superintendence and regulation
+of their finance under the proper control of the whole society.</p>
+
+<p>A second Board, or Committee, should be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> formed from the most
+experienced and enlightened officers of the navy, seamen, engineers, and
+scientific men, for the purpose of carrying the direct objects of the
+Institution into effect.</p>
+
+<p>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 joint
+knowledge and experience of the whole body, in plain and simple
+language, divested as much as possible of technical phraseology, and
+capable of being understood by every individual. This code of
+instruction should comprise the best and most prompt measures to be
+adopted in every sort of danger to which a vessel can be exposed, and on
+whatever kind of coast, in order that the most effectual assistance may
+be given, with the least possible loss of time, and with such means as
+in remote situations can most probably be obtained; and the Committee
+should be requested to report, from time to time, the result of those
+measures which they had found from experience to be most successful;
+whilst every friend to such a cause, who might suggest an invention or a
+means to facilitate these objects, would be certain, that in this
+Committee his plans would receive the most attentive consideration from
+those who would possess the power and the inclination to carry them into effect.</p>
+
+<p>It will be desirable that this Committee should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> suggest the most
+eligible 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 highly
+patriotic 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 the
+preservation of lives in danger, and the assistance of vessels in
+distress, according to the nature of the coasts on which the respective
+dep&ocirc;ts may be established. The purchase, safe custody, and control over
+the stores of the Institution, their being deposited in places best
+situated for instant issue on every emergency, and always in a state fit
+for immediate service, are objects which demand the utmost
+circumspection and care.</p>
+
+<p>This department is perhaps the most important of the whole&mdash;it is the
+operative; and on its judicious arrangements, the means of prompt and
+effectual efforts, the success of the most hazardous undertakings, the
+safety of those employed, and the rescue of those in peril, will
+unquestionably depend.</p>
+
+<p>For these purposes, as well as every other connected with the
+Institution, the respective Committees proposed to be formed, in every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+port, and on every coast, will be of the most essential use. The zeal,
+and other requisite qualities, which the members of such Committees may
+naturally be supposed to possess, point them out as the most eligible
+persons to have the immediate direction of the measures to be adopted.
+From them also it is to be expected that the most experienced in
+nautical affairs may be selected to command.</p>
+
+<p>To that department under which boats are to go out, and men are to risk
+their lives, for the rescue of those who may be in danger, the utmost
+attention is due: that, when they are so employed, it shall be under the
+direction of the most skilful advice which the occasion can afford; that
+their boats and equipments shall be such as best to insure their safety;
+and that the crews shall be selected from the bravest and most
+experienced persons who can be found.</p>
+
+<p>To insure order and promptitude on these occasions, where the least
+delay or indecision may cause the loss of all opportunity of acting with
+effect, a previous and, as far as practicable, a permanent arrangement
+should be formed. Volunteers should be invited to enrol themselves from
+amongst the resident pilots, seamen, fishermen, boatmen, and others, in
+sufficient numbers to insure the greatest probability of having every
+aid at hand, which, in the moment of danger, may be requisite. Each man
+should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> have his department previously assigned, and the whole should
+act under their respective leaders.</p>
+
+<p>To these regulations might be added a system of signals, equally
+available by night or by day, through which persons on board of vessels
+in distress could communicate the nature of the assistance of which they
+stood in need; and those on shore warn them of any danger, inform them
+of the succour they were going to afford, or give them any instructions
+requisite to their safety.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to these means, a great source of assistance to vessels in
+distress might be secured to be at all times within reach, by permanent
+and judicious arrangements with pilot companies, steam vessels, anchor
+vessels, harbour boats, trawl and other fishing boats, which, under
+proper indemnities, and for reasonable remuneration, would doubtless at
+all times contribute their aid, and act under the regulations of the
+Institution; it might also be advantageous, on many parts of the coast,
+to give premiums to those owners of boats who should have them fitted up
+with air tight cases, casks or cork, so as to answer the purpose of life
+boats, and who should constantly keep them in that state, ready for immediate service.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time care should be taken not to trammel by unnecessary
+regulations the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> spontaneous efforts of those, who, actuated by a
+generous ardour, on the emergency of the moment, seize on the first
+means which present themselves, and often accomplish their object in a
+manner which, to a cooler calculation, would appear impracticable.</p>
+
+<p>To expect a large body of men to enrol themselves, and be in constant
+readiness to risk their own lives for the preservation of those whom
+they have never known or seen, perhaps of another nation, merely because
+they are fellow-creatures in extreme peril, is to pay the highest
+possible compliment to my countrymen; and that on every coast there are
+such men, has been fully evinced, even under the present want of system,
+when the best means for their purpose are not supplied; when they are
+without any certainty of reward; and act under the peculiarly appalling
+consideration, that if they perish, they may leave wives, children, and
+every one destitute who depend on them for support.</p>
+
+<p>If, under such discouragement, we every year have so many instances of
+self-devotion, what might not be expected from the same men, when they
+knew that in the performance of their arduous duties, every possible
+means to execute them, with safety to themselves, and success to the
+objects of their efforts, would be supplied; that if they succeeded,
+they would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> be honoured and recompensed, according to their merits and
+situation in life; and if it were their lot to perish in so noble a
+cause, they had at least the consolation to know, beyond a doubt, that
+their families would not be left to deplore their loss in unassisted poverty?</p>
+
+<p>To these objects the Institution ought unquestionably to extend, or it
+would be unworthy of the great country to which it belonged, and of the
+high patronage with which I hope it may be honoured.</p>
+
+<p>Nor will I suppose that those whom I have specified are the only persons
+who will take an active part on such occasions. There is another class,
+who, from what I have individually seen, will, I am certain, become able
+and zealous leaders,&mdash;not only the employed, but the half-pay officers
+of the navy, now so widely spread over the coasts of the United Kingdom.
+Living in retirement in time of peace, they would not allow their
+energies to sleep when their brother seamen were in danger, but come
+forward with the conscious feeling, that those distinguished characters
+who preside over the British navy, would regard such meritorious
+services as being in the direct path of honour; and that to rescue a
+human being from the perils of shipwreck would not be less acceptable to
+their country than to subdue her enemies in battle.</p>
+
+<p>The Romans rewarded with the civic crown<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> those who had saved the life
+of a fellow citizen. Our late venerable sovereign conferred the
+baronetage on the gallant Viscount Exmouth, then Captain Pellew, for his
+noble and successful efforts, at the extreme hazard of his own life, to
+save the crew of an East Indiaman, wrecked at Plymouth, when the
+situation of every one on board appeared beyond the reach of human aid.</p>
+
+<p>The whole class of the preventive service, with many departments of the
+revenue, could not be more honourably employed, and they must naturally
+feel that their brave exertions, on such occasions, would be fully estimated.</p>
+
+<p>The assistance of medical men, who would enrol themselves to be ready to
+attend, might frequently be of the utmost importance to succour and
+restore those who might have sustained severe injury, or whose lives
+might be nearly extinct; and it is confidently to be hoped, that the
+happiest consequences would frequently result, from having always ready
+for use, the apparatus of the Royal Humane Society for restoring
+suspended animation&mdash;also by the circulation of their instructions for
+the treatment of persons in that situation.</p>
+
+<p>There is not perhaps any subject connected with this proposed
+Institution, more worthy of its utmost attention and care, than the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>protection of persons and property from the cruel rapacity of those
+abandoned marauders, who, on some parts of our coasts, have but too long
+followed a practice disgraceful to a civilized state, and dangerous in
+its example as fatal to its victims, of plundering from wrecks, and
+there is much reason to fear, often suffering to perish, from want of
+assistance, many who might otherwise have been rescued from peril, and
+restored to their friends and their country; but by means of the
+numerous establishments of this Institution, the effects of a better
+example, the stimulus of rewards given for the preservation of life, the
+vigilant care and the vigorous measures which in such cases would
+unquestionably be pursued, it is confidently to be hoped that such
+atrocities would be heard of no more on our shores.</p>
+
+<p>In time of war, it might be advisable that a limited number of known,
+steady, and brave seamen, who had already distinguished themselves on
+these occasions, should be protected from the impress, by belonging to
+this service. The number need not be large, as the retired veterans of
+the navy, and the fishermen on the coast, would constitute the majority
+to be employed.</p>
+
+<p>The nature and extent of the recompenses for time and trouble, and the
+reward of those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> who hazard their own lives in the rescue of others,
+would form another important branch of the Institution for the labours of this Committee.</p>
+
+<p>The qualifications for these rewards naturally form themselves into classes.</p>
+
+<p>First, in case of successful efforts, where persons, at the risk of
+their own lives, save from imminent peril those of their
+fellow-creatures,&mdash;it should be established, beyond all doubt, that they
+should receive such reward for each life saved, as the Institution, on
+mature consideration, may determine. This might be fixed at not less
+than a certain sum, with power to extend it to a greater amount, to be
+decided by the Committee, according to the nature of the case; but, at
+all events, to the smallest of these rewards the parties to have an
+absolute claim, on furnishing unquestionable evidence of having saved a life.</p>
+
+<p>In many cases of persons rescued from the wreck, saved amongst rocks, or
+when found washed by the breakers on shore, particularly on remote
+coasts, but too often exposed to scenes of lawless depredation, the
+parties should equally be entitled to reward.</p>
+
+<p>Where lives are saved, without those employed hazarding their own, they
+should at least receive the smaller of the premiums conferred.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>Rewards should also be given where every possible effort has been made,
+though unhappily without success.</p>
+
+<p>When vessels are actually in distress, proportionate premiums should be
+given to the first, second, and other boats which get alongside, and for
+other assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Remunerations should be given, and every inducement held out, for the
+prevention of plunder, and for the preservation of lives and vessels, in
+every situation of danger to which they may become exposed.</p>
+
+<p>When a life is saved by a person who had been equally fortunate on a
+former occasion, his reward should be larger, and increase progressively
+for other successful efforts. In case of crime, the second offence is
+punished more severely than the first, and the third than the second. In
+meritorious acts, it were only sound policy that the rewards should bear
+a similar proportion.</p>
+
+<p>Where an individual perishes in his attempts to rescue lives from
+shipwreck, or when assisting vessels in distress, his wife, children, or
+aged parents, if dependent on him for support, should have every relief
+which it may become practicable to give, and according to the particular
+circumstances of the case.</p>
+
+<p>The Institution should also recompense for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> severe injuries, ascertained
+to have been unquestionably sustained in the actual performance of such services.</p>
+
+<p>Ample and general powers should be given to confer rewards for such
+other acts as the Committee may consider justly entitled to them.</p>
+
+<p>It might, perhaps, also be worthy the consideration of the Institution
+at large, whether any badge or medal conferred on a man who had saved a
+life from shipwreck at the hazard of his own, might not have a very
+powerful effect. To many minds, even in the humblest walks of life, such
+a recompense would be more acceptable than a pecuniary reward, whilst a
+laudable ambition might be thus excited in others to imitate so
+meritorious an example&mdash;thus holding out every species of inducement, to
+the brave and the generous&mdash;to the humble but humane, to render their
+utmost aid to the shipwrecked of every land, in the moment of their extreme distress.</p>
+
