added some particulars of the author; but they are unable to say more on the subject than may be collected from the work itself, and the original preface. It is obvious that captain George Carleton was one of those men who choose the path of military life, not from a wish to indulge either indolent or licentious habits, but with a feeling of duty, which should be deeply impressed on all to whom their country commits the charge of her glory, and of the lives of their fellow subjects. There is a strain of grave and manly reflection through the work, which speaks the author accustomed to scenes of danger, and familiar with the thoughts of death. From his studies in mathematics, and in fortification, he is entitled to credit for his military remarks, which are usually made with simple modesty. His style is plain and soldier-like, without any pretence at ornament; though in narrating events of importance, its very simplicity gives it occasional dignity. Of the fate of the author after deliverance from his Spanish captivity, we know nothing; but can gather from some passages in his Memoirs, that it did not correspond with his merit. While we hope that e The Memoirs were first printed in 1743, with the following comprehensive title page :-" The Memoirs of captain George Carleton, an English officer, who served in the two last wars against France and Spain, and was present in several engagements, both in the fleet and army, Containing an account of the conduct of the earl of Peterborough, and other general officers, admirals, &c., and several remarkable transactions both by sea and land. In which the genius, pride, and barbarity of the Spaniards, during the author's being a prisoner of war among them, are set in a true light. Together with a description of many of their cities, towns, &c., par our present army possesses many such characters, as the reflecting, manly, and conscientious Carleton, we heartily wish them better fortune. ticularly Valencia, Barcelona, Molviedro, Saguntum, Alicant, Montserat, Denia, St. Clement de la Mancha, Madrid, Valladolid, Bilboa, St. Jean de Luz, Bayonne, Pont d'Esprit, Pampeluna, Saragoza, &c. Their manners and customs, both religious and civil; observations on their monasteries and nunneries, and their manner of investing nuns. Likewise their bull-feasts, and other public diversions.” ΤΟ THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SPENCER LORD COMPTON, BARON OF WILMINGTON, KNIGHT OF THE BATH, AND ONE OF HIS MAJESTY'S MOST HONOURABLE PRIVY COUNCIL. It was my fortune, my lord, in my juvenile years, Musas cum marte commutare; and truly I have reason to blush, when I consider the small advantage I have reaped from that change. But lest it should be imputed to my want of merit, I have wrote these Memoirs, and leave the world to judge of my deserts. They are not set forth by any fictitious stories, nor embellished with rhetorical flourishes; plain truth is certainly most becoming the character of an old soldier. Yet let them be never so meritorious, if not protected by some noble patron, some persons may think them to be of no value. To you, therefore, my lord, I present them; to you, who have so eminently distinguished yourself, and whose wisdom has been so conspicuous to the late representatives of Great Britain, that each revolving age will speak in your praise; and if you vouchsafe to be the Mecenas of these Memoirs, your name will give them sufficient sanction. An old soldier I may truly call myself, and my family allows me the title of a gentleman; yet I have seen many favourites of fortune, without being able to discern why they should be so happy, and myself so unfortunate. But let not that discourage your lordship from receiving these my Memoirs into your patronage; for the unhappy cannot expect favour, but from those who are endued with generous souls. Give me leave, my lord, to congratulate this good fortune, that neither whig nor tory (in this complaining age) have found fault with your conduct. Your family has produced heroes, in defence of injured 'kings; and you, when it was necessary, have as nobly adhered to the cause of liberty. My LORD, Your lordship's most obedient, And most devoted humble Servant, G. CARLETON. |