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diff --git a/26031-h/26031-h.htm b/26031-h/26031-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..16245a6 --- /dev/null +++ b/26031-h/26031-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13109 @@ + <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" +content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Memoirs and Correspondence of +Admiral Lord de Saumarez, by Sir John Ross. </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + hr.c15 {width: 15%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + hr.c30 {width: 30%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + hr.c45 {width: 45%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;} + + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: 10px; + font-variant: normal; + font-style: normal; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .invisible {visibility: hidden} + .blockquote{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; font-size: 90%} + + .box {margin: auto; + text-align: center; + border: 1px solid; + padding: 1em; + background-color: silver; + width: 25em;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.8em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + ins { + text-decoration: none; + border-bottom: thin dotted gray; + } + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .italic {font-style: italic;} + .smaller {font-size: smaller;} + + .p2 {margin-top: 2em;} + .p4 {margin-top: 4em;} + .p6 {margin-top: 6em;} + .font120 {font-size: 120%;} + .font110 {font-size: 110%;} + .font90 {font-size: 90%;} + .left5 {margin-left: 5%;} + .left10 {margin-left: 10%;} + .left25 {margin-left: 25%;} + .left45 {margin-left: 45%;} + .left50 {margin-left: 50%;} + .left55 {margin-left: 55%;} + .left60 {margin-left: 60%;} + .left65 {margin-left: 65%;} + .left70 {margin-left: 70%;} + .left75 {margin-left: 75%;} + .right {text-align: right;} + .i2 {margin-left: 2em; text-indent: 2em;} + .i4 {margin-left: 4em; text-indent: 4em;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord +de Saumarez, Vol. I, by Sir John Ross + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I + +Author: Sir John Ross + +Release Date: July 11, 2008 [EBook #26031] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS--LORD DE SAUMAREZ. VOL. I *** + + + + +Produced by Steven Gibbs, Hélène de Mink and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="box blocquote"> +<p>Transcriber's note: Minors spelling inconsistencies, mainly hyphenated words, have been harmonised.</p> +<p>Obvious printer errors have been repaired.</p> +<p>The ERRATA given in this edition and the remaining corrections made are +indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word +and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum invisible'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/frontispiece-t.jpg" width="375" height="455" +alt="Frontispiece" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/frontispiece-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">Frontispiece.<br /> +Portrait of Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez,<br /> +taken after the battle of the 12th July 1801.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<h2>MEMOIRS</h2> +<h2>AND CORRESPONDENCE</h2> +<p class="p4 center"><strong>OF</strong></p> +<h2>ADMIRAL</h2> +<h1>LORD DE SAUMAREZ.</h1> +<p class="p6 center font90">FROM</p> +<p class="center font110">ORIGINAL PAPERS IN POSSESSION OF THE FAMILY.</p> +<p class="p6 center font120">BY SIR JOHN ROSS, C.B. K.S.A. K.C.S. F.R.A.S.</p> +<p class="center font90">CAPTAIN IN THE ROYAL NAVY.</p> +<p class="p6 center"><strong>IN TWO VOLUMES.</strong></p> +<p class="p2 center font110"><strong>VOL. I.</strong></p> +<p class="p6"></p> +<h4>LONDON:</h4> +<p class="center">RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET,</p> +<p class="center font face Century Gothic,Franklin Gothic Medium size 4"><strong>Publisher in Ordinary to her Majesty.</strong></p> +<p class="center">1838.</p> + +<p class="p6 center">LONDON:<br /> +PRINTED BY SAMUEL, BENTLEY,<br /> +Dorset Street, Fleet Street.</p> +<p class="p6"></p> +<hr class="c45" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> +<p class="p6"></p> +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> +<h3>OF THE FIRST VOLUME</h3> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Genealogy of the family of Saumarez.—Curious Record.—Branches of the late +family.—Marriage of the late Lord de Saumarez.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></p> +<p class="center"></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p>Commencement of his Career.—His Education.—dash;Visit +of the Duke of Gloucester to Guernsey.—Decides for the Navy.—Is put on the +Solebay's books.—School at London.—Embarks in the Montreal.—Winchelsea, Pembroke, +Levant.—Smyrna.—Returns home.—Passes for Lieutenant.—Embarks in the +Bristol.—Proposal to leave the Navy.—Attack on Fort Sullivan.—Gallant +Conduct.—Is made Lieutenant.—Bristol, Chatham, Lady Parker.—Commands the +Spitfire.—Rhode Island.—Many Engagements.—War with France.—Appearance of +the French Fleet under D'Estaing.—Spitfire burnt.—Appearance of Lord Howe.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Serves ashore.—Returns to England in the Leviathan.—Providential escape from +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span>shipwreck.—Visits Guernsey.—Joins the Victory.—journey to London.—Joins the +Fortitude.—Battle Bank.—Anecdotes of Admiral Parker.—Lieut. Saumarez promoted +to the rank of Master and Commander.—Appointed to the Tisiphone.—Sails for the +West Indies with Admiral Kempenfelt.—Action with Comte de Guichen.