12

HISTORY OF

[JAMES II.-WILLIAM III.

During the short reign of King James the Second, his subjects hadfew opportunities of distinguishing themselves against a Foreign enemy; butin that of his successors, King William and Queen Mary, the occasionswere so numerous, and the practice of rewarding eminent merit with Medalsbecame so general, that it was expressly recognized by the Legislature.

In 1692, an Act of Parliament was passed “ for prohibiting all trade andcommerce with France, and for the encouragement of privateers,” the tenthclause of which provided, that “ in all cases where the prize shall not be takenby any Private Man of War, one tenth part thereof, after such sale and deduc-tion of their Majesties Customs as aforesaid (and before any division of theproceed thereof shall be made as aforesaid) shall be paid to the Treasurer of theNavy for the time being, which said tenth part shall be separated and kept apartby the said Treasurer of the Navy, and shall be disposed of from time to time byWarrant of the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral,or Lord High Admiral for the time being, for Medals and other Rewards forOfficers, Marines, and Seamen, in their Majesties service at Sea, who shall befound to have done any signal or extraordinary service.” 7

It is evident from this Statute, that the Crown intended to reward withHonorary Medals not only the Captains, but all Officers and Seamen of theRoyal Navy who might signalize themselves; and in thus making merit and notstation, the qualification for the distinction, the Government was actuated by ajust and liberal principle, with which, the modern practice in this Country hasbeen wholly at variance.

Though several Medals were struck in commemoration of the battle of LaHogue in May 1692, no proof has been found that any of them were conferredupon the Officers and Seamen by whom it was gained; but there is, nevertheless,little doubt that one of those Medals was appropriated to that object. 8 TheMedal, which is supposed to have been bestowed on Admiral Russell, and hisbrave companions, contains the effigies of King William and Queen Mary,with the inscription gul. et mar. d. g. m. b. f. et h. rex et regina, andon the reverse, is a Ship of the Line engaging the French Admiral Tourville,

7 Stat. 4. Will, and Mar. c. 25., Statutes of the Realm, folio, Vol. VI. p. 421. This Act was toendure for three years, if the war with France so long continued.

8 It is expressly stated in the Memoir of Admiral Sir John Leake, who was present in the engage-ment, that Medals were presented to the Officers. Naval Chronicle, Vol. XVI. p. 452.