+<p>To receive applications for rewards, to examine into the nature and
+extent of services performed, and to make reports, and forward
+certificates and recommendations to the general Committee, would become
+one of the most important duties of the local departments, on the
+judicious and faithful performance of which the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> honour and credit of
+the Institution would materially depend.</p>
+
+<p>These appear to me to be the principal objects to which the attention of
+the Committees should be directed, in the original formation of the
+establishment, and subject to the decision of the general meetings of
+the Institution, to whom their reports should be submitted.</p>
+
+<p>It is to be presumed that various parts of the interior of the United
+Kingdom will furnish considerable funds to the Institution, without
+calling upon it for any supplies; that many of the great sea-ports may
+perhaps raise means equal to the amount of their expenditure, in their
+immediate district; whilst there is a vast extent of the most rugged
+coast lying far distant from any prompt assistance, on which, above all
+others, vessels are exposed to the greatest danger. For such places,
+establishments could only be formed at a considerable expense; it being
+obvious, that from the solitude and remoteness of the surrounding
+country, only small pecuniary aid could be obtained; yet in these
+situations the seamen and fishermen ought to be stimulated by every
+possible incitement to take an active and decided part in the cause of
+humanity; since on these very coasts the vessels belonging to the most
+distant ports might be lost, and the relatives of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> those who resided in
+the very interior of the kingdom might perish. The cause, therefore,
+becomes common to all, and it will be of the highest importance to its
+success, that arrangements should be formed between the central
+Committee and the district associations, that, united in funds and in
+measures, they may as much as possible act in concert, in carrying the
+objects contemplated into the fullest effect through the whole extent of the British dominions.</p>
+
+<p>How far it may be desirable to apply for an act of parliament, or to
+establish the Institution into a chartered association, will remain for
+the general Committee to decide, when the whole has assumed a distinct
+form. It is also probable that great advantages might result from the
+investigations of a Committee of the House of Commons into the
+insufficiency of the enactments and regulations now in force for the
+preservation of life, and the prevention of plunder, from vessels which
+may be wrecked within the jurisdiction of our laws.</p>
+
+<p>I also venture, with deference, to recommend, that other maritime
+nations should be invited to form similar establishments, so far as
+accords with their respective laws and usages, and to concur in mutual
+arrangements with Great Britain for the reciprocal aid of the subjects
+and vessels of each other.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p><p>Nor is the universal adoption of this system more imperatively
+demanded, by those feelings which should incite us to afford the most
+prompt assistance to the people of every country who may be in danger of
+shipwreck on our shores, than it is consistent with a wise and
+enlightened policy, which should extend our views from our own immediate
+coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every
+neighbouring state; more particularly from the entrance of the English
+Channel to the frozen regions of the North. And when we recollect the
+vast commercial fleets which the enterprise of our merchants adventures
+into every sea, and during every season; when more than a thousand sail
+of British vessels pass the sound of the Baltic each year; ought we not
+to bear in mind to what hazards the subjects and vessels of Great
+Britain are constantly exposed, on the whole of so extended a coast, and
+in every stormy and dangerous sea? and shall we not be wanting to them
+and to humanity, if we do not endeavour to obtain for our own
+shipwrecked countrymen, in every foreign land, the same effectual aid in
+the hour of danger, which, I doubt not, it will become one of the
+proudest objects of this Institution to extend to the vessels of every
+nation which may be in distress on the British shores?&mdash;Even during the
+most arduous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>prosecution of war, the cause of humanity, and the
+progress of civilization, would be eminently promoted by these noble and
+generous efforts, for the rescue of those, whom the fury of the elements
+had divested of all hostile character, and thrown helpless and powerless
+on a foreign coast.</p>
+
+<p>Thus would nations be drawn by mutual benefits into more strict bonds of
+amity during peace, and thus might the rigours of war be ameliorated, by
+having one common object of benevolence remaining; in the exercise of
+which the jealousies and angry passions incident to a state of hostility
+could not have any part with a generous and a high-minded people; whilst
+the experience and penetration of liberal and enlightened governments
+could, without difficulty, form such arrangements as would prevent that
+which was intended as a benefit to mankind, from being made subservient
+to any political abuse.</p>
+
+<p>My utmost wishes would be accomplished by seeing these international
+regulations established, in connexion with one great Institution, to
+extend to the most remote province of the empire, on the exalted
+principle, that wherever the British flag should fly, her seamen should
+be protected; and that those who risked their own lives to save their
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>fellow-creatures from the perils of shipwreck should be honoured and
+rewarded; whilst every stranger, whom the disasters of the sea may cast
+on her shores, should never look for refuge in vain.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Douglas, Isle of Man</span>,<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 28th Feb. 1823.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h1>APPENDIX.</h1>
+
+<p>A year had scarcely elapsed after the first edition of the preceding
+Pamphlet was committed to the press, when the great object it
+recommended was accomplished, with an unanimity and a promptitude which
+the irresistible power of such a cause could alone effect, by the
+establishment of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of
+Life from Shipwreck;&mdash;district associations on a very extended scale
+have also been formed in the county of Norfolk, and on various other
+important parts of the coast, avowedly founded on the plan which this work had projected.</p>
+
+<p>It has therefore become expedient, in the future circulation of this
+Pamphlet, to add a few pages, containing authentic statements of those
+proceedings by which the Institution was organized&mdash;how cordially this
+measure has been received and adopted, and how much in conformity with
+that outline which I had ventured to offer to the consideration of my
+country, these documents will best evince.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p><p>It will at the same time be seen, that the resolutions of the General
+Meeting do not extend to the remuneration of the Salvors of property in
+cases of shipwreck, where not immediately connected with the
+preservation of life, it having been the opinion of the Provisional
+Committee that the existing laws had already made such regulations as to
+render that measure unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p>In reference to those passages which treat of the rewards to be
+conferred for services which may be performed, and more particularly as
+to the relief to be afforded to the destitute families of those who
+unhappily may perish in their attempts to preserve the lives of others,
+it will be obvious that the extent of such recompenses and relief must
+of necessity be guided by those means, which the liberality of the
+nation may supply&mdash;at the same time, I have the utmost satisfaction in
+stating the humane declaration of the Institution, that their operations
+will be limited only by the amount of those funds which may be placed at
+their disposal, or the number of cases calling for assistance; and I
+most sincerely concur in the confident hope which the Central Committee
+express, that the contributions may be so general as not only to give
+present effect, but also permanence, to this great national undertaking.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p><p>Honoured, as this Institution has been, by the high patronage of the
+King, and of his illustrious family&mdash;constituted a Royal Institution by
+his Majesty's gracious command&mdash;sanctioned by many of the most
+distinguished characters in the church and state, and sustained by the
+bounty of a generous nation&mdash;it is not for me to have the presumption to
+offer my acknowledgements, for that support which the cause of our
+shipwrecked fellow-creatures has obtained from the sovereign and the
+people of this great country.</p>
+
+<p>But there are some names, the omission of which would be an act of
+injustice&mdash;the gentlemen of the Provisional Committee, who prepared the
+way for that success which attended the public meeting, over which his
+grace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided, in a manner as advantageous
+to the measures which he so essentially contributed to promote, as
+honourable to his own benevolent feelings; and the equally zealous
+members of the Central Committee, who now so ably conduct the affairs of
+the Institution, are eminently entitled to the warmest thanks of every
+friend of this cause, for their early and important exertions in its
+establishment, of whom I may perhaps be permitted to name Thomas Wilson,
+Esq. one of the representatives in parliament for the City of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> London,
+and George Hibbert, Esq. as having been amongst the foremost in
+affording their valuable co-operation in the formation of this Institution.</p>
+
+<p>It only remains for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction which I
+experience, in witnessing the attainment of this object of my most
+earnest solicitude, and in the firm conviction with which I am
+impressed, that this Institution is now established on principles which
+will extend its beneficial effects to the most distant shores, and to
+generations yet unborn.</p>
+
+<p class="right">WILLIAM HILLARY.</p>
+
+<p>May 29, 1824.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>No. I.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Circular, convening a preliminary and select Meeting, to consider of
+the Suggestions in the Pamphlet by Sir William Hillary, Bart. of an
+Institution for the Rescue of Lives from Shipwreck.</i></p>
+
+<p class="right">No. 33, New Broad Street,<br />February 4, 1824. &nbsp; &nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</p>
+
+<p>You are respectfully requested to attend at the City of London Tavern,
+on Thursday, the 12th instant, at twelve for one o'clock precisely, to
+confer on certain measures which will then be submitted, and to
+determine on the expedience of calling a General Meeting in London, for
+the formation of a "National Institution for the Preservation of Life
+from Shipwreck."</p>
+
+<p class="center">I have the honour to be, &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />
+ &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sir,<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Your most obedient servant,</p>
+
+<p class="right">S. COCK.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>No. II.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Proceedings of a preliminary Meeting of Noblemen and Gentlemen, held at
+the City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 12th of February, 1824.</i></p>
+
+<p>Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. was called to the Chair.</p>
+
+<p>Resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That this Meeting, taking into consideration the frequent loss of human
+life by shipwreck, and believing that by the preconcerted exertions of
+practical men, and the adoption of practical means, such calamities
+might often be averted, are of opinion that a National Institution
+should be formed (to be supported by voluntary donations and
+subscriptions) for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck on the
+coasts of the united kingdom; for affording such immediate assistance to
+the persons rescued, as their necessities may require; for conferring
+rewards on those who preserve their fellow-creatures from destruction;
+and for granting relief to the destitute families of any who may
+unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others.</p>
+
+<p>Resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That, with a view to the formation of such an Institution, a general
+Meeting of the Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Traders, and others, be
+convened for Wednesday, the 25th instant, at twelve for one o'clock
+precisely, or such other day as may be found more convenient.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p><p>Resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That the following be a provisional Committee in the interim, with power
+to add to their number.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>THOMAS WILSON, Esq. M.P. Chairman.<br /><br />Henry Baring, Esq. M.P.<br />
+Vice-Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K.C.B.<br />John Blackburn, Esq.<br />
+Henry Blanchard, Esq.<br />John William Buckle, Esq.<br />
+James Cazenove, jun. Esq.<br />Simon Cock, Esq.<br />
+Captain J. W. Deans Dundas, R.N.<br />David C. Guthrie, Esq.<br />
+Samuel Gurney, Esq.<br />George Hibbert, Esq.<br />Sir William Hillary, Bart.<br />
+Samuel Hoare, Esq.<br />George Lyall, Esq.<br />Rev. H. H. Norris.<br />
+John Clark Powell, Esq.<br />Joseph Pulley, Esq.<br />John Vincent Purrier, Esq.<br />
+Christopher Richardson, jun. Esq.<br />Benjamin Shaw, Esq.<br />
+Right Honourable Lord Suffield.<br />Christopher Tenant, Esq.<br />
+Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.<br />William Vaughan, Esq.<br />Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.<br />
+Joshua Watson, Esq.<br />Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.<br />George Frederick Young, Esq.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p><p>Resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Sir William Hillary, Bart.
