When it was, thought best to depose him and to employ another captain, he gave way without protest.

He had done his best, he had been paid, he had nothing to complain of, and no favors to ask.

The proposed testimonial was offered, perhaps, under the impression that he was needy or that his feelings were hurt, and the idea seems to have been that in giving him a benefit they would placate any resentment he might harbor and at the same time proclaim their own generosity.

Anson, however, declined to be put in the position of a martyr or a suppliant.

He replied: 'I refuse to accept anything in the shape of a gift.