—Captures a +French ship of thirty-six guns.—Is despatched to Sir Samuel Hood.—Arrives at +Barbadoes.—Escapes from two French men-of-war.—Passes through an intricate +channel.—Joins Sir Samuel Hood.—Gallant conduct in cutting out a +vessel.—Tisiphone ordered home.—Fortunate exchange with Captain +Stanhope.—Takes command of the Russel.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Situation of the Hostile Fleets.—Surrender of Brimstone Hill.—Junction of the +Fleets.—Antigua.—St. Lucia.—Sailing of the French Fleet under Comte de +Grasse.—Action of the 9th of April.—12th of April.—Gallant conduct of the +Russel.—-Captain Saumarez returns to Jamaica.—Comes to England with +Convoy.—Is paid off at Chatham, and confirmed a Post-captain.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Captain Saumarez returns to Guernsey.—His exemplary Conduct.—Visits +Cherbourg.—Is introduced to the French King.—Returns.—Changes at +Guernsey.—Prince William Henry visits the Island twice.—His +Reception.—Appearance of Hostilities in 1787.—Captain Saumarez is appointed to +the Ambuscade, and pays her off.—His Letter on his Marriage.—Remarks +thereon.—Armament of 1790.—Saumarez commissions and pays off the +Raisonable.—War of 1793.—Appointed to command the Crescent.—First Cruise; +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span>takes a prize and saves Alderney.—Second Cruise; captures a cutter.—Third +Cruise.—Return.—Crescent docked and refitted.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Crescent refitted.—Sails for the Channel Islands.—Falls in with the French +frigate La Réunion.—Particular account of the action.—Letters from Captain +Saumarez to his brother.—Brings his prize to Portsmouth.—Official +letters.—Letters from various persons.—Ship refitting.—Captain Saumarez +obtains leave of absence.—Is knighted for his gallant conduct.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Sir James Saumarez is placed under the orders of Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride.—Is detached, +and attacks an Enemy's squadron.—Narrow Escape from Shipwreck.—Off +Havre.—Cherbourg.—Private letters relating the particulars of several Cruises +on the French coast.—Gallant Action with a French squadron of superior force +off Guernsey.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Sir James commands a Squadron of Frigates, in the Channel.—Visit to +Weymouth.—Joins the Channel Fleet.—Black Rocks.—Private Letters and +Instructions.—Appointed to the Orion.—Crescent's Officers and Crew volunteer +to follow him.—Appointed to the Marlborough (<span class="italic">pro tempore</span>).—Commands a +detached Squadron.—Returns to the Orion, attached to the Channel +Fleet.—Private Letters.—Lord Bridport's Action.—Orion, the headmost Ship, +begins the battle.—Official Letter.—Two private Accounts.—Returns to +Portsmouth.—Expedition to Isle Dieu.—Returns to Spithead.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>Orion taken into dock.—Is refitted, and joins the Channel Fleet.—Detached on a +particular service.—Returns.—Proceeds to reinforce Sir John Jervis.—List of +his fleet.—Battle with Spanish Fleet off Cape St. Vincent described in a +private letter.—Conduct of Saumarez in the action.—Salvador del Mundo strikes +to the Orion, and is taken possession of by her Lieutenant.—Engages the +Santissima Trinidada.—She strikes to the Orion.—Remarks on that +occasion.—Lagos Bay.—Lisbon.—Sir James sails on a cruise with Admiral Sir H. +Nelson.—Returns.—Commands the advanced squadron.—Several private +letters.—Commands the advanced squadron off Cadiz.—Mutiny in the +fleet.—Anecdote and remarks thereon.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Sir Horatio Nelson resumes the command of the advanced squadron.—Bombardment of +Cadiz.—Nelson sails for Teneriffe.—Saumarez resumes the command.—Escorts a +convoy to Gibraltar.—Refits at Lisbon, and returns.—Conducts the negotiations +for exchange of Prisoners.—Sir W. Parker relieves Sir James.—He arrives at +Gibraltar.—Is attached to Nelson's squadron.—Proceeds off Toulon.—A +storm.—Vanguard dismasted.—Great exertions of the Orion and Alexander in +refitting the Vanguard at St. Pierre.—Sailing of the Toulon fleet.—Nelson +reinforced by ten sail of the line.—Pursues the enemy +unsuccessfully.—Proceedings of the fleet in a journal addressed by Sir James to +his family.—French fleet discovered in Aboukir Bay.—Battle of the +Nile.—Diagram of ditto.—Conduct of the Orion.—Saumarez wounded.—Writes to +Nelson.—Goes on board the Vanguard.—Occurrences there.—Remarks on the name of +the second in command being left out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span>in Nelson's despatches.—On the mode of +attack.—Various letters and orders.—Sir James's account of the battle, in a +letter to Lady Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Fleet repair damages.—Sir James receives orders to take a detachment of six +ships of the line, and five prizes, under his command.—Sails for +Gibraltar.—Journal of his tedious voyage.—Arrives off Candia.—Decides to pass +through a perilous passage, and escapes the dangers.—Falls in with the Marquis +of Nisa, and summons the French garrison at Malta.—Puts into Port Auguste, in +Sicily.—Sails from thence.—Tedious passage.—Letters from Earl St. Vincent and +Nelson.—Arrives at Gibraltar.—Reception there from the Admiral, Governor, +&amp;c.—Sails thence.—Arrives at Lisbon.—Sails thence.—Arrives at +Spithead.—Paid off at Plymouth.—Remarks on his treatment, and explanation of +it.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Sir James writes to Earl Spencer.—Is appointed to the Cæsar, of 84 guns.—Joins +the Channel fleet.