+for his exertions in bringing this interesting subject before the
+Meeting, and for his assistance in its deliberations.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wilson having left the chair,</p>
+
+<p>It was resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to Thomas Wilson, Esq. for
+his able conduct in the chair, and for his zeal in the support of the
+objects in contemplation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>No. III.</h2>
+
+<h2>ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTION</h2>
+
+<h4>FOR</h4>
+
+<h3>THE PRESERVATION OF LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK.</h3>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<h4><i>LONDON, MARCH 4, 1824.</i></h4>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<h3>PATRON&mdash;THE KING.</h3>
+
+<h3>Vice-Patrons.</h3>
+
+<p>His Royal Highness the Duke of York.<br />His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence.<br />
+His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.<br />His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.<br />
+His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.<br />His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg.</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smaller">PRESIDENT</span>&mdash;The Earl of Liverpool, K.G.</h3>
+
+<h4>Vice-Presidents.</h4>
+
+<p>His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.<br />His Grace the Archbishop of York.<br />
+His Grace the Duke of St. Alban's.<br />The Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne.<br />
+The Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford, K.G. Vice-Admiral of Cornwall, and of the Coast of Suffolk.<br />
+The Most Noble the Marquis of Camden, K.G.<br />The Right Hon. the Earl Spencer, K.G.<br />
+The Right Hon. the Earl of Craven.<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>The Right Hon. the Earl of Lonsdale, K.G.<br />
+The Right Hon. the Earl of Harrowby.<br />The Right Hon. Earl Brownlow.<br />
+The Right Hon. Lord Amelius Beauclerk, K.C.B.<br />The Right Hon. Lord John Russell, M.P.<br />
+The Right Hon. Viscount Torrington.<br />The Right Hon. Viscount Melville, K.T.<br />
+The Right Hon. Viscount Exmouth, G.C.B.<br />The Lord Bishop of London.<br />
+The Lord Bishop of Durham.<br />The Lord Bishop of Chester, now Bath and Wells.<br />
+The Lord Bishop of Bristol.<br />The Right Hon. Lord Suffield.<br />
+The Right Hon. Lord Braybrooke.<br />The Right Hon. Lord Amherst, Governor-General of India.<br />
+The Right Hon. Lord Stowell.<br />The Right Hon. Robert Peel.<br />
+The Right Hon. George Canning.<br />The Right Hon. Frederick John Robinson.<br />
+The Right Hon. William Huskisson.<br />Sir William Hillary, Bart.<br />Sir Claude Scott, Bart.<br />
+Sir Charles Forbes, Bart. M.P.<br />William Haldimand, Esq. M.P.<br />George Hibbert, Esq.<br />
+William Manning, Esq. M.P.<br />The Chairman of the Hon. East India Company.<br />
+The Deputy Master of Trinity House.<br />The Chairman for Lloyd's.<br />N. M. Rothschild, Esq.<br />
+John Smith, Esq. M.P.<br />Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.<br />Joshua Watson, Esq.<br />
+Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.<br />Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>Central Committee.</h3>
+
+<p>Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. Chairman.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Astley, R.N.<br />Henry Blanchard, Esq.<br />Richardson Borradaile, Esq.<br />
+Captain William Bowles, R.N.<br />John William Buckle, Esq.<br />John Capel, Esq.<br />
+David Carruthers, Esq.<br />James Cazenove, jun. Esq.<br />Jonathan Chapman, Esq.<br />
+G. R. Clarke, Esq.<br />Simon Cock, Esq.<br />William Cotton, Esq.<br />
+Captain Ed. Henry a'Court, R.N. M.P.<br />Captain C. C. Dansey, R.A.<br />John Deacon, Esq.<br />
+Captain Joseph Dowson.<br />Captain Deans Dundas, R.N.<br />Captain John Foulerton.<br />
+Charles Francis, Esq.<br />James Halford, Esq.<br />Edward Hurry, Esq.<br />
+Captain John Locke, H.C.S.<br />Edward Hawke Locker, Esq.<br />George Lyall, Esq.<br />
+W. A. Madocks, Esq. M.P.<br />John Marshall, Esq.<br />John Petty Muspratt, Esq.<br />
+John Clark Powell, Esq.<br />John D. Powles, Esq.<br />Joseph Pulley, Esq.<br />John Vincent Purrier, Esq.<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>Christoper Richardson, jun. Esq.<br />
+Captain R. Saumarez, R.N. K.L.<br />Thomas Snodgrass, Esq.<br />Christopher Tennant, Esq.<br />
+Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.<br />Mr. Alderman Venables.<br />John Wild, Esq.<br />
+H. S. H. Wollaston, Esq.<br />George Frederick Young, Esq.</p>
+
+<h3>Treasurer.</h3>
+
+<p>William Sikes, Esq. 5, Mansion House Street.</p>
+
+<h3>Trustees.</h3>
+
+<p>Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.<br />James Cazenove, jun. Esq.<br />John Clark Powell, Esq.</p>
+
+<h3>Auditors.</h3>
+
+<p>Timothy A. Curtis, Esq.<br />Henry Sikes, Esq.<br />Mr. Alderman Thompson, M.P.</p>
+
+<h3>Secretary.</h3>
+
+<p>Thomas Edwards, Esq.</p>
+
+<p>Office of the Institution, No. 12, Austin Friars, London.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<p>At a Public Meeting of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Merchants, and others, held
+at the City of London Tavern, this day,</p>
+
+<p>His Grace the <span class="smcap">Archbishop of Canterbury</span> in the Chair,</p>
+
+<p>The following resolutions were passed unanimously:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>I. Upon the motion of his Grace; seconded by Captain Bowles, R.N.&mdash;That
+an Institution be now formed for the Preservation of Life in cases of
+Shipwreck on the Coasts of the United Kingdom, to be supported by
+donations and annual subscriptions; and to be called the "National
+Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck."</p>
+
+<p>II. Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Captain Deans
+Dundas, R.N.&mdash;That medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who
+rescue lives in cases of shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p>III. Moved by the Lord Bishop of London; seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Bridges, M.P.&mdash;That such immediate assistance be afforded to persons
+rescued as their necessities may require.</p>
+
+<p>IV. Moved by the Lord Bishop of Chester; seconded by William Manning,
+Esq. M.P.&mdash;That relief be supplied to the widows and families of persons
+who may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of
+others.</p>
+
+<p>V. Moved by Captain John Foulerton;&mdash;seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Venables,&mdash;That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the
+Institution, as well in war as in peace; that the same rewards be given
+for their rescue as for British subjects; and that foreigners saved from
+shipwreck, and being in a state of destitution, be placed under the care
+of the consuls or other accredited agents of their own nations, or be
+forwarded to their respective countries.</p>
+
+<p>VI. Moved by Joshua Walker, Esq. M.P.; seconded by John William Buckle,
+Esq.&mdash;That medallions be conferred on the authors of such inventions for
+the preservation of lives, in cases of shipwreck, as shall be most
+effectual for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>VII. Moved by Matthias Attwood, Esq. M.P.; seconded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> by Thomas
+Wilkinson, Esq.&mdash;That the Institution be established in London, and be
+conducted by a patron, vice-patrons, a president, vice-presidents,
+governors, forty committeemen, a treasurer, three trustees, three
+auditors, a secretary, and assistants.</p>
+
+<p>VIII. Moved by John Blades, Esq.; seconded by John Marshall, Esq.&mdash;That
+the committee be denominated the "London Central Committee," and do
+continue to act for the first two years; and that after the expiration
+of that term, an election of six new members take place at each annual
+meeting, in the room of the six who shall be found to have attended the
+fewest number of times in the preceding year: and that the vice-patrons,
+president, vice-presidents, and treasurer, be also members of the committee.</p>
+
+<p>IX. Moved by Joseph Pulley, Esq.; seconded by John Atkins, jun.
+Esq.&mdash;That donations and annual subscriptions be now entered into, and
+solicited, for carrying the objects of this Institution into effect.</p>
+
+<p>X. Moved by Captain Manby; seconded by Thomas Shirley Gooch, Esq.
+M.P.&mdash;That maritime counties or districts, the principal sea ports, and
+the inland counties of the united kingdom, and the British isles, be
+earnestly invited to form district associations, as branches of this
+Institution, for the purpose of promoting donations and subscriptions,
+and for assisting to carry its general objects into effect.</p>
+
+<p>XI. Moved by Captain Richard Saumarez, R.N.; seconded by Christopher
+Richardson, jun. Esq.&mdash;That it be recommended to such district
+associations, that their affairs be managed in conformity with the
+principles of the London central committee, and that their committees do
+consist of a chairman, and such other members as they may deem expedient.</p>
+
+<p>XII. Moved by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M.P.; seconded by David Carruthers,
+Esq.&mdash;That the committee be empowered to form rules, regulations, and
+by-laws, for the government of the Institution, which are to be
+submitted to the next general meeting.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p><p>XIII. Moved by Quarles Harris, Esq.; seconded by James Cazenove,
+Esq.&mdash;That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the
+ambassadors, consuls, or other representatives of foreign states,
+resident in this country.</p>
+
+<p>XIV. Moved by Sir Charles Flower, Bart.; seconded by William Walcot,
+Esq.&mdash;That his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury be requested to convey
+to the King's most gracious Majesty, the deep and grateful sense which
+this Meeting entertains of the distinguished honour which his Majesty
+has conferred upon the Institution in becoming its patron.</p>
+
+<p>XV. Moved by Captain Deans Dundas, R.N.; seconded by John Wilson,
+Esq.&mdash;That the grateful thanks of this Meeting be respectfully offered
+to their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Sussex, and
+Gloucester, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, for their readiness to
+become the vice-patrons of the Institution.</p>
+
+<p>XVI. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by John Vincent
+Purrier, Esq.&mdash;That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Earl of
+Liverpool, for his acceptance of the presidency of the Institution.</p>
+
+<p>XVII. Moved by William Cotton, Esq.; seconded by Jonathan Chapman,
+Esq.&mdash;That the thanks of this Meeting be also given to his Grace the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other noble and distinguished
+personages who have accepted the office of vice-presidents of the Institution.</p>
+
+<p>XVIII. Moved by George Lyall, Esq.; seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq.
+M.P.&mdash;That the best thanks of this Meeting are due to Sir William
+Hillary, Bart. for his patriotic efforts in bringing this subject before
+the public, and for his zealous endeavours to promote the establishment
+of the Institution.</p>
+
+<p>XIX. Moved by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.; seconded by Thomas Maltby,
+Esq.&mdash;That copies of the resolutions entered into this day be
+transmitted to the Admiralty, to the Trinity House, and to Lloyd's; and
+that copies of the resolutions be published in several of the provincial papers.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p><p>XX. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by Sir Charles Flower,
+Bart.&mdash;That the warmest thanks of this Meeting be presented to Thomas
+Wilson, Esq. M.P. for his humane, zealous, and persevering exertions in
+the establishment of this Institution.</p>
+
+<p class="tbrk">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>His Grace the Archbishop having left the chair, Thomas Wilson, Esq. was
+unanimously called upon to take it.</p>
+
+<p>Moved by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P. seconded by Sir Chas. Flower, Bart.
