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subsequently , rather than meet the wooden walls of Old England , they were quietly submerged to form a subaqueous breakwater . Thanks to the navy , the entrance of the Danube had been unclosed , and that great highway of nations was now opened to commerce . The people of all countries could now cross the Black Sea in defiance of Russian war vessels . In the gallant band of brave men in our navy was to be found the name of our friend and Brother , Commander Hubert Campion . In the Vesuvius he had assisted under the cliffs of the Crimea

in protecting the flank of the British army . He had not only endured the perils of shot and shell , but he had encountered that tremendous hurricane which caused such fearful damage off Balaklava to 'the .. , forces , both sea and land . After a brief interval he had joined the squadron in the Sea of Azoff , where he had distinguished himself in all the encounters which took place with the enemy in the destruction of their immense stores . This important service ended , he had returned to his native city , promoted for his services , thanked by his superiors , gladly welcomed by his Brethren , and esteemed by all who knew him . It had been the commander ' s fortune to have been in the Sea of Azoff under that

distinguished man , Capt . Lyons . He had assisted in not only annihilating the remainder of the . Russian force in those seas , but he had destroyed millions of rations imported for the sustenance of the Russian army . The name of the gallant Brother was to be found honourably mentioned in five several Gazettes , five times in one despatch , for the success of his proceedings ,, his name standing as high as any man of his rank and station . The respectable body of Masons then present had done themselves the honour of assembling to welcome him back unscathed to Exeter . They had prepared a tribute of respect , which was as

follows : — "To Brother Hubert Campion , Commander Royal Navy . —To convey to you their sincere joy on your return to your native city from the perils of war ; to give utterance to their warm congratulations on the distinguished honour you have achieved by your gallant bearing and the skilful management of the force intrusted to your command in the Sea of Azoif , and your conduct generally , which has gained for you the approval of the chief authorities of your country ; and to add their earnest hope that a long and honourable life may be cz * owned by your attainment to the highest rewards of your noble profession—this expression of deep-felt

fraternal regard is presented to you on behalf of the Brethren of our respective Lodges , in the assurance that they are the sentiments of the brotherhood at large . Exeter , 5 th April . ' The Brethren would see the tribute was elegantly engrossed on vellum and decorated with appropriate drawings . Bro . Moore said the task of presiding this evening was to him one of a most gratifying nature ; and he felt honoured in proposing in connection with the toast of ci The Navy , " long life , health , prosperity , and a continuance of professional success to Bro . Hubert Campion . —Tenement cheering for many minutes greeted this toast .

Bro . Commander Hubert Campion , in rising to return thanks , said that he did so with mingled feelings of gratitude and pride ; of gratitude—the deepest gratitude , to the great Architect of the Universe—through whose Almighty protection he had been permitted to return to his home in safety ; and of pride at being welcomed by his Brethren in so kind a manner . That inward monitor , conscience , which never failed to remind them of their failings , told also when their utmost had been done faithfully to discharge their duty , and when , in addition to its approval , they found that the attempt , be it crowned with success or not , recognised

and appreciated by their countrymen , then they might feel elated . Such was his position , and the honours given him that evening affected him more than he could express . Since last he had the pleasure of meeting the Brethren of his Lodge he had witnessed the commencement of the war , and he might add , its termination also , as no active operations had taken place since he quitted the seat of war . He had not only shared the dangers of a battle-field , but those of many

a tempestuous sea . On one occasion , when his captain was ashore , he had the command of his vessel during one of the most fearful gales ever witnessed , and during which he feared all lie could do to save his ship and the lives on board would be of no avail . The neighbouring ships were on shore , and although the excitement of war often carried off much of its miseries , yet the horror of that hour , when he saw hundreds of his fellow men swept away and their lives lost ,