ABSTRACT
Daniel De Foe's own language is genuine English, often simple even to vulgarity, but always so distinctly impressive, that its very vulgarity had an efficacy in giving an air of truth or probability to the facts and sentiments it conveys. His general acquaintance with nautical affairs has not been doubted, as he is said never to misapply the various sea-phrases, or show an ignorance unbecoming the character under which he wrote. The Memoirs of a Cavalier have certainly been enriched with some anecdotes as were likely to fire his active and powerful imagination, and hint to him in what colours the subject ought to be treated. The contrast betwixt the soldiers of the celebrated Tilly, and those of the illustrious Gustavus Adolphus, almost seems too minutely drawn to have been executed from anything short of ocular testimony. The supposed situation of his hero was peculiarly favourable to the circumstantial style of De Foe.