+and resolved unanimously,&mdash;That the best thanks of this Meeting be given
+to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the important service
+which he has rendered the Institution, and particularly for his
+condescension in taking the chair this day.</p>
+
+<p class="center"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Signed) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; THOMAS WILSON,</p>
+
+<p class="right">Chairman.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<p><i>At a General Court of the Subscribers and Friends to the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, held
+at the City of London Tavern, on the 10th of March, 1825.</i></p>
+
+<p>The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Chair.</p>
+
+<p>It was moved by George Hibbert, Esq.</p>
+
+<p>Seconded by Thomas Wilson, Esq. M.P.</p>
+
+<p>And resolved unanimously,</p>
+
+<p>That the Gold Medallion of the Institution be presented to Sir William
+Hillary, Bart., by whom this NATIONAL INSTITUTION was first suggested,
+and ably recommended by his publications on the subject.</p>
+
+<p class="center"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Signed) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; THOMAS WILSON,</p>
+
+<p class="right">Chairman of the Committee.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="smler" />
+
+<p>Having thus shown, by official documents, the great outline of the
+Royal National Institution, now happily established for the preservation
+of Life from Shipwreck, a brief recapitulation of the important nature
+of its objects and its plans, will perhaps be the best conclusion I can
+offer to those pages, which have already been received by the public in
+a manner so gratifying to my own feelings.</p>
+
+<p>From the most early periods, and in every state of society, shipwreck
+has been one of those never ceasing evils which has excited the
+commiseration of mankind; but, until recently, appears scarcely ever to
+have called forth their humane efforts to mitigate its deplorable
+consequences. For centuries our mariners have been left, unassisted, to
+endure every peril of the sea, as if shipwreck were a calamity in every
+instance utterly beyond all reach of mortal succour, and in every age,
+thousands of our fellow-creatures have thus miserably perished, who
+unquestionably might have been rescued.</p>
+
+<p>Of late years, various efforts have been made on parts of our coasts for
+the preservation of life from impending peril, and some excellent
+inventions have been introduced for that purpose; these had however
+hitherto been only a means, not a system&mdash;local, not national.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p><p>But when we reflect on the great waste of human life attendant on these
+dreadful catastrophes, and the vital importance to their country of
+those who have thus been abandoned to their wretched fate, it cannot
+fail to excite our astonishment that amongst all the noble Institutions
+of this great empire, which have been patronized by the crown, promoted
+by the government, or sustained by the bounty of the people, there never
+before has been established, in this the most powerful maritime state of
+ancient or of modern days, one general association, or national
+Institution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p>The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused to
+this important object,&mdash;this void in our benevolent establishments has
+been supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, under
+the immediate patronage of the King.</p>
+
+<p>The objects contemplated by this Institution are, in their nature,
+deeply interesting to the cause of humanity&mdash;important to the naval and
+the commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend their
+beneficial influence to every age and every country.</p>
+
+<p>It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within the
+scope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck&mdash;not only of the
+seamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation who
+may become<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> exposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally in
+peace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urging
+them to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them with
+every means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safety
+to themselves&mdash;conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for their
+generous efforts&mdash;rendering every practicable relief to the destitute
+widows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in their
+attempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may be
+thus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing,
+medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require&mdash;to
+enable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes,
+or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And the
+subjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to place
+them in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their own nation.</p>
+
+<p>This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of such
+inventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Lives from Shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p>Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to be
+the best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritime
+people&mdash;to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remained
+dormant, or hitherto<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> have only been partially exerted, and to arouse
+our countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power from
+those direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed&mdash;which
+are not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome and not liable to
+recur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to every
+coast&mdash;each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain to
+continue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented,
+in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shall
+extend itself over the globe.</p>
+
+<p>To all who revere the naval glory of Britain&mdash;to all who duly estimate
+the commercial greatness of their country, or who profit by its
+success&mdash;to all who feel the humanity and the policy of preserving the
+brave 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&mdash;this Institution cannot appeal in vain.</p>
+
+<p>Every class must feel how deeply it is connected with the national
+honour, and the maritime interest of their country, that all the means
+which the bounty of a wealthy and a liberal people can supply, and all
+the efforts which experience and humanity can prompt, should be devoted
+to so sacred a cause.</p>
+
+<p>Each in his respective sphere is earnestly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>solicited to bear a
+part&mdash;the great and the affluent, and those residing in the interior of
+the kingdom, by their influence and their contributions&mdash;the active and
+the zealous, by their energetic efforts&mdash;those on the coasts, by the
+more hazardous exertions of enterprise and bravery&mdash;and all, according
+to their power and their stations, to promote the success, and to
+recompense the endeavours of those who voluntarily encounter the
+greatest perils, for the rescue of the unhappy mariner, of every nation,
+who may be in danger of shipwreck on our coasts.</p>
+
+<p>The accomplishment of so many and such important objects, on a scale
+commensurate with the frequency and the extent of the misfortunes they
+are intended to alleviate, requires the combined efforts of numerous
+public bodies and zealous individuals&mdash;preconcerted arrangements on
+every dangerous coast, and considerable pecuniary resources.</p>
+
+<p>Under these convictions, I presume most earnestly to recommend, that
+public meetings should be held in those maritime counties and great sea
+ports of the united kingdom which have not yet come forward in this
+cause, for the formation of district or local associations on all our
+coasts, regulated in their internal concerns by their own committees, as
+departments of, and in direct communication with, the parent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+Institution, having an union of funds, of object and of effort, for the
+most extended adoption of every means which the magnitude of the evil to
+be averted imperatively demands at our hands.</p>
+
+<p>Nor are those whose residence is the most remote from the scenes of
+these disasters, less interested in the universal establishment of this
+system.&mdash;Where is to be found that family, of any station, even in the
+very interior of the kingdom, which has not some near and dear
+connexions, some valued relatives or friends, who, from their
+professions or their pursuits, may become exposed to the hazard of
+shipwreck, and who may be thus preserved, through the very means to
+which their bounty may contribute? Themselves distant from the scene of
+danger, they may, without effort or toil, become instrumental in the
+rescue of those they most value in life&mdash;equally then are they called on
+to take measures for the collection of funds in the midland counties as
+on the coasts, in order to give increased resources to the Institution,
+for the most effectual prosecution of its plans.</p>
+
+<p>As this great national measure shall continue to establish itself in the
+public mind, the adoption of more extended and systematic plans will
+naturally impress themselves on our consideration.</p>
+
+<p>From an almost universal want of foresight in our seamen, and a
+carelessness in providing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> against future dangers, naturally arising
+from the reckless bravery of their character, they would turn with
+contempt from any proposition that each should always take with him to
+sea, some one of those simple but practicable means by which his rescue
+from shipwreck might be greatly facilitated. In like manner the owners
+or masters of vessels, some from an ill timed parsimony, but far more,
+from thoughtlessness or prejudice, neglect to provide their vessels with
+any of the apparatus which would, in many instances, insure the safety
+of the passengers and crews.</p>
+
+<p>What is thus the duty of every one, will, amongst such a numerous class
+of individuals, be either entirely neglected or imperfectly executed,
+and a continued sacrifice of life be the certain consequence.</p>
+
+<p>Our seamen constitute one of the most valuable properties of the state.
+The preservation of the life of the subject is one of the most
+imperative duties of an enlightened government&mdash;it has therefore become
+indispensably requisite, in this great maritime nation, that these
+evils, arising from causes which no unity of opinion or of action, in
+the parties most interested, can ever be expected to remove, should as
+far as possible be obviated by legislative enactment&mdash;and that vessels
+should not, after a given period, be permitted to clear out at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+ports from which they are to sail, until, according to their tonnage,
+the number of their passengers and crews, and the nature of the voyage
+on which they are bound, it shall have been ascertained that they have
+been provided by the owners, and according to established regulations,
+with those means of safety which shall be required.</p>
+
+<p>These should consist of the most simple and effectual apparatus for
+establishing a communication in case of wreck, between the vessel and
+the shore&mdash;materials for the construction of rafts&mdash;lifebuoys&mdash;cork
+jackets, or other buoyant means of safety to individuals; boats in a
+reasonable proportion to the numbers on board, to some of which the
+properties of life boats might immediately and easily be given&mdash;with
+other measures which the great importance of the object demands, on a
+scale consistent with that economy which should ever attend compulsatory regulations.</p>
+
+<p>The extent and nature of these precautionary measures require mature
+consideration, and would best be ascertained by a committee of
+experienced and scientific officers and individuals selected from the
+navy, the Trinity House, Lloyd's, the Ship-owners' Society, and other
+departments connected with maritime affairs, on whose reports, and after
+minute and deliberate investigation, perhaps an enactment could alone be
+founded to produce the much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> desired effect.&mdash;It is only by reducing
+into a system those measures which are now left to chance, or to the
+forethought or the caprice of thousands, that such effectual precautions
+can be taken, as will insure that at all times the danger may be
+promptly met by adequate means of rescue.</p>
+
+<p>It has been allowed by those of much ability and experience, that it
+would be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should be
+examined, by some competent authority, to be established for the
+purpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, on
+which the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews must
+continually depend, before any one, who has not already filled that
+office, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of such
+tonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more full
+investigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite.</p>
+
+<p>We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in our
+course,&mdash;the greatness of our objects&mdash;the goodness of our cause&mdash;the
+conviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail to
+bring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolent
+feelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of their
+fellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, and
+ultimately to insure its complete success.</p>
+
+<p>Much has recently been accomplished<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>&mdash;several noble establishments have
+already been formed on our coasts&mdash;rewards for many lives preserved have
+already been bestowed&mdash;infinitely more remains yet to be done&mdash;nor
+should we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from their
+ardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall be
+surrounded by well organized branches of the Institution&mdash;until every
+mariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feel
+assured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which a
+generous enterprise can make, supported by every means which human
+foresight can arrange&mdash;and until, prompted by our example, and
+witnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will have
+received on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the people
+of every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importance
+of this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation of
+similar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentially
+contribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system for
+the mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of the civilised world.</p>
+
+<p class="right">WILLIAM HILLARY.</p>
+
+<p>19th July, 1825.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="tbrk">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center">LONDON:<br />PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+***** This file should be named 27322-h.htm or 27322-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/2/27322/
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/27322-page-images/f0001.png b/27322-page-images/f0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9845325
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/f0001.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/f0003.png b/27322-page-images/f0003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09f9504
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/f0003.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0001.png b/27322-page-images/p0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8992eae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0001.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0002.png b/27322-page-images/p0002.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3eacc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0002.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0003.png b/27322-page-images/p0003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd37ea4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0003.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0004.png b/27322-page-images/p0004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0bc5690
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0004.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0005.png b/27322-page-images/p0005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..105a12f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0005.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0006.png b/27322-page-images/p0006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3da4d3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0006.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0007.png b/27322-page-images/p0007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1598710
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0007.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0008.png b/27322-page-images/p0008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b3be4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0008.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0009.png b/27322-page-images/p0009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23a8d94
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0009.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0010.png b/27322-page-images/p0010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c91baa9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0010.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0011.png b/27322-page-images/p0011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..172b240
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0011.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0012.png b/27322-page-images/p0012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ab5ea1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0012.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0013.png b/27322-page-images/p0013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2dcafad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0013.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0014.png b/27322-page-images/p0014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..facba78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0014.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0015.png b/27322-page-images/p0015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3bc1501
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0015.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0016.png b/27322-page-images/p0016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..980afcd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0016.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0017.png b/27322-page-images/p0017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c9d036
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0017.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0018.png b/27322-page-images/p0018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3fdff6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0018.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0019.png b/27322-page-images/p0019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cc2e3dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0019.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0020.png b/27322-page-images/p0020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a31254
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0020.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0021.png b/27322-page-images/p0021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa11921
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0021.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0022.png b/27322-page-images/p0022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..af7f0ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0022.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0023.png b/27322-page-images/p0023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0af52b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0023.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0024.png b/27322-page-images/p0024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e4b8d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0024.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0025.png b/27322-page-images/p0025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3da4f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0025.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0026.png b/27322-page-images/p0026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b37c42f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0026.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0027.png b/27322-page-images/p0027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b48be10
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0027.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0028.png b/27322-page-images/p0028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd029b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0028.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0029.png b/27322-page-images/p0029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f281b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0029.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0030.png b/27322-page-images/p0030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9366349
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0030.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0031.png b/27322-page-images/p0031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..354bf5e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0031.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0032.png b/27322-page-images/p0032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f485a35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0032.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0033.png b/27322-page-images/p0033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbf433e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0033.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0034.png b/27322-page-images/p0034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0011dc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0034.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0035.png b/27322-page-images/p0035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a54f68
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0035.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0036.png b/27322-page-images/p0036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..25f12e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0036.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0037.png b/27322-page-images/p0037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d41b72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0037.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0038.png b/27322-page-images/p0038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..01802c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0038.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0039.png b/27322-page-images/p0039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8286ed2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0039.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0040.png b/27322-page-images/p0040.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4828973
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0040.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0041.png b/27322-page-images/p0041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..413554c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0041.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0042.png b/27322-page-images/p0042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..beb42ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0042.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0043.png b/27322-page-images/p0043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..704cf5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0043.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0044.png b/27322-page-images/p0044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3dd952
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0044.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0045.png b/27322-page-images/p0045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c2a0fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0045.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0046.png b/27322-page-images/p0046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5dde9d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0046.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0047.png b/27322-page-images/p0047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81c4c88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0047.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0048.png b/27322-page-images/p0048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ba058f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0048.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0049.png b/27322-page-images/p0049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..89c346d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0049.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0050.png b/27322-page-images/p0050.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a6b102
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0050.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0051.png b/27322-page-images/p0051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5874689
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0051.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0052.png b/27322-page-images/p0052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b9eaa6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0052.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0053.png b/27322-page-images/p0053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d22c9fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0053.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0054.png b/27322-page-images/p0054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f71ff0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0054.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0055.png b/27322-page-images/p0055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7215886
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0055.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0056.png b/27322-page-images/p0056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2119787
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0056.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0057.png b/27322-page-images/p0057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab3a034
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0057.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0058.png b/27322-page-images/p0058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa5f3fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0058.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0059.png b/27322-page-images/p0059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd402e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0059.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0060.png b/27322-page-images/p0060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb8d78e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0060.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0061.png b/27322-page-images/p0061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..76a705b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0061.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0062.png b/27322-page-images/p0062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea6ca5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0062.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/p0063.png b/27322-page-images/p0063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e059a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/p0063.png
diff --git a/27322-page-images/q0001.png b/27322-page-images/q0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27dd5df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322-page-images/q0001.png
diff --git a/27322.txt b/27322.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6ec7dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1924 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: 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 (1825)
+
+Author: William Hillary
+
+Release Date: November 24, 2008 [EBook #27322]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+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 THE
+EXTINGUISHMENT OF FIRE AT SEA;" "SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND
+EMBELLISHMENT 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 greatest
+maritime power on earth, and from the ardent zeal with which You have
+graciously extended Your Royal patronage to every measure which could
+promote the welfare and the glory of the British Navy, I have presumed,
+with the utmost deference, to dedicate the following pages to Your
+Majesty.
+
+With the most dutiful respect, I have the honour to subscribe myself,
+
+SIRE,
+
+Your Majesty's
+Most devoted subject and servant,
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TO THE
+
+SECOND EDITION[A].
