OF OUR

WOODEN WALLS

AND THEIR

VICTORIES;

TOGETHER WITH A

SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE MOST REMARKABLE
IRON-CLAD VESSELS.

BY J. BRADSHAWE WALKER.

Second Edition.

WITH ADDITIONS AND EMENDATIONS BY THE AUTHOR OF
"THE HISTORICAL FINGER-POST."

LONDON:
AYLOTT AND SON, 8, PATERNOSTER ROW.

PRINTED BY

JOHN SUCH, BUDGE ROW, WATLING STREET, LONDON.

PREFACE.

In presenting this sketch of the lives and times of England's ocean warriors, we may briefly inform the Reader that our materials are compiled from the best sources. The biographical and historical features of such a work, when twined together with accuracy, may be said to possess the wild grandeur of romance, and the startling assurance of reality. In fact, our small volume is the text-book of many ponderous folios, not always within the reach of the curious reader. In our researches we have been careful concerning the dates of particular occurrences and periods; and considering that such a publication needs not the timid resource of apology, we cordially invite the public to accept this effort as a national gift, that may find for itself no inappropriate place on the wave of time.

We are indebted to the writings of Mr. JAMES, and to one or two celebrated naval biographers; but more especially to the Greenwich historian, Mr. ALLEN, whose authority on naval matters stands pre-eminent, and will be a proud memorial to his naval skill and peaceful genius in ages yet to come. But, from whatever source we have extracted important passages, we have duly acknowledged it. Having no feeling in common with those