Copper engraving by Samuel John Neele, published by Albion Robert Burt, October 1808 (but may be a c.1819 impression). The text below the image of a nautical 'moral compass' reads:

'My Beloved Countrymen, / Were it possible to acquire perfection, consistent with the frail System of Human Nature, The character of a British Seaman here delineated would bid fair to attain it; To whose aspiring Genius, and manly Enterprise, the very Globe itself, with it's immense Ocean, and Starry Firmament above, are the sole irresistible barriers; the former, tracing boundaries to the activity of his person, the latter fixing limits to the extent of his mind. Hail Fair Britannia! May thy valiant Sons, by such a Compass, ever steer their undaunted Course, gloriously asserting thy Fame, and Triumphs, as far as Waters roll, or Winds can waft them.

To the Gallant Officers, and Intrepid Mariners of the British Navy, To Circumnavigators, To the Illustrious Promoters, & Guardians of Navigation, Commerce, & Discovery, This token of affection to them, & to his Country. Is most respectfully inscribed; by their faithful & most obedient Servant
John Talbot Dillon / Knt. & Baron of the Sac.Rom.Empire. / West Square [Kennington, London] 1st June 1799

This is a now scarce, separately published representation of a moral compass, with examples of what is expected from a British Naval seaman. The compass's points are labelled with moral virtues and attitudes such as perseverance, valour, fortitude and generosity, with the main points labelled virtue, science, honour and discipline. The northern point is in the shape of a fleur-de-lis, pointing towards victory with south's point merging into the form of an anchor. Surrounding the compass are decorative depictions and dates referencing British naval victories during the French Revolutionary War including 1 August 1798 (the Battle of the Nile) and 1 June 1794 (the Glorious First of June). Names of notable British naval officers, including Lord Nelson and Lord Duncan are listed below the compass as well as miniature depictions of the solar system, and geographical circles lie either side.

John Talbot Dillon (1734–1806) was an Anglo-Irish naval officer, traveller and historian. He was a believer in the moderation of the French Revolution, an advocate of religious liberty and an opponent of the emancipation of enslaved Africanss. He is described as 'baron of the Sacred Roman Empire' on the title-page of his 'Travels in Spain' (1780), as well as in notes to John Bowle's edition of 'Don Quixote' (1781). Samuel John Neele (1758-1824) headed a family of engravers and publishers mainly working from 352 Strand, London. He worked on numerous publications throughout his lifetime trading with his younger brother George as 'S. & G. Neele' from 1813 to 1814, and with his son, James as 'Neele and Son' from 1816 to 1824.

[Text reproduced with acknowledgement to Sanders of Oxford, who advertised another copy of this item for sale (at £400) in September 2018, citing the existence of the NMM copy, at that point not fully described]