+
+
+The few pages of which the present edition is composed, were principally
+written under the circumstances there stated, which had forcibly called
+my attention to the fatal effects of those ever-recurring tempests,
+which scatter devastation and misery round our coasts, where the veteran
+commander and his hardy crew, with their helpless passengers of every
+age and station in life, are left wretchedly to perish from the want of
+that succour which it has become my object earnestly to solicit for
+these destitute victims of the storm.
+
+Another winter has scarcely yet commenced, and our coasts are spread
+over 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 means
+to ascertain its extent, besides the loss of property to an enormous
+amount. And shall these fearful warnings also be without avail? Shall we
+still close our eyes on conviction, until further catastrophes wring
+from us those reluctant efforts, which ought to spring spontaneously
+from a benevolent people? With the most ample means for the rescue of
+thousands of human beings from a watery grave, shall we still leave them
+to their fate? Shall we hear unmoved of this widely-spread destruction,
+and not each contribute to those exertions, to which the common
+charities of human nature, and the certainty of the direful evils we
+might avert, and the sufferings we might assuage, ought to incite us to
+lend our utmost aid?
+
+The conflicting fury of the elements, the darkness of night, the
+disasters of the sea, and the dangers of the adjacent shores, but too
+frequently combine to place the unhappy mariner beyond the power of
+human relief. But if all cannot be rescued, must all therefore be left
+to perish? If every effort cannot be attended with success, must not any
+attempt be made to mitigate these terrible calamities, which bring home
+the evil to our very doors, and force conviction on us by their
+desolating effects, and by the destruction of hundreds of our
+countrymen, whose wretched remains perpetually strew our shores?--Whilst
+we pause, they continue to perish; whilst we procrastinate, the work of
+destruction pursues its course; and each delay of another winter, in the
+adoption of measures more commensurate with the extent of these
+deplorable events, is attended with the sacrifice--perhaps of a thousand
+human lives.
+
+Even were the preservation of the vessels and their cargoes alone the
+objects of our care, the present want of all system for such a purpose
+is, in its consequences, as lavish of property as it is of life; and
+from the vast amount now annually lost on our shores, infinitely more
+might unquestionably be preserved to the commercial interests of the
+country, by the establishment of the Institution proposed, than its
+support would cost to the nation on its most extended scale.
+
+Actuated by these impressions, I have sought by every argument to rouse
+the dormant energies of a brave and a humane people to the rescue of
+their fellow-creatures; and through the ardent zeal, the generous
+enterprise, and the liberal bounty of a great nation, to awaken every
+feeling which can stimulate to the effort, and provide every means which
+can insure its success.
+
+In our great insular empire, almost all individuals, from the most
+exalted and powerful in the land to the lowly and obscure, are at some
+period of their lives induced, by their various avocations and
+pursuits, to leave their own coasts. The brave seamen, the gallant
+soldiers, and the various subjects of these realms, of all ranks and
+degrees, are to be found traversing every stormy sea, and exposed to
+peril on every dangerous shore. This is not then an object for which the
+great and the affluent are called on for the relief of the humble and
+the destitute alone--the cause is individual, national, and universal,
+perhaps beyond any other which has ever yet been addressed to a country
+for support. It appeals equally to personal interest and to national
+policy--to private benevolence and to public justice; and each who thus
+extends the benefits of his efforts and his bounty to his countrymen and
+to 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 duty
+I owed to the cause of which I have thus become an advocate, to offer my
+views to those of every class and department, who, from their humanity,
+their talents, or their station, are the most calculated, or the best
+enabled, to promote this great object of national benevolence.
+
+I have dedicated this cause, with all deference, to a most gracious
+sovereign; I have addressed myself in its behalf to his ministers; and I
+have appealed to various distinguished individuals, to almost all the
+great national and benevolent institutions in the kingdom, to the
+commercial and shipping interests, and to the public at large, for the
+support of an object well worthy the deep attention of the greatest
+naval power of the present or of any former age, for the rescue of her
+numerous seamen and subjects from one of the most frequent and most
+awful of all the various calamities which desolate the human race.
+
+From the same motives, I have most respectfully submitted this national
+and international system to the sovereigns and governments of the
+principal maritime powers of Europe and of America; and I avail myself
+with pleasure of the present occasion, to express my grateful
+acknowledgments for the promptitude with which several of their
+ministers, resident at this court, have transmitted it to their
+respective governments.
+
+Encouraged to persevere in my endeavours, by the flattering support and
+approbation of many distinguished and enlightened characters, I am
+induced to hope that the day is not remote, when this contemplated
+institution may be established on a permanent basis, by the united
+energies of a noble and a benevolent nation, to whose support such a
+cause has never yet been addressed in vain.
+
+The interest which this subject has already excited, has induced me to
+commit another edition of my pamphlet to the press; whilst the magnitude
+and vital importance of these objects, to our country and to
+mankind,--on our own and every foreign shore,--in the present and every
+future age,--will, I trust, best plead my excuse as a retired
+individual, and acquit me from the charge of presumption, in having had
+the temerity to submit my views to the consideration of so many
+illustrious personages, and for the earnest solicitude with which I have
+addressed myself to the humanity, the benevolence, and the justice of
+the British nation.
+
+10th November, 1823.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] The introduction to the second edition and the following
+pamphlet were published previously to the formation of "the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck," which
+it originally projected, as will be obvious by reference to dates and to
+the accompanying Appendix.
+
+
+
+
+AN APPEAL,
+
+_&c._
+
+
+For many years, and in various countries, the melancholy and fatal
+shipwrecks which I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest in
+my mind for the situation of those who are exposed to these awful
+calamities; but the idea of the advantages which would result from the
+establishment of a national institution, for the preservation of human
+life from the perils of the sea, first suggested itself to me during my
+residence on a part of the coast, often exposed to the most distressing
+scenes of misery, and where the dreadful storms of the last autumn
+prevailed with unusual violence.
+
+On some occasions, it has been my lot to witness the loss of many
+valuable lives, under circumstances, where, had there been
+establishments previously formed for affording prompt relief, and
+encouragement given to those who might volunteer in such a cause, in all
+probability the greater part would have been rescued from destruction.
+At other times I have seen the noblest instances of self-devotion; men
+have saved the lives of their fellow-creatures at the peril of their
+own, without a prospect of reward if successful, and with the certainty
+that their families would be left destitute if they perished.
+
+From these considerations, I have been induced to wish, that the results
+of the experience, talent, and genius of the most distinguished
+commanders, and men of science, should be united in the formation of one
+great Institution, which would in itself embrace every possible means
+for the preservation of life from the hazards of shipwreck.
+
+Though many individuals have employed their time, their attention, and
+often exposed their personal safety for this object, yet nearly the
+whole of the most extensive and dangerous parts of our coasts are left
+without any means having been adopted, any precautions taken, for
+rendering assistance to vessels in distress; and, winter after winter,
+we have the most afflicting details of the consequences attendant on
+this lamentable apathy to human misery--an awful destruction of life, on
+almost every shore which surrounds the British dominions: acts have even
+sometimes been perpetrated at which humanity shudders, and which have
+caused other nations to cast reproach and opprobrium on the British
+name.
+
+But individual efforts, however meritorious in themselves, are unequal
+to produce all the benefits contemplated, or to remedy all the evils,
+attendant on one of the most tremendous of perils to which human nature
+is exposed, and which is most likely to fall upon those who are in the
+very prime of manhood, and in the discharge of the most active and
+important duties of life. From the calamity of shipwreck no one can say
+that he may at all times remain free; and whilst he is now providing
+only for the safety of others, a day may come which will render the
+cause his own.
+
+These are not arguments founded on the visionary contemplation of remote
+or improbable dangers. Their urgent necessity must be obvious to every
+mind. So long as man shall continue to navigate the ocean, and the
+tempests shall hold their course over its surface, in every age and on
+every coast, disasters by sea, shipwrecks, and peril to human life, must
+inevitably take place; and with this terrible certainty before our eyes,
+the duty becomes imperative, that we should use every means to obviate
+and to mitigate the deplorable consequences.
+
+This subject in a peculiar manner appeals to the British people
+collectively and individually. For ages, our seamen have been the
+acknowledged support of our splendour and our power; and until every
+thing which the ingenuity of man can suggest, and every inducement and
+regulation which social institutions can offer and arrange, have been
+combined into one great plan for their safety, we shall be wanting in
+our best duties to them, to our country, and to ourselves.
+
+Local associations cannot call forth the energy which such a cause
+demands at our hands; they are only partial benefits, whilst the great
+evil remains unredressed. We have many noble institutions, widely spread
+through the extent of the British dominions, supported by voluntary
+contributions, and exalting our name above that of every other nation by
+our disinterested efforts in the cause of humanity; whilst this great
+and vital object to every Briton, seems alone to have been strangely and
+unaccountably overlooked, or only partially undertaken.
+
+Our coasts are surrounded by land-marks as a guide by day, and lights
+and beacons by night; our mariners are furnished with charts of every
+sea, every rock is pointed out, every shoal set down, and every channel
+buoyed. Pilots are to be found at the entrance of every port, and all
+that science, indefatigable labour, and liberal expenditure can effect,
+to warn the seaman of his danger, and to prevent vessels from being
+wrecked,--all has long, and ardently, and ably been studied and
+accomplished.
+
+Whilst the vessels are yet secure, every safeguard is at their command,
+amply supplied by public associations, or by the state; and towards
+which, on their safe arrival in port, they contribute their quota for
+the benefits they have received,--and all must but too often prove in
+vain; many may thus be warned of their danger, and be saved; shipwrecks
+will still continue to take place, despite of all human means, and their
+crews be exposed to every species of peril and distress,--but what then
+becomes their fate?
+
+Wretched, exhausted, and in the last extremity of danger, on whom does
+their rescue devolve? to what body or class of men, or to which of our
+numerous departments, does it now become an honourable and an imperative
+duty to afford them assistance in this their utmost need?--where are the
+national funds for such an object, to supply ample means for the
+hazardous attempt, to reward the brave efforts of those who succeed, or
+to relieve the destitute families of those who perish in so honourable a
+cause?
+
+The melancholy catastrophe closed, every human being on board having
+perished, or having quitted their shattered vessel in despair; the laws
+and usages of recompense are clearly defined;--salvage for the property
+preserved, in proportion to its amount.
+
+But in the dreadful crisis between these two extremes, does one law of
+the land, or one National Institution, hold out the established claim to
+certain reward for a life saved?
+
+In the nineteenth century, surrounded by every improvement and
+institution which the benevolent can suggest, or the art of man
+accomplish for the mitigation or prevention of human ills, will it for a
+moment be capable of belief, that there does not, in all our great and
+generous land, exist one National Institution which has for its direct
+object the rescue of human life from shipwreck?
+
+The protection of property is in every stage a subject of legislation
+and of care;--the rescue of life from shipwreck has never yet been
+adopted as a national and a legislative object.
+
+With the exception of the recompenses voluntarily given by the liberal
+institution of Lloyd's, the very few associations scattered thinly on
+the coasts, and the valuable inventions and gallant efforts of those
+brave and enlightened individuals who do honour to their country, our
+shipwrecked seamen are left in this awful situation, to the spontaneous
+exertions of enterprise and humanity, the chance of the moment, or the
+mercy 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, I
+believe it will be found too faithfully correct.
+
+I am firmly convinced, that these appalling facts have never yet reached
+the great majority of the nation; but the veil once withdrawn, the
+honour, the justice, and the humanity of Britain will be deeply
+compromised, if the evil is not promptly and effectually redressed;--not
+any human means should be spared to atone for the past, and to alleviate
+the future.
+
+In bringing this deeply interesting subject before the public, it is my
+ardent hope that it may call forth the attention of those better
+qualified to bring to perfection so important a work. Let this great
+national object but once engage the attention of the public mind, and
+not any thing can arrest its course.
+
+The power of united effort, in the attainment of any great work of
+national benevolence, has never yet failed of success. The institution I
+have in view is equally a claim of justice and of benevolence; it
+peculiarly belongs to the greatest maritime nation in existence, and
+will, I trust, be deemed worthy the attention of the Admiralty of
+England, who have so long held their high station with as much honour to
+themselves as benefit to their country.