—The Brest fleet having escaped, proceeds to the +Mediterranean.—English fleet at Bantry Bay.—Return of the French fleet.—Cæsar +at Lisbon.—Sir James returns to Spithead.—Rejoins the Channel fleet.—Earl St. +Vincent takes the command.—Appoints Sir James to command the advanced +squadron.—Black Rocks.—Earl St. Vincent's letter of approbation.—Douvarnenez +Bay.—Various letters.—Complete success of the blockade.—Enemy's fleet laid +up.—Sir James returns to Spithead.—Conclusion of 1800.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span>Sir James Saumarez is promoted to the rank of Rear-admiral.—Appointed to +command the advanced squadron.—Proceedings at the Black Rocks.—Douvarnenez +Bay.—Returns to England.—Appointed to command a squadron on a very particular +service.—His secret orders, &amp;c. and letter of approbation.—Ready for +sea.—Is created a Baronet of the United Kingdom.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Sir James sails from England in command of a squadron of six sail of the line on +a particular service.—Arrives off Cadiz.—Attacks a French squadron at +Algeziras.—Captain Brenton's account of the battle.—Loss of the +Hannibal.—Colonel Connolly's statements.—Logs of the Cæsar and ships of the +squadron.—Sir James proceeds to Gibraltar.—Remarks.—Flag of truce sent to +Algeziras.—Correspondence with Linois.—Squadron refit at Gibraltar.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +Observations on the Battle of Algeziras.—Copies of the Journals of the Spencer, +Audacious, and Venerable.—Remarks on them.—Further particulars.—The Spanish +account.—The French account.—Bulletin from the Moniteur.—Anecdote of an +occurrence at St. Malo.—Sword presented to Linois.—Lines on the occasion.—His +improvement of Naval tactics.— Epigram.—Anecdote of the intrepidity of one of +the Cæsar's men.</p></div> +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span>Mole of Gibraltar.—Negotiation for the exchange of prisoners +unsuccessful.—Captain Ferris and the officers of the Hannibal return on +parole.—They sail for England in the Plymouth lugger, which carries home +despatches and private letters.—Despatch sent to Lord Keith.—Admiral Saumarez +shif +ts his flag to the Audacious.—Extraordinary exertions of the crew of the +Cæsar.—Their admirable conduct.—Captain Brenton and the garrison.—Arrival of +the Spanish squadron at Algeziras.—Increased exertions of the crews of the +squadron.—Private letters.—Preparations to attack the enemy.</p></div> + +<p class="p4 center"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Occurrences at Gibraltar.—Determination of Sir James to attack the combined +squadron.—Cæsar rehoists the Admiral's flag.—Sir J. Brenton's description of +that interesting scene.—His account of the battle.—Destruction of two Spanish +three-deckers.—Capture of the St. Antonio.—Action between the Venerable and +Formidable.—Public letters.—Private letters.—French details of the +battle.—Spanish ditto.—Orders of sailing.—Remarks.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c45" /> +<h2><a name="LIST_OF_PLATES" id="LIST_OF_PLATES"></a>LIST OF PLATES</h2> +<p class="p2 left25"> +<a href="#Page_i">Frontispiece.</a><br /> +<a href="#Page_103">Surrender Réunion.</a><br /> +<a href="#Page_131">Off Guernsey.</a><br /> +<a href="#Page_134">Rocks Guernsey.</a><br /> +<a href="#Page_135">Chart Island</a><br /> +<a href="#Page_346">Diagram Algeziras</a></p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c45" /> + +<p class="p4"></p> +<h3>ADVERTISEMENT.</h3> +<p>In perusing the following Memoir, the reader must not be surprised if +he finds that the accounts of the several battles in which the +illustrious Saumarez was engaged, differ in some degree from those +previously given to the public. Every circumstance connected with them +has been carefully examined, and whatever statements are now advanced +can be borne out by documentary evidence. The career of Saumarez was a +long and eventful one: he entered the Navy while the nation was at +peace; he subsequently served during the American War of +independence, and throughout the late continental war, in both of +which he was in more engagements with the enemy than any other +officer. He was the last of the heroes of the 12th of April 1782.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE LIFE</h2> +<p class="p2 center"><strong>OF</strong></p> +<h2>LORD DE SAUMAREZ.</h2> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h3> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p class="blockquote"></p> +<p>Genealogy of the family of Saumarez.—Curious Record.—Branches of the late +family.—Marriage of the late Lord de Saumarez.</p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p>Admiral the Right Honourable James Lord de Saumarez, of Guernsey, was +born, on the 11th March 1757, in the parish of St. Peter-Port, the +principal town of that romantic island. The family, whose original +name was <span class="italic">De Sausmarez</span>, is of Norman extraction, and of great +antiquity in the island of Guernsey, where their lineage can be traced +almost to the Norman conquest.</p> + +<p>Their remote ancestor received from the Dukes of Normandy a fief of +the district of Jerbourg, and was appointed hereditary captain (or +chatelain) of the castle of that name, which lies within the limits of +the fief, and is situated in the parish of St. Martin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p>Among the records of the island, we find the following interesting +particulars:—In the twenty-seventh year of the reign of Edward the +First, at a court of chief pleas held at Guernsey, in the presence of +the judges of assize, Matthew de Sausmarez made homage for his fief; +which appears to have been acknowledged by an act of Edward the Second +in the year 1313: and in the reign of Edward the Third, in the year +1331, an application was made by Matthew de Sausmarez for a +confirmation of his rights and prerogatives, as formerly enjoyed by +his ancestors.