seum, and has been greatly admired. Some other inventions, and a plan for manning the royal navy without resorting to impressment, will be noticed in an Appendix. ☞
In Oct. 1834, a very handsome service of plate was “presented to Captain Tayler by his fellow-townsmen and friends, in token of the high esteem they entertain for him, and in testimony of his active and independent exertions in promoting, upon all occasions, the prosperity of his native town, and the welfare of its inhabitants.” The plate was sent to him, accompanied by an appropriate address from the committee (deputed for the purpose), with a list of the contributors; to which he returned the following reply:–
“Gentlemen,– I have had the high honour and gratification of receiving the very munificent present of my fellow-townsmen and friends, together with your truly friendly address. It would be in vain to attempt to describe to you, in adequate terms, the feelings with which it has inspired me; for, however it may have been induced by a too generous estimation of my conduct and humble services, I shall ever look upon it as the highest tribute that can be paid to an individual. In the very long list of the names of those who have united to pay me this handsome compliment, I find that of my worthy friend, the chief magistrate of the town – the universally esteemed justice of the borough, and others of the authorities – the whole of the resident clergy – nearly all the professional gentlemen – most of the respectable tradesmen – a large portion of the honest and independent operatives – and others, my most valued friends; to all of whom, in expressing my grateful acknowledgments, I can only say, that it shall be my study to retain the good opinion they have formed of me.
“Gentlemen,– I can never forget the very handsome manner in which the body corporate of Devizes presented me with the freedom of the borough, on my return from active naval service. This is now upwards of eighteen years ago, the greater part of which time I have resided amongst you. To find, therefore, that I have not only lived in your respect and esteem (which must at all times be a source of happiness and of pride), but that my conduct should have excited you to some especial mark of your favour, is indeed a tribute, which, as I have before said, inspires me with feelings not to be described.
“Water is, of course, my favorite element; but, should his Majesty not again require my services, I trust I shall spend the remainder of my days in terms of friendship and sociability among my fellow-townsmen. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your very grateful and faithful servant,
“Bellevue-House, Devizes, Oct. 1834.”