+
+By whose immediate patronage the first measures for the organization of
+such a system may be honoured, or under the sanction of what names the
+requisite public meetings to carry them into effect may be announced, it
+would be the utmost presumption in me to anticipate; but it appears to
+me, that the immediate assembling of such meetings in London, would best
+contribute to the establishment of this Institution on a permanent and
+extensive foundation.
+
+To the consideration of such meetings, I must respectfully beg leave to
+submit:
+
+That a national institution should be formed, equally worthy of Great
+Britain, important to humanity, and beneficial to the naval and
+commercial interests of the United Empire; having for its objects,
+
+_First_, The preservation of human life from shipwreck; which should
+always be considered as the first great and permanent object of the
+Institution,
+
+_Secondly_, Assistance to vessels in distress, which immediately
+connects itself with the safety of the crews.
+
+_Thirdly_, The preservation of vessels and property, when not so
+immediately connected with the lives of the people, or after the crews
+and passengers shall already have been rescued.
+
+_Fourthly_, The prevention of plunder and depredations in case of
+shipwreck.
+
+_Fifthly_, The succour and support of those persons who may be rescued;
+the promptly obtaining of medical aid, food, clothing, and shelter for
+those whose destitute situation may require such relief, with the means
+to forward them to their homes, friends, or countries. The people and
+vessels of every nation, whether in peace or in war, to be equally
+objects of this Institution; and the efforts to be made, and the
+recompenses to be given for their rescue, to be in all cases the same as
+for British subjects and British vessels.
+
+_Sixthly_, The bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue the
+lives of others from shipwreck, or who assist vessels in distress; and
+the supplying of relief to the destitute widows or families of the brave
+men 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 personages
+and distinguished characters in the state, under whose fostering care,
+as patrons and presidents, the system would have the best prospect of
+being brought to maturity; it would only be requisite to proceed to the
+next duty of the meeting, which would be the formation of a numerous
+Committee, including liberal and enlightened men from all classes and
+departments, naval and military officers, members of the Trinity House
+and of Lloyd's, merchants and commanders in the East India and other
+services, &c.
+
+In addition to this central Committee, it would be requisite, in order
+to carry the objects of the association into active execution, that
+branches of the Institution, and subject to its rules, should be formed
+in all the principal ports, and on the most dangerous sea-coasts of the
+United Kingdom; each having its own separate Committee, in direct
+communication with that in London. But, on the general central meetings
+of Presidents and Committee in London, would devolve the primary
+measures for the permanent establishment of the Institution; the general
+system of finance, the formation of rules and regulations, and the plans
+for giving activity and effect to the whole.
+
+Perhaps it might facilitate the progress of the measures in view, if the
+labour were divided, and two or more separate Committees or Boards were
+formed from the whole, consisting of individuals best qualified for the
+objects of each separate department, whose reports, before being finally
+adopted, should receive the sanction of the Institution at large.
+
+Under this view of the subject, a Committee of finance would be
+desirable, whose duty, in the first instance, would be to arrange and
+pursue the best and most active measures to diffuse a general knowledge
+of the objects and principles of the association; and to obtain
+donations and subscriptions, for the purpose of carrying them into
+effect.
+
+From the peculiarly interesting nature of this Institution, it is to be
+presumed, that this part of their duty would be found easy in its
+progress, 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 their
+nature, and small in importance compared with the present, which
+contemplates the rescue of thousands of human beings now in existence,
+and an incalculable number yet unborn, from one of the most tremendous
+of all perils,--who is there, to whom such an Institution once became
+known, that would refuse his aid? It is a cause which extends from the
+palace to the cottage, in which politics and party cannot have any
+share, and which addresses itself with equal force to all the best
+feelings of every class in the state.
+
+The names of every branch of the Royal Family are to be found at the
+head of all the benevolent Institutions of the empire.
+
+From the nobility and gentry large donations and subscriptions may
+naturally be expected. The clergy of every class will, no doubt, be
+foremost in the cause of humanity. To the whole body of the navy, the
+marines, and to the army, who, in the prosecution of their professional
+duties, encounter so many of the dangers of the sea, such an appeal will
+never be made in vain. Can it be supposed that there is one East India
+Director, one member of Lloyd's, an under-writer, a merchant, a
+shipowner, or commander in the India or merchants' service, from whom a
+subscription, liberal in proportion to his means, will not be obtained?
+Nor will the generous aid of any class of society, I am persuaded, be
+wanting for such a purpose; and as a stimulus to the whole, by example
+in their donations, and by the widely-extended circle of their
+influence, the British females of every station in life will, I am
+convinced, particularly distinguish themselves in aid of this cause.
+
+From these opinions, which I so confidently entertain of the humanity
+and liberality of the British people, I rest firmly persuaded, that the
+most ample means will be easily and speedily obtained for every possible
+expenditure which can attend the objects of this Institution.
+
+When the funds shall have been once established, the duty of the
+Committee will be, to have the permanent superintendence and regulation
+of their finance under the proper control of the whole society.
+
+A second Board, or Committee, should be formed from the most
+experienced and enlightened officers of the navy, seamen, engineers, and
+scientific men, for the purpose of carrying the direct objects of the
+Institution 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 joint
+knowledge and experience of the whole body, in plain and simple
+language, divested as much as possible of technical phraseology, and
+capable of being understood by every individual. This code of
+instruction should comprise the best and most prompt measures to be
+adopted in every sort of danger to which a vessel can be exposed, and on
+whatever kind of coast, in order that the most effectual assistance may
+be given, with the least possible loss of time, and with such means as
+in remote situations can most probably be obtained; and the Committee
+should be requested to report, from time to time, the result of those
+measures which they had found from experience to be most successful;
+whilst every friend to such a cause, who might suggest an invention or a
+means to facilitate these objects, would be certain, that in this
+Committee his plans would receive the most attentive consideration from
+those who would possess the power and the inclination to carry them into
+effect.
+
+It will be desirable that this Committee should suggest the most
+eligible 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 highly
+patriotic 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 the
+preservation of lives in danger, and the assistance of vessels in
+distress, according to the nature of the coasts on which the respective
+depots may be established. The purchase, safe custody, and control over
+the stores of the Institution, their being deposited in places best
+situated for instant issue on every emergency, and always in a state fit
+for immediate service, are objects which demand the utmost
+circumspection and care.
+
+This department is perhaps the most important of the whole--it is the
+operative; and on its judicious arrangements, the means of prompt and
+effectual efforts, the success of the most hazardous undertakings, the
+safety of those employed, and the rescue of those in peril, will
+unquestionably depend.
+
+For these purposes, as well as every other connected with the
+Institution, the respective Committees proposed to be formed, in every
+port, and on every coast, will be of the most essential use. The zeal,
+and other requisite qualities, which the members of such Committees may
+naturally be supposed to possess, point them out as the most eligible
+persons to have the immediate direction of the measures to be adopted.
+From them also it is to be expected that the most experienced in
+nautical affairs may be selected to command.
+
+To that department under which boats are to go out, and men are to risk
+their lives, for the rescue of those who may be in danger, the utmost
+attention is due: that, when they are so employed, it shall be under the
+direction of the most skilful advice which the occasion can afford; that
+their boats and equipments shall be such as best to insure their safety;
+and that the crews shall be selected from the bravest and most
+experienced persons who can be found.
+
+To insure order and promptitude on these occasions, where the least
+delay or indecision may cause the loss of all opportunity of acting with
+effect, a previous and, as far as practicable, a permanent arrangement
+should be formed. Volunteers should be invited to enrol themselves from
+amongst the resident pilots, seamen, fishermen, boatmen, and others, in
+sufficient numbers to insure the greatest probability of having every
+aid at hand, which, in the moment of danger, may be requisite. Each man
+should have his department previously assigned, and the whole should
+act under their respective leaders.
+
+To these regulations might be added a system of signals, equally
+available by night or by day, through which persons on board of vessels
+in distress could communicate the nature of the assistance of which they
+stood in need; and those on shore warn them of any danger, inform them
+of the succour they were going to afford, or give them any instructions
+requisite to their safety.
+
+In addition to these means, a great source of assistance to vessels in
+distress might be secured to be at all times within reach, by permanent
+and judicious arrangements with pilot companies, steam vessels, anchor
+vessels, harbour boats, trawl and other fishing boats, which, under
+proper indemnities, and for reasonable remuneration, would doubtless at
+all times contribute their aid, and act under the regulations of the
+Institution; it might also be advantageous, on many parts of the coast,
+to give premiums to those owners of boats who should have them fitted up
+with air tight cases, casks or cork, so as to answer the purpose of life
+boats, and who should constantly keep them in that state, ready for
+immediate service.
+
+At the same time care should be taken not to trammel by unnecessary
+regulations the spontaneous efforts of those, who, actuated by a
+generous ardour, on the emergency of the moment, seize on the first
+means which present themselves, and often accomplish their object in a
+manner which, to a cooler calculation, would appear impracticable.
+
+To expect a large body of men to enrol themselves, and be in constant
+readiness to risk their own lives for the preservation of those whom
+they have never known or seen, perhaps of another nation, merely because
+they are fellow-creatures in extreme peril, is to pay the highest
+possible compliment to my countrymen; and that on every coast there are
+such men, has been fully evinced, even under the present want of system,
+when the best means for their purpose are not supplied; when they are
+without any certainty of reward; and act under the peculiarly appalling
+consideration, that if they perish, they may leave wives, children, and
+every one destitute who depend on them for support.
+
+If, under such discouragement, we every year have so many instances of
+self-devotion, what might not be expected from the same men, when they
+knew that in the performance of their arduous duties, every possible
+means to execute them, with safety to themselves, and success to the
+objects of their efforts, would be supplied; that if they succeeded,
+they would be honoured and recompensed, according to their merits and
+situation in life; and if it were their lot to perish in so noble a
+cause, they had at least the consolation to know, beyond a doubt, that
+their families would not be left to deplore their loss in unassisted
+poverty?
+
+To these objects the Institution ought unquestionably to extend, or it
+would be unworthy of the great country to which it belonged, and of the
+high patronage with which I hope it may be honoured.
+
+Nor will I suppose that those whom I have specified are the only persons
+who will take an active part on such occasions. There is another class,
+who, from what I have individually seen, will, I am certain, become able
+and zealous leaders,--not only the employed, but the half-pay officers
+of the navy, now so widely spread over the coasts of the United Kingdom.
+Living in retirement in time of peace, they would not allow their
+energies to sleep when their brother seamen were in danger, but come
+forward with the conscious feeling, that those distinguished characters
+who preside over the British navy, would regard such meritorious
+services as being in the direct path of honour; and that to rescue a
+human being from the perils of shipwreck would not be less acceptable to
+their country than to subdue her enemies in battle.
+
+The Romans rewarded with the civic crown those who had saved the life
+of a fellow citizen. Our late venerable sovereign conferred the
+baronetage on the gallant Viscount Exmouth, then Captain Pellew, for his
+noble and successful efforts, at the extreme hazard of his own life, to
+save the crew of an East Indiaman, wrecked at Plymouth, when the
+situation of every one on board appeared beyond the reach of human aid.
+
+The whole class of the preventive service, with many departments of the
+revenue, could not be more honourably employed, and they must naturally
+feel that their brave exertions, on such occasions, would be fully
+estimated.
+
+The assistance of medical men, who would enrol themselves to be ready to
+attend, might frequently be of the utmost importance to succour and
+restore those who might have sustained severe injury, or whose lives
+might be nearly extinct; and it is confidently to be hoped, that the
+happiest consequences would frequently result, from having always ready
+for use, the apparatus of the Royal Humane Society for restoring
+suspended animation--also by the circulation of their instructions for
+the treatment of persons in that situation.
+
+There is not perhaps any subject connected with this proposed
+Institution, more worthy of its utmost attention and care, than the
+protection of persons and property from the cruel rapacity of those
+abandoned marauders, who, on some parts of our coasts, have but too long
+followed a practice disgraceful to a civilized state, and dangerous in
+its example as fatal to its victims, of plundering from wrecks, and
+there is much reason to fear, often suffering to perish, from want of
+assistance, many who might otherwise have been rescued from peril, and
+restored to their friends and their country; but by means of the
+numerous establishments of this Institution, the effects of a better
+example, the stimulus of rewards given for the preservation of life, the
+vigilant care and the vigorous measures which in such cases would
+unquestionably be pursued, it is confidently to be hoped that such
+atrocities 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 on
+these occasions, should be protected from the impress, by belonging to
+this service. The number need not be large, as the retired veterans of
+the navy, and the fishermen on the coast, would constitute the majority
+to be employed.