</p> + +<p>On receipt of this petition, his Majesty sent an order to John de +Roches, guardian of the Channel islands, to make a perquisition +thereon; authorising him to give to it his royal assent if not found +to be prejudicial to the rights of the Crown or the privileges of the +inhabitants, who had, by consent of his Majesty's father, fortified +the castle of Jerbourg as a place of retreat and protection, as also +for the security of their effects in case of invasion by the enemy.</p> + +<p>In pursuance of his Majesty's order, the guardian appointed twelve of +the most respectable inhabitants of the island to be examined before +the bailiff or chief magistrate, who declared upon oath that the +predecessors of Matthew de Sausmarez held that appointment from the +Crown, with sundry appurtenances and privileges, which, in +consideration of their services as hereditary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> keepers of the castle, +had always been, and ought to be, inseparable from the fief of +Jerbourg; and they further deposed, that these were not in any respect +detrimental to the prerogative of the Crown, or injurious to the +rights of the inhabitants, who still retained the advantage and +privilege of retreating into the castle, with their effects, in every +emergency.</p> + +<p>The following curious and interesting fact, as attached to this +ancient fief, has been also recorded in a Guernsey periodical: +"Whenever the lord had occasion to go to Jersey, his tenants were +obliged to convey him thither, for which they received a gratuity of +<span class="italic">three sous</span>, or a dinner; but they were not obliged to bring him +back." And this exemption may be thus explained:—The lord, or captain +of Jerbourg, in those days held a fief in Jersey, called by the same +name, which no longer belongs to the De Saumarez family; but formerly, +when it was possessed by the same individual, the same rights and +privileges were attached, so that when the affairs of the lord called +him to Jersey, he was conducted to that island by his Guernsey +tenants, and brought back by those of Jersey.</p> + +<p>It is indeed certain, that, during many years after the Norman +conquest, several gentlemen possessed estates in both islands, more or +less considerable in one than in the other. The fief of Jerbourg +remained in the family of De Sausmarez<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> till about the year 1555, when +it became the property of Mr. John Andros, in right of Judith de +Sausmarez: but it has since reverted to the descendants of the old +family, and belonged to Thomas de Sausmarez, his Majesty's late +attorney-general in the island of Guernsey, who died lately at a very +advanced age,—the father of twenty-eight children!</p> + +<p>The genealogy of the family between the year 1481, and the birth of +the grandfather of the late Lord de Saumarez on the 4th June 1635, +will be found in the Addenda, as also that of the subsequent members +of the family who are not mentioned here; but, in proceeding, we +cannot pass over the names of Captains Philip and Thomas Saumarez, +uncles of the late lord, who were two of the bravest and most +meritorious officers of their time. The former, who was first +lieutenant with Commodore Anson, afterwards commanded the Nottingham, +sixty-four, captured the French seventy-four, Mars, and was killed in +action 1747;<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and the latter, when in command of the Antelope, of +fifty guns, captured the French sixty-four, Belliqueux, in the +following extraordinary manner:</p> + +<p>In the month of November 1758, Captain Saumarez was stationed in the +Bristol Channel for the protection of the trade, and, the wind blowing +strong from the westward, had anchored<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> his ship, the Antelope, of +fifty guns and three hundred and fifty men, in King Road; and there +being little probability of the appearance of an enemy under such +circumstances, he had repaired to Bristol to partake of the +hospitality of his friends in that prosperous city. While sitting at +dinner, an express came from Barnstaple to inform him that a large +ship, supposed to be an enemy, had anchored under Lundy Island.</p> + +<p>Captain Saumarez immediately repaired on board his ship, weighed +anchor, and, notwithstanding the contrary wind and fresh gale, he beat +down the channel, and in the morning saw her at anchor off Ilfracombe. +On discovering the Antelope, the enemy weighed and stood towards her, +and, on coming near, hoisted French colours and seemed prepared to +engage. As soon as the Antelope came within gun-shot, she opened her +fire, when the Frenchman immediately hauled down his colours without +returning a shot. Captain Saumarez now sent his boat with the first +lieutenant to know if she had surrendered; but finding that the boat +did not return, he bore down under her stern, and asked if they had +struck. The answer was in the affirmative, and she was immediately +taken possession of. She proved to be the Belliqueux, of sixty-four +guns and five hundred men.