To Mr. George Trevelyan I owe much for his inspiring encouragement and to Mr. Erskine Childers for his valuable suggestions. Mr. 'denys Winstanley most generously read through and gave advice on the whole of the proof-sheets: it is difficult to thank him enough for the advantage I have derived from his accurate and extensive knowledge of Chatham and the period. Mrs. Hilary Jenkinson has stood by the book for over a year: for her scholarly researches and her unstinted help I am most deeply grateful.