DEDICATION.

most powerful Peers, and the greatest Statesmen and Warriorsof England, have felt honoured by admission into them; andthese Institutions have thus proved as ornamental to theThrone, as useful to the State.

Under these circumstances, MADAM, it was humblyhoped that a General History of the British Orders ofKnighthood might be deemed worthy of Your Majesty’sattention; and that hope was encouraged by Your Majestyhaving graciously deigned to allow this Work to be placedunder Your August Protection.

That Your Majesty’s Orders may long retain the lustrewhich the patriotism and virtues of their Sovereign now reflectupon them; and that these marks of Royal Favour may longcontinue to be conferred bv the same Illustrious Hand, is theearnest prayer of,

MADAM,

Your Majesty’s

Most dutiful, most faithful, and most obedientSubject and Servant,

Londox,12th May 1841.

NICHOLAS HARRIS NICOLAS,

CHANCELLOR OF THE ORDER OF SAINT MICHAELAND SAINT GEORGE.