Its aggregate tonnage was 11,820; not half so much as at the present moment--in the case of one marvellous merchant-steamer--floats upon a single keel.
These vessels carried.

837 guns and 6279 men.

But the navy was reinforced by the patriotism and liberality of English merchants and private gentlemen.

The city of London having been requested to furnish 15 ships of war and 5000 men, asked two days for deliberation, and then gave 30 ships and 10,000 men of which number 2710 were seamen.

Other cities, particularly Plymouth, came forward with proportionate liberality, and private individuals, nobles, merchants, and men of humblest rank, were enthusiastic in volunteering into the naval service, to risk property and life in defence of the country.