The Preamble to the Articles of War

Abstract

The preamble to the 1866 Naval Discipline Act, which incorporates the Articles of War reads: “The Navy whereon, under the good Providence of God, the wealth, safety, and strength of the Kingdom chiefly depend”. This paper traces the different forms of words used to express the same sentiment in earlier Acts, starting in 1661. Other comments, for example that the claims of economy should not be allowed to conflict with naval efficiency, are also noted. The author also considers a number of possible origins for the sentiment, including Milton and Raleigh.

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Filed under: Other (Early Modern) | Other (Nineteenth C) | Other (Eighteenth C) | Other (location)
Subjects include: Administration | Navies