Lords of the Admiralty as it was flattering to the compilation they had been pleased to honour with their approval, necessitated its publication. The Author felt that it would be but a doubtful proof of the attachment he feels for the service to which he belongs were he from apprehension of criticism, or feelings of false delicacy, to suppress a work which his superiors have honoured with their commendation.
In the handling of the several subjects the Author desires to express his obligations to those professional friends who have conferred upon him the benefit of their remarks on some points which he was permitted to bring under their personal notice.
In using certain expressions, such as "ought," "should," &c., the Author is anxious to disclaim anything approaching to a tone imperious or dictatorial. He does not affect to prescribe to any what should be the line of conduct adopted, but simply means to convey that, according to his ideas, the course or acts suggested are the proper ones to be taken under the circumstances.
It will also be observed that in some chapters the ordinary style of this work has been departed from, and another more involving personal address substituted. The Author found that, in laying down directions for the performance of certain routine duties, it was more convenient and condensed to suppose himself speaking to those for whose benefit his book is intended, than to clothe these necessary directions in a style abstract and more diffuse. In fact, when duties such as the "handling" of gear came to be specified, it was found impracticable to convey directions in any other mood than the imperative.