</p> + +<p>When the captain came on board the Antelope, and found that he had +surrendered to a ship<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> so much inferior in force, both in men and +weight of metal, his chagrin and mortification knew no bounds. He +exclaimed that he had been deceived, and actually proposed to Captain +Saumarez that he should allow him to return to his ship, and that he +would fight him fairly; to which the English captain replied that he +must keep possession now; that he had obtained it, but he had no +objection to his going back to France and getting another ship of the +same kind to try the fortune of war. He conducted his prize back to +King Road, and returned to Bristol with his French guest to enjoy the +hospitality and hearty welcome of his friends, after an absence of +only eighteen hours!</p> + +<p>Matthew de Saumarez, father of Lord de Saumarez, being brought up to +the medical profession, arrived at considerable practice and high +respectability. He was remarkable for his urbanity of manners and +hospitality, particularly to strangers. He married, first, Susannah, +daughter of Thomas Dumaresq, Esq. of Jersey, and by her had Susannah +(an only child), who married Henry Brock, Esq. of Guernsey: his second +wife was Carteret, daughter of James Le Marchant, Esq. of Guernsey, +and by her he had a numerous family, who are brothers and sisters of +the late lord.<a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +<p>The family of De Sausmarez, a branch of which changed the spelling of +the name to Saumarez about the year 1700, was not only one of the most +ancient and respectable, but the members<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> of it successively held the +highest situations, and were connected with the first families +residing in the island of Guernsey, which has always been +distinguished for its loyalty and patriotism: indeed, it has not only +produced several of our bravest and greatest warriors, but its +inhabitants have ever manifested themselves to be proof against every +attempt to seduce them from their allegiance. The opinions which have +been entertained unfavourable to this fact,—arising no doubt from the +proximity of the island to the coast of France, and the general use of +the French language, but, most of all, from its having at one time +been infested by adventurers,—are totally without foundation.</p> + +<p>Having been many years stationed at this island, we have witnessed the +loyalty and intrepidity of the natives: and could give several +instances where the Guernsey pilot was the <span class="italic">first</span> to board the enemy.</p> + +<p>Lord de Saumarez was married at Guernsey, on the 27th October 1788, to +Martha, only daughter and heiress of Thomas Le Marchant, Esq. by +marriage with Miss Mary Dobrée, two of the most ancient and +respectable families in the island. This marriage was the consequence +of a long and mutual attachment: it need scarcely be added, that it +completed the happiness of both. They became the parents of eight +children, whose biography will be found in the <ins title="See Volume Two">Appendix.</ins></p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1767 to 1778.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> +Commencement of his Career.—His Education.—Visit of the Duke of +Gloucester to Guernsey.—Saumarez decides for the Navy.—Is put on the +Soleby's books.—School at London.—Embarks in the +Montreal.—Winchelsea, Pembroke, Levant.—Smyrna.—Returns +home.—Passes for Lieutenant.—Embarks in the Bristol.—Proposal +to leave the Navy.—Attack on Fort Sullivan.—Gallant +Conduct.—Is made Lieutenant.—Bristol, Chatham, Lady +Parker.—Commands the Spitfire.—Rhode Island.—Many +Engagements.—War with France.—Appearance of the French Fleet under +D'Estaing.—Spitfire burnt.—Appearance of Lord Howe.</p></div> +<p class="p2"> +The illustrious admiral, of whose ancestors a biographical sketch has +been briefly given in the preceding chapter, and in the Addenda to +this work, and whose glorious career is the subject of this record, +passed from the first rudiments of learning, under a dame, to the more +manly tuition of Elizabeth College, in Guernsey, where his brother, +fifteen months his senior, was receiving his education.</p> + +<p>Although he always said that his brother was a much better scholar in +both Latin and Greek<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> than himself, his taste for poetry, and his +discrimination in that refined branch of literature, must have +appeared at a very early age, as, when he was only seven or eight +years old, he surprised his mother by reciting to her several lines +from the first pages of Milton's Paradise Lost, which he had learnt of +his own accord,—a foretaste of the gratification which he derived +through life in reading that noble poem. His mother was so delighted +with this unexpected discovery of his taste, that she could not +forbear making it known to her friends; especially to a literary +gentleman of her acquaintance, who sent young Saumarez a present of +the Golden Verses of Pythagoras, which he also committed to memory, +and retained throughout his life.</p> + +<p>But the great sensibility of his heart was most apparent in his +attachment to all his relations: their pleasures and their pains were +always <span class="italic">his</span>; and it is therefore not surprising that he was a +favourite with them all. In those days, Guernsey was, as it were, a +large family; and the society of the upper classes was linked in a +small, but a select and happy, circle, interested in each other's +welfare. The communication with England not being, as now, kept up by +regular packets, the arrival of a stranger was an event of some +importance, and mostly occurred through the visits of the king's ships +going on foreign stations, which put into Guernsey for wines and +other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> stores: on these occasions the captains and officers were +constant guests at the hospitable mansion of our hero's father, and it +was usually the province of young Saumarez to look out for and report +their appearance.