+
+The nature and extent of the recompenses for time and trouble, and the
+reward of those who hazard their own lives in the rescue of others,
+would form another important branch of the Institution for the labours
+of this Committee.
+
+The qualifications for these rewards naturally form themselves into
+classes.
+
+First, in case of successful efforts, where persons, at the risk of
+their own lives, save from imminent peril those of their
+fellow-creatures,--it should be established, beyond all doubt, that they
+should receive such reward for each life saved, as the Institution, on
+mature consideration, may determine. This might be fixed at not less
+than a certain sum, with power to extend it to a greater amount, to be
+decided by the Committee, according to the nature of the case; but, at
+all events, to the smallest of these rewards the parties to have an
+absolute claim, on furnishing unquestionable evidence of having saved a
+life.
+
+In many cases of persons rescued from the wreck, saved amongst rocks, or
+when found washed by the breakers on shore, particularly on remote
+coasts, but too often exposed to scenes of lawless depredation, the
+parties should equally be entitled to reward.
+
+Where lives are saved, without those employed hazarding their own, they
+should 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 be
+given to the first, second, and other boats which get alongside, and for
+other assistance.
+
+Remunerations should be given, and every inducement held out, for the
+prevention of plunder, and for the preservation of lives and vessels, in
+every situation of danger to which they may become exposed.
+
+When a life is saved by a person who had been equally fortunate on a
+former occasion, his reward should be larger, and increase progressively
+for other successful efforts. In case of crime, the second offence is
+punished more severely than the first, and the third than the second. In
+meritorious acts, it were only sound policy that the rewards should bear
+a similar proportion.
+
+Where an individual perishes in his attempts to rescue lives from
+shipwreck, or when assisting vessels in distress, his wife, children, or
+aged parents, if dependent on him for support, should have every relief
+which it may become practicable to give, and according to the particular
+circumstances of the case.
+
+The Institution should also recompense for severe injuries, ascertained
+to have been unquestionably sustained in the actual performance of such
+services.
+
+Ample and general powers should be given to confer rewards for such
+other acts as the Committee may consider justly entitled to them.
+
+It might, perhaps, also be worthy the consideration of the Institution
+at large, whether any badge or medal conferred on a man who had saved a
+life from shipwreck at the hazard of his own, might not have a very
+powerful effect. To many minds, even in the humblest walks of life, such
+a recompense would be more acceptable than a pecuniary reward, whilst a
+laudable ambition might be thus excited in others to imitate so
+meritorious an example--thus holding out every species of inducement, to
+the brave and the generous--to the humble but humane, to render their
+utmost aid to the shipwrecked of every land, in the moment of their
+extreme distress.
+
+To receive applications for rewards, to examine into the nature and
+extent of services performed, and to make reports, and forward
+certificates and recommendations to the general Committee, would become
+one of the most important duties of the local departments, on the
+judicious and faithful performance of which the honour and credit of
+the Institution would materially depend.
+
+These appear to me to be the principal objects to which the attention of
+the Committees should be directed, in the original formation of the
+establishment, and subject to the decision of the general meetings of
+the Institution, to whom their reports should be submitted.
+
+It is to be presumed that various parts of the interior of the United
+Kingdom will furnish considerable funds to the Institution, without
+calling upon it for any supplies; that many of the great sea-ports may
+perhaps raise means equal to the amount of their expenditure, in their
+immediate district; whilst there is a vast extent of the most rugged
+coast lying far distant from any prompt assistance, on which, above all
+others, vessels are exposed to the greatest danger. For such places,
+establishments could only be formed at a considerable expense; it being
+obvious, that from the solitude and remoteness of the surrounding
+country, only small pecuniary aid could be obtained; yet in these
+situations the seamen and fishermen ought to be stimulated by every
+possible incitement to take an active and decided part in the cause of
+humanity; since on these very coasts the vessels belonging to the most
+distant ports might be lost, and the relatives of those who resided in
+the very interior of the kingdom might perish. The cause, therefore,
+becomes common to all, and it will be of the highest importance to its
+success, that arrangements should be formed between the central
+Committee and the district associations, that, united in funds and in
+measures, they may as much as possible act in concert, in carrying the
+objects contemplated into the fullest effect through the whole extent of
+the British dominions.
+
+How far it may be desirable to apply for an act of parliament, or to
+establish the Institution into a chartered association, will remain for
+the general Committee to decide, when the whole has assumed a distinct
+form. It is also probable that great advantages might result from the
+investigations of a Committee of the House of Commons into the
+insufficiency of the enactments and regulations now in force for the
+preservation of life, and the prevention of plunder, from vessels which
+may be wrecked within the jurisdiction of our laws.
+
+I also venture, with deference, to recommend, that other maritime
+nations should be invited to form similar establishments, so far as
+accords with their respective laws and usages, and to concur in mutual
+arrangements with Great Britain for the reciprocal aid of the subjects
+and vessels of each other.
+
+Nor is the universal adoption of this system more imperatively
+demanded, by those feelings which should incite us to afford the most
+prompt assistance to the people of every country who may be in danger of
+shipwreck on our shores, than it is consistent with a wise and
+enlightened policy, which should extend our views from our own immediate
+coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every
+neighbouring state; more particularly from the entrance of the English
+Channel to the frozen regions of the North. And when we recollect the
+vast commercial fleets which the enterprise of our merchants adventures
+into every sea, and during every season; when more than a thousand sail
+of British vessels pass the sound of the Baltic each year; ought we not
+to bear in mind to what hazards the subjects and vessels of Great
+Britain are constantly exposed, on the whole of so extended a coast, and
+in every stormy and dangerous sea? and shall we not be wanting to them
+and to humanity, if we do not endeavour to obtain for our own
+shipwrecked countrymen, in every foreign land, the same effectual aid in
+the hour of danger, which, I doubt not, it will become one of the
+proudest objects of this Institution to extend to the vessels of every
+nation which may be in distress on the British shores?--Even during the
+most arduous prosecution of war, the cause of humanity, and the
+progress of civilization, would be eminently promoted by these noble and
+generous efforts, for the rescue of those, whom the fury of the elements
+had divested of all hostile character, and thrown helpless and powerless
+on a foreign coast.
+
+Thus would nations be drawn by mutual benefits into more strict bonds of
+amity during peace, and thus might the rigours of war be ameliorated, by
+having one common object of benevolence remaining; in the exercise of
+which the jealousies and angry passions incident to a state of hostility
+could not have any part with a generous and a high-minded people; whilst
+the experience and penetration of liberal and enlightened governments
+could, without difficulty, form such arrangements as would prevent that
+which was intended as a benefit to mankind, from being made subservient
+to any political abuse.
+
+My utmost wishes would be accomplished by seeing these international
+regulations established, in connexion with one great Institution, to
+extend to the most remote province of the empire, on the exalted
+principle, that wherever the British flag should fly, her seamen should
+be protected; and that those who risked their own lives to save their
+fellow-creatures from the perils of shipwreck should be honoured and
+rewarded; whilst every stranger, whom the disasters of the sea may cast
+on 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 preceding
+Pamphlet was committed to the press, when the great object it
+recommended was accomplished, with an unanimity and a promptitude which
+the irresistible power of such a cause could alone effect, by the
+establishment of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of
+Life from Shipwreck;--district associations on a very extended scale
+have also been formed in the county of Norfolk, and on various other
+important parts of the coast, avowedly founded on the plan which this
+work had projected.
+
+It has therefore become expedient, in the future circulation of this
+Pamphlet, to add a few pages, containing authentic statements of those
+proceedings by which the Institution was organized--how cordially this
+measure has been received and adopted, and how much in conformity with
+that outline which I had ventured to offer to the consideration of my
+country, these documents will best evince.
+
+It will at the same time be seen, that the resolutions of the General
+Meeting do not extend to the remuneration of the Salvors of property in
+cases of shipwreck, where not immediately connected with the
+preservation of life, it having been the opinion of the Provisional
+Committee that the existing laws had already made such regulations as to
+render that measure unnecessary.
+
+In reference to those passages which treat of the rewards to be
+conferred for services which may be performed, and more particularly as
+to the relief to be afforded to the destitute families of those who
+unhappily may perish in their attempts to preserve the lives of others,
+it will be obvious that the extent of such recompenses and relief must
+of necessity be guided by those means, which the liberality of the
+nation may supply--at the same time, I have the utmost satisfaction in
+stating the humane declaration of the Institution, that their operations
+will be limited only by the amount of those funds which may be placed at
+their disposal, or the number of cases calling for assistance; and I
+most sincerely concur in the confident hope which the Central Committee
+express, that the contributions may be so general as not only to give
+present effect, but also permanence, to this great national undertaking.
+
+Honoured, as this Institution has been, by the high patronage of the
+King, and of his illustrious family--constituted a Royal Institution by
+his Majesty's gracious command--sanctioned by many of the most
+distinguished characters in the church and state, and sustained by the
+bounty of a generous nation--it is not for me to have the presumption to
+offer my acknowledgements, for that support which the cause of our
+shipwrecked fellow-creatures has obtained from the sovereign and the
+people of this great country.
+
+But there are some names, the omission of which would be an act of
+injustice--the gentlemen of the Provisional Committee, who prepared the
+way for that success which attended the public meeting, over which his
+grace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided, in a manner as advantageous
+to the measures which he so essentially contributed to promote, as
+honourable to his own benevolent feelings; and the equally zealous
+members of the Central Committee, who now so ably conduct the affairs of
+the Institution, are eminently entitled to the warmest thanks of every
+friend of this cause, for their early and important exertions in its
+establishment, 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 in
+affording their valuable co-operation in the formation of this
+Institution.
+
+It only remains for me to express the heartfelt satisfaction which I
+experience, in witnessing the attainment of this object of my most
+earnest solicitude, and in the firm conviction with which I am
+impressed, that this Institution is now established on principles which
+will extend its beneficial effects to the most distant shores, and to
+generations yet unborn.
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+May 29, 1824.
+
+
+No. I.
+
+_Circular, convening a preliminary and select Meeting, to consider of
+the Suggestions in the Pamphlet by Sir William Hillary, Bart. of an
+Institution 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, to
+confer on certain measures which will then be submitted, and to
+determine on the expedience of calling a General Meeting in London, for
+the formation of a "National Institution for the Preservation of Life
+from 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 at
+the 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 human
+life by shipwreck, and believing that by the preconcerted exertions of
+practical men, and the adoption of practical means, such calamities
+might often be averted, are of opinion that a National Institution
+should be formed (to be supported by voluntary donations and
+subscriptions) for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck on the
+coasts of the united kingdom; for affording such immediate assistance to
+the persons rescued, as their necessities may require; for conferring
+rewards on those who preserve their fellow-creatures from destruction;
+and for granting relief to the destitute families of any who may
+unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of others.
+
+Resolved unanimously,
+
+That, with a view to the formation of such an Institution, a general
+Meeting of the Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Traders, and others, be
+convened for Wednesday, the 25th instant, at twelve for one o'clock
+precisely, or such other day as may be found more convenient.
+
+Resolved unanimously,
+
+That the following be a provisional Committee in the interim, with power
+to 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 the
+Meeting, 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. for
+his able conduct in the chair, and for his zeal in the support of the
+objects 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, held
+at 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.--That
+an Institution be now formed for the Preservation of Life in cases of
+Shipwreck on the Coasts of the United Kingdom, to be supported by
+donations and annual subscriptions; and to be called the "National
+Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck."
+
+II. Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Captain Deans
+Dundas, R.N.--That medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who
+rescue lives in cases of shipwreck.
+
+III. Moved by the Lord Bishop of London; seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Bridges, M.P.--That such immediate assistance be afforded to persons
+rescued 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 persons
+who may unfortunately perish in their attempts to save the lives of
+others.
