Chapter XXIX: Appendix: I

Orion, St Helen's Roads, 30th December 1796.

MY LORD,

I HAVE had it in contemplation for some time past, to lay
before your Lordships the enclosed plan for the establishment
of a Marine Artillery for the service of the Navy, but was
prevented from doing it by the late prospect of a peace; at
present, as the haughtiness of our enemies seems to have
removed that desirable object to a distant period, and as a
further augmentation to our forces may in consequence take
place, it may not appear unseasonable.

If it has the good fortune to meet with your Lordship's
approbation, I shall think myself amply recompensed for the
time I have bestowed upon it.

I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient
And very humble servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

A PLAN FOR FORMING A CORPS OF ARTILLERY FOR HIS MAJESTY'S NAVAL
SERVICE.

"In consequence of the present great increase of the royal
navy, it becomes from time to time necessary to augment
proportionably that very useful body of men, the Marines,--but
that very respectable corps would be rendered of far greater
importance to the service, were they trained up and exercised
in the management of the great guns; for which purpose it is
humbly submitted, that a division be established at either
Woolwich or Deptford, to be composed of drafts from the
divisions of Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham, in order to be
instructed in the exercise and use of artillery; and thereby
become expert gunners when ordered to be embarked on board His
Majesty's ships; their numbers to consist of one man to every
four guns in each line-of-battle ship, which would compose
about one third of their present complement. In addition to
which, two companies should be quartered at the other three
divisions, to complete such vacancies as occasionally would
occur on board the fleet.

"The great utility of this corps must appear obvious when it is
considered that the only person supposed to be qualified and
experienced in gunnery on board His Majesty's ships, is the
gunner, who, too often ignorant of his own duty, is totally
unable to instruct others. In the quarter bills of most ships,
it is well known that a very small proportion of the marines
are reserved for musketry, the greater part being in general
divided on the different batteries. With what advantage would
they not go to their quarters, after having been well practised
and exercised as artillery-men; and how soon would not the rest
of the ship's company become also expert gunners in emulating
their example.

"These men would also be found particularly useful on
expeditions abroad, in landing or making a descent on the
enemy's coast, when a well-served artillery is often of the
greatest importance.

"The officers might be appointed from the other divisions, and
should consist of those who, from their age and services, were
incapable of being engaged in actual duty;--they would here
find a comfortable asylum during life, and end their days in
the service of their country.

"The expenses incurred by this establishment would be
inconsiderable; and no doubt can be entertained of its proving
a lasting advantage to His Majesty's service, and adding
strength to the great bulwark of this country,--the Royal Navy.

"JAMES SAUMAREZ, Orion."

"The Right Honourable Earl Spencer,
&c. &c. &c."

"Admiralty, 2nd January 1797.

"DEAR SIR,

"I hazard a line in the uncertainty whether you may not have
sailed before this reaches Portsmouth, to thank you for your
paper on the establishment of a Corps of Artillery for the
naval service. The idea is one which I have often heard
discussed, and in many points of view a very good one; but I
fear that there would be so many difficulties in point of
official arrangements to overcome in carrying it into
execution, that no very sanguine hopes can be entertained of
its succeeding.

"It is, however, a subject well worthy of attention, and which,
at a less pressing moment, it may perhaps be worth while to
renew.

"I am,
"Dear sir,
"With great regard,
"Your very obedient, humble servant,
"SPENCER."

"To Sir James Saumarez."