</p> + +<p>In July 1767, this little community was surprised by an occurrence +which to this day is related among the events of "olden times," as +having made a great, and certainly a lasting impression. His royal +highness the Duke of Gloucester, on his return from a tour in France, +anchored in Guernsey roads. At two in the morning, the hostess of the +only inn in the town was awakened by a call that the Duke of +Gloucester had landed, and was coming there: not supposing this +possible, she for a long time refused to rise; but, being at length +convinced, she directed the party to the house of the +lieutenant-governor, who was as incredulous as the good woman of the +Ship Inn.</p> + +<p>At last he appeared at the window in his dressing-gown and <span class="italic">bonnet de +nuit</span>, and finding whom he was called upon to receive, he exclaimed, +in the trepidation of the moment,—"My house is not fit for the duke; +go to my friend, Doctor Saumarez." There at last his royal highness +found entrance, and a hearty welcome; but it may be conjectured that +no little surprise and bustle spread through the house at the +unexpected arrival at such an hour of the illustrious guest.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> The blue +damask room was, however, soon prepared, with other apartments for the +aides-de camp, Sir Henry Clinton and another.</p> + +<p>Young Saumarez and his brother were sent off, as soon as the sun rose, +to inform their uncle the attorney-general, who resided some distance +from the town, that the royal visitor had arrived. On their return the +streets were decorated with crowns, festoons, and garlands of flowers, +which had risen as from the wand of a magician; the bells were +ringing, the populace were in holiday suits, and the whole effect was +so animated, that the more splendid scenes of after-life never erased +it from the mind of Saumarez.</p> + +<p>The duke, on rising, was surprised at the quick display of loyalty he +beheld, and expressed himself much gratified at the proofs he received +of respect and attachment which these faithful islanders evinced in +his person towards the king and the royal family. His royal highness +condescended to honour a ball in the evening; and often did young +Saumarez hear his aunt (a sister of his mother, married to Major +Brabazon of the 65th regiment,) relate her having opened the ball in a +minuet with his royal highness.</p> + +<p>Young Saumarez had long and constantly cherished a decided +predilection for the navy. Accustomed as he had been from childhood to +hear of the fame which his valiant uncles, Captains Philip and Thomas +Saumarez, had acquired, his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> mind was early inspired with a desire to +tread in their path, and to acquire for himself a name which might +emulate theirs. His eldest brother was already in the navy; but his +father having six sons, when he found that James had evinced such a +desire for the sea, and having connexions in the service, probably +considered that he could not place another more advantageously than in +a profession which had already afforded an honourable and glorious +career to two of his family. Accordingly he accepted the offer of +Captain Lucius O'Bryen, of his majesty's ship Soleby, who entered his +name on the books of that ship on the 20th September 1767 as +volunteer, where it remained until the 3rd of June 1770, having been +there two years and nine months. During this time, however, he never +joined the ship, but was for a part of it at a school in the vicinity +of London, which had been recommended to his father by a naval friend, +who appears to have been ill qualified to make the selection, if we +may judge from the amusing account which Saumarez gave in after-life +of his acquirements in that seminary. Fortunately, as he said, when he +had been there ten months, his father being in London, sent for him, +and to his great joy took him home, and with this portion of education +he was launched into the world; as a few months after he went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> to +Portsmouth to join the Montreal, Captain Alms, who had been a friend +of his uncles, and who had visited his father at Guernsey.</p> + +<p>On the 9th of August 1769, the ship sailed for the Mediterranean. +Great pains were taken by the captain to improve the talents of young +Saumarez, which soon became apparent: but the commodore being obliged +to return home on account of ill health, he placed him in the +Winchelsea; and we find that he went on board the Pembroke, bearing +the broad pendant of Commodore Proby, and commanded by Captain Durell, +who was a relative of the family, on the 14th August 1770, and joined +the former ship on the 28th September following.