To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

A communication with your Lordships in 1843, led me to infer that an Essay upon the interesting subject connected with the present inquiry, would be received with a degree of attention according to its merits, and the importance of the object connected with it. But should you, in your superior wisdom, perceive sufficient evidence has not been advanced to render it deserving the consideration requisite at your hands, future proofs may arise upon the foundation contained in the following pages.—On the contrary, should it meet with your approbation, the high and honourable position you maintain for the benefit of maritime affairs will, I trust, induce you to exercise your influence towards effecting a trial of the plan submitted, for the benefit of the community at large, I and for the honour and credit of your noble establishment.

I am,
My Lords and Gentlemen,
Your very humble and obliged Servant,

THE AUTHOR.