+
+V. Moved by Captain John Foulerton;--seconded by Mr. Alderman
+Venables,--That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the
+Institution, as well in war as in peace; that the same rewards be given
+for their rescue as for British subjects; and that foreigners saved from
+shipwreck, and being in a state of destitution, be placed under the care
+of the consuls or other accredited agents of their own nations, or be
+forwarded 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 for
+the preservation of lives, in cases of shipwreck, as shall be most
+effectual for that purpose.
+
+VII. Moved by Matthias Attwood, Esq. M.P.; seconded by Thomas
+Wilkinson, Esq.--That the Institution be established in London, and be
+conducted by a patron, vice-patrons, a president, vice-presidents,
+governors, forty committeemen, a treasurer, three trustees, three
+auditors, a secretary, and assistants.
+
+VIII. Moved by John Blades, Esq.; seconded by John Marshall, Esq.--That
+the committee be denominated the "London Central Committee," and do
+continue to act for the first two years; and that after the expiration
+of that term, an election of six new members take place at each annual
+meeting, in the room of the six who shall be found to have attended the
+fewest number of times in the preceding year: and that the vice-patrons,
+president, vice-presidents, and treasurer, be also members of the
+committee.
+
+IX. Moved by Joseph Pulley, Esq.; seconded by John Atkins, jun.
+Esq.--That donations and annual subscriptions be now entered into, and
+solicited, 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, and
+the inland counties of the united kingdom, and the British isles, be
+earnestly invited to form district associations, as branches of this
+Institution, 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 Christopher
+Richardson, jun. Esq.--That it be recommended to such district
+associations, that their affairs be managed in conformity with the
+principles of the London central committee, and that their committees do
+consist of a chairman, and such other members as they may deem
+expedient.
+
+XII. Moved by Mr. Alderman Bridges, M.P.; seconded by David Carruthers,
+Esq.--That the committee be empowered to form rules, regulations, and
+by-laws, for the government of the Institution, which are to be
+submitted 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 the
+ambassadors, 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 convey
+to the King's most gracious Majesty, the deep and grateful sense which
+this Meeting entertains of the distinguished honour which his Majesty
+has 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 offered
+to their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Sussex, and
+Gloucester, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, for their readiness to
+become the vice-patrons of the Institution.
+
+XVI. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by John Vincent
+Purrier, Esq.--That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Earl of
+Liverpool, 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 the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other noble and distinguished
+personages who have accepted the office of vice-presidents of the
+Institution.
+
+XVIII. Moved by George Lyall, Esq.; seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq.
+M.P.--That the best thanks of this Meeting are due to Sir William
+Hillary, Bart. for his patriotic efforts in bringing this subject before
+the public, and for his zealous endeavours to promote the establishment
+of the Institution.
+
+XIX. Moved by Thomas Wilkinson, Esq.; seconded by Thomas Maltby,
+Esq.--That copies of the resolutions entered into this day be
+transmitted to the Admiralty, to the Trinity House, and to Lloyd's; and
+that copies of the resolutions be published in several of the provincial
+papers.
+
+XX. Moved by John William Buckle, Esq.; seconded by Sir Charles Flower,
+Bart.--That the warmest thanks of this Meeting be presented to Thomas
+Wilson, Esq. M.P. for his humane, zealous, and persevering exertions in
+the establishment of this Institution.
+
+
+His Grace the Archbishop having left the chair, Thomas Wilson, Esq. was
+unanimously 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 given
+to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the important service
+which he has rendered the Institution, and particularly for his
+condescension in taking the chair this day.
+
+(Signed) THOMAS WILSON,
+Chairman.
+
+
+_At a General Court of the Subscribers and Friends to the Royal
+National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, held
+at 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 William
+Hillary, 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 the
+Royal National Institution, now happily established for the preservation
+of Life from Shipwreck, a brief recapitulation of the important nature
+of its objects and its plans, will perhaps be the best conclusion I can
+offer to those pages, which have already been received by the public in
+a manner so gratifying to my own feelings.
+
+From the most early periods, and in every state of society, shipwreck
+has been one of those never ceasing evils which has excited the
+commiseration of mankind; but, until recently, appears scarcely ever to
+have called forth their humane efforts to mitigate its deplorable
+consequences. For centuries our mariners have been left, unassisted, to
+endure every peril of the sea, as if shipwreck were a calamity in every
+instance utterly beyond all reach of mortal succour, and in every age,
+thousands of our fellow-creatures have thus miserably perished, who
+unquestionably might have been rescued.
+
+Of late years, various efforts have been made on parts of our coasts for
+the preservation of life from impending peril, and some excellent
+inventions have been introduced for that purpose; these had however
+hitherto been only a means, not a system--local, not national.
+
+But when we reflect on the great waste of human life attendant on these
+dreadful catastrophes, and the vital importance to their country of
+those who have thus been abandoned to their wretched fate, it cannot
+fail to excite our astonishment that amongst all the noble Institutions
+of this great empire, which have been patronized by the crown, promoted
+by the government, or sustained by the bounty of the people, there never
+before has been established, in this the most powerful maritime state of
+ancient or of modern days, one general association, or national
+Institution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck.
+
+The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused to
+this important object,--this void in our benevolent establishments has
+been supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, under
+the 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 and
+the commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend their
+beneficial influence to every age and every country.
+
+It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within the
+scope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck--not only of the
+seamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation who
+may become exposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally in
+peace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urging
+them to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them with
+every means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safety
+to themselves--conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for their
+generous efforts--rendering every practicable relief to the destitute
+widows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in their
+attempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may be
+thus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing,
+medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require--to
+enable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes,
+or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And the
+subjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to place
+them in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their own
+nation.
+
+This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of such
+inventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Lives
+from Shipwreck.
+
+Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to be
+the best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritime
+people--to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remained
+dormant, or hitherto have only been partially exerted, and to arouse
+our countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power from
+those direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed--which
+are not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome and not liable to
+recur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to every
+coast--each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain to
+continue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented,
+in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shall
+extend itself over the globe.
+
+To all who revere the naval glory of Britain--to all who duly estimate
+the commercial greatness of their country, or who profit by its
+success--to all who feel the humanity and the policy of preserving the
+brave 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 national
+honour, and the maritime interest of their country, that all the means
+which the bounty of a wealthy and a liberal people can supply, and all
+the efforts which experience and humanity can prompt, should be devoted
+to so sacred a cause.
+
+Each in his respective sphere is earnestly solicited to bear a
+part--the great and the affluent, and those residing in the interior of
+the kingdom, by their influence and their contributions--the active and
+the zealous, by their energetic efforts--those on the coasts, by the
+more hazardous exertions of enterprise and bravery--and all, according
+to their power and their stations, to promote the success, and to
+recompense the endeavours of those who voluntarily encounter the
+greatest 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 scale
+commensurate with the frequency and the extent of the misfortunes they
+are intended to alleviate, requires the combined efforts of numerous
+public bodies and zealous individuals--preconcerted arrangements on
+every dangerous coast, and considerable pecuniary resources.
+
+Under these convictions, I presume most earnestly to recommend, that
+public meetings should be held in those maritime counties and great sea
+ports of the united kingdom which have not yet come forward in this
+cause, for the formation of district or local associations on all our
+coasts, regulated in their internal concerns by their own committees, as
+departments of, and in direct communication with, the parent
+Institution, having an union of funds, of object and of effort, for the
+most extended adoption of every means which the magnitude of the evil to
+be averted imperatively demands at our hands.
+
+Nor are those whose residence is the most remote from the scenes of
+these disasters, less interested in the universal establishment of this
+system.--Where is to be found that family, of any station, even in the
+very interior of the kingdom, which has not some near and dear
+connexions, some valued relatives or friends, who, from their
+professions or their pursuits, may become exposed to the hazard of
+shipwreck, and who may be thus preserved, through the very means to
+which their bounty may contribute? Themselves distant from the scene of
+danger, they may, without effort or toil, become instrumental in the
+rescue of those they most value in life--equally then are they called on
+to take measures for the collection of funds in the midland counties as
+on 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 the
+public mind, the adoption of more extended and systematic plans will
+naturally impress themselves on our consideration.
+
+From an almost universal want of foresight in our seamen, and a
+carelessness in providing against future dangers, naturally arising
+from the reckless bravery of their character, they would turn with
+contempt from any proposition that each should always take with him to
+sea, some one of those simple but practicable means by which his rescue
+from shipwreck might be greatly facilitated. In like manner the owners
+or masters of vessels, some from an ill timed parsimony, but far more,
+from thoughtlessness or prejudice, neglect to provide their vessels with
+any of the apparatus which would, in many instances, insure the safety
+of the passengers and crews.
+
+What is thus the duty of every one, will, amongst such a numerous class
+of 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 most
+imperative duties of an enlightened government--it has therefore become
+indispensably requisite, in this great maritime nation, that these
+evils, arising from causes which no unity of opinion or of action, in
+the parties most interested, can ever be expected to remove, should as
+far as possible be obviated by legislative enactment--and that vessels
+should not, after a given period, be permitted to clear out at the
+ports from which they are to sail, until, according to their tonnage,
+the number of their passengers and crews, and the nature of the voyage
+on which they are bound, it shall have been ascertained that they have
+been 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 for
+establishing a communication in case of wreck, between the vessel and
+the shore--materials for the construction of rafts--lifebuoys--cork
+jackets, or other buoyant means of safety to individuals; boats in a
+reasonable proportion to the numbers on board, to some of which the
+properties of life boats might immediately and easily be given--with
+other measures which the great importance of the object demands, on a
+scale consistent with that economy which should ever attend compulsatory
+regulations.
+
+The extent and nature of these precautionary measures require mature
+consideration, and would best be ascertained by a committee of
+experienced and scientific officers and individuals selected from the
+navy, the Trinity House, Lloyd's, the Ship-owners' Society, and other
+departments connected with maritime affairs, on whose reports, and after
+minute and deliberate investigation, perhaps an enactment could alone be
+founded to produce the much desired effect.--It is only by reducing
+into a system those measures which are now left to chance, or to the
+forethought or the caprice of thousands, that such effectual precautions
+can be taken, as will insure that at all times the danger may be
+promptly met by adequate means of rescue.
+
+It has been allowed by those of much ability and experience, that it
+would be very important, that seamen in the merchants service should be
+examined, by some competent authority, to be established for the
+purpose, as to their possessing that knowledge of their profession, on
+which the safety of their vessels and the lives of their crews must
+continually depend, before any one, who has not already filled that
+office, should be allowed to take the command of a vessel, of such
+tonnage and description, and with such exceptions as, on more full
+investigation of the subject, might be deemed requisite.
+
+We have only stedfastly and undeviatingly to persevere in our
+course,--the greatness of our objects--the goodness of our cause--the
+conviction to the public mind, which time and experience cannot fail to
+bring, of the practicability of our means; and above all, the benevolent
+feelings of a gallant nation, excited by the continued rescue of their
+fellow creatures, will combine irresistibly to advocate this system, and
+ultimately to insure its complete success.
+
+Much has recently been accomplished--several noble establishments have
+already been formed on our coasts--rewards for many lives preserved have
+already been bestowed--infinitely more remains yet to be done--nor
+should we for one moment desist from our exertions, nor relax from their
+ardent pursuit, until the whole of the British coasts shall be
+surrounded by well organized branches of the Institution--until every
+mariner, who may be in danger of shipwreck on our shores, may feel
+assured that his rescue will be attempted by all the efforts which a
+generous enterprise can make, supported by every means which human
+foresight can arrange--and until, prompted by our example, and
+witnessing that succour which their own shipwrecked seamen will have
+received on the shores of these kingdoms, the governments and the people
+of every maritime nation may become impressed with the vital importance
+of this cause; and joining their efforts to ours, by the formation of
+similar establishments in their respective countries, thus essentially
+contribute to the adoption of an inter-national and universal system for
+the mitigation of the calamity of shipwreck, on every coast of the
+civilised world.
+
+WILLIAM HILLARY.
+
+19th July, 1825.
+
+
+LONDON:
+PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of 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 (1825), by William Hillary
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK APPEAL TO THE BRITISH NATION ***
+
+***** This file should be named 27322.txt or 27322.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/2/27322/
+
+Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/27322.zip b/27322.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..33e1563
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27322.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..071de44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #27322 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27322)