M----, a man whose reputation as being the smartest officer in the navy, I must venture to say, I think was greatly exaggerated, though he was doubtless what is called a 'smart officer.' His idea was to rule with a rod of iron, and never to encourage anyone by praising zealous and active service.

He used to say, 'I am here to find fault with, not to praise, officers under my command.' So many a fine fellow's zeal was damped by knowing that no encouragement would follow in the way of appreciation from his chief, however much he might have merited it.
I cannot refrain from recounting a very amusing incident that occurred in connection with my command of H.M.S.

_F---- _.

I may mention that, differing as I did most materially with the system of discipline followed by the commander-in-chief, I was no favourite of his.
One day, however, I was somewhat surprised at being ordered to prepare for the official inspection of my ship, and by no less a person than Sir W.M----himself.

I must mention that one of the crotchets of the chief was that vessels such as mine--namely, a gunboat of the first class--could be floated off the shore, in case of their stranding, by water-casks being lashed round them.