</p> + +<p>Nature happily had endowed young Saumarez with talents, and qualities +of mind and heart, which in a great measure repaired the want of a +regular and more enlarged education: a sound judgment and quick +sensibility soon led him to perceive his deficiency in acquired +knowledge; and he was inspired with a laudable ambition, to remedy it +by every exertion the feeble means within his reach could accomplish. +When, indeed, it is considered that only a few volumes of the +Spectator and Idler, with some stray volumes of the Roman History, +composed his little library, it may justly be inferred that it was no +ordinary capacity or moderate application which could form a character +such as was manifested by him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>Frigates, in those days, had neither chaplains nor schoolmasters; and +the "young gentlemen," when off duty, were left to spend their time as +they thought fit. The midshipmen of the present day can have but a +faint idea of the hardships and privations of a naval aspirant's life +at the period Saumarez entered the service. Biscuits with insects, and +tainted meat, was the usual fare when at sea at their mess-table; and +none would have thought of procuring such <span class="italic">luxuries</span> as are now +indispensable <span class="italic">necessaries</span> to their successors in the service. While +there is great cause to rejoice in the change which has taken place, +it should not prevent the expression of just and well-founded regret +that the amelioration has spread to the opposite extreme; the placing +a son in the navy being now a heavy tax instead of a relief, which we +know is felt severely by old naval officers on half-pay, who naturally +wish to employ a son in the service to which they belong.</p> + +<p>With grateful remembrance, Saumarez has often been heard to say, that, +on his departure from home, his affectionate father put a purse +containing fifteen guineas in his hand; observing that, as he knew he +had a large family, he trusted that he would use it with economy, but +that when he wanted more he might draw on his banker. So strictly, +however, did he fulfil this recommendation, that his father said, the +sight of his drafts gave him pleasure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>His first journal is of the Winchelsea, Captain Samuel Cranston +Goodall, and commences on the 8th November 1770, at which time he was +first rated a midshipman: he remained in that ship until the 14th +February 1772. During these seventeen months he gained a valuable +friend in Captain Goodall, whose regard he preserved to the end of his +life. Saumarez had constant access to his cabin: he allowed him to +write there, and make extracts from the best authors in his +possession, which was of great service in improving his acquaintance +with modern literature. This ship had been cruising in the +Mediterranean, and visited most of the interesting ports there; and, +in February 1772, the Winchelsea was ordered to England,—an account +joyfully hailed by all on board, but by none more sincerely than by +Mr. Saumarez, whose heart panted to see his dearest friends. What, +then, must have been his feelings, on the arrival of the Levant to +relieve the Winchelsea, when he was sent for by Captain Goodall, and +apprised that Captain Thompson would receive him?—and as it was of +importance that he should finish his time before going home, he +strongly recommended his stay, especially as it was his father's wish. +Although it was as if a sword had pierced his heart, he calmly +submitted to the decision, and he saw the worthy Captain Goodall and +his messmates depart without a murmur.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>This self-denial was not wholly unrewarded. The Levant was a larger +ship, affording much better accommodation to the midshipmen; and Mr. +Saumarez, having been nearly three years at sea, became of some +consequence with his messmates. The date of his joining the Levant was +the 15th February 1772, having been discharged on the preceding day +from the Winchelsea. He soon formed a close friendship with Mr. Samuel +Thompson, the captain's son; which continued unshaken till the death +of the latter in 1782.</p> + +<p>The British merchants having petitioned for a ship of war to be +stationed in the Mediterranean for the protection of the trade, the +Levant was ordered on that service, and for fourteen months remained +in that inactive position, which young Saumarez used to say he +considered a blank in his existence. Having no books to relieve the +spirits, no letters to cheer the heart, life wasted away without +profit or satisfaction. There must, however, have been a few bright +days; for he often mentioned with pleasure the hospitality of the +English families settled in Smyrna, of which he occasionally partook +when Captain Thompson allowed it. This was the more frequent on +account of his thorough knowledge of the French language, which was +the means of procuring him attentions rendered doubly acceptable by +the dulness of that anchorage: such were the advantages he derived +from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> his familiarity with that language, that he never failed to +recommend the study of it to all his young <span class="italic">protégés</span> before going to +sea.</p> + +<p>On the 28th of May 1773, the Levant was at length released, and sailed +for Gibraltar; from which place she proceeded to Port Mahon, to be +repaired. On the 28th of May 1774, she resumed her old station in +Smyrna harbour, (in consequence of an insurrection, in which several +Christians had been massacred, owing to the destruction of the Russian +fleet in the Bay of Chisma, on the contiguous coast,) having been away +precisely one year. She again left that station, on the 19th of +September, for Gibraltar; and finally for England in March 1775, on +the 29th of which month she arrived at Spithead. On the 14th of the +following April, Mr. Saumarez was discharged from the Levant; and had +at length the long-wished-for happiness of seeing again his native +land, and the friends from whom he had been for more than five years +separated.</p> + +<p>The Levant, being paid off, was recommissioned by the Honourable +Captain Murray, who used every persuasion to induce Mr. Saumarez to +remain in the ship; but, after an absence of five years, he was too +anxious to spend some time with his family, to accede to his proposal, +and the moment he was at liberty he set off for Guernsey.</p> + +<p>Taking into account the time his name had been on the books of the +Solebay, he had now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> served more than the required six years of +service: and as the regulations for age were at that time not strictly +enforced, after a few weeks of rest he went to London to pass his +examination for lieutenant; but owing to the commissioners being on +their annual visits to the dock-yards, and their return being +protracted, two months elapsed before the object was accomplished. +This enabled him again to return to his friends, but he was not then +permitted long to enjoy their society.</p> + +<p>In the year 1775, on the breaking out of the war with the American +colonies, Commodore Sir Peter Parker being appointed to the command of +a squadron, with his broad pendant on board the Bristol, of fifty +guns, Mr. Saumarez, then eighteen years of age, was ordered to join +that ship, through the recommendation of Admiral Keppel, who, having +been the friend and contemporary of his uncles, ever evinced an +interest in his advancement. After an interview with Sir Peter in +London, he embarked, on the 9th of October, at Sheerness, whence the +Bristol proceeded to the Nore at the end of November. After passing a +short time at Spithead and Plymouth, which they left on the 21st of +December, the squadron sailed for Cork, the last rendezvous of the +expedition destined for South Carolina. This consisted of six +frigates, two bombs, and two hundred transports, containing seven +regiments of infantry and two companies of artillery, under the +command of that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> distinguished nobleman, the Earl Cornwallis, and the +Honourable Brigadier-general Vaughan. These two chiefs, with their +aides-de-camp, Lord Chewton and Captain Eustace, were embarked on +board the Bristol: they sailed about the middle of January 1776.</p> + +<p>On the passage out, which was remarkable for stormy weather, and for +the consequent dispersion of the convoy, the activity and zeal of +young Saumarez not only attracted the attention, but gained the esteem +of the noble earl; who, by offering to make him his aide-de-camp and +take him by the hand, had nearly persuaded him to leave the naval +service, and enter the army, offering him a commission in the 33rd, +his own regiment. We have heard him relate, that, after he had more +than half consented, he went below and told his messmates, who +immediately jeered him so much about "turning soldier," that he +returned to the quarter-deck and gave a positive refusal to the earl, +who could not help expressing his disappointment and chagrin on the +occasion.</p> + +<p>There can be no doubt that he would have highly distinguished himself +in the army, or wherever he was placed; but, happily for the nation, +and for the honour of the profession which he had first chosen, he was +destined to display his bravery and splendid talents in a sphere where +there happened to be a much greater range for them, than if he had +followed the fortunes of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> noble earl in the other honourable +service. Many years after, when Saumarez's career had proved the +wisdom of his decision, he met Lord Cornwallis at dinner at Lord +Spencer's, then first lord of the admiralty; who, on hearing this +anecdote, observed, "Lord Cornwallis would have deprived the naval +service of one of its best officers."</p> + +<p>The Bristol arrived off Cape Fear early in May, where they found +General Clinton; and, having repaired their damages, reached +Charlestown in the beginning of June. The troops were landed on the +island, at a low, sandy spot, in the midst of a heavy surf, and the +guns of the Bristol and the Experiment were put on board the Harcourt +East-indiaman, to enable them to get over the bar.</p> + +<p>One of the transports, called the Friendship, having been fitted as a +ship of war to be taken into the service, was commissioned by +Lieutenant Charles Hope, first of the Bristol, an excellent officer, +and he selected Sir James Barclay and Mr. Saumarez to be his officers; +but, after a few days, he prevailed on Captain Hope to allow him to +return to the Bristol, which he did only two days previously to the +attack on Fort Sullivan, which, after passing the bar, it became +necessary to silence and take possession of. This fortress was +considered the key of the harbour, and the fortifications of it were +constructed with great skill: the works being formed of cabbage-tree, +a kind of wood peculiarly calculated, by its porous and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> elastic +quality, to resist the effects of shot; and, from its not being liable +to splinter, the troops in the batteries were secured from what is +deemed one of the principal means of destruction; while the Bristol's +crew were fully exposed to the fatal effects of the enemy's fire. The +guns being taken on board on the 28th of June 1776, at 8 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> the +squadron began the attack by a furious and incessant cannonade, which +continued with little intermission until nine o'clock at night. Never +did British valour shine more conspicuously, nor did our ships in an +engagement of the same nature experience so serious an encounter: the +squadron could not approach within grape-shot of the enemy, and +therefore could not clear the batteries; and the spring of the +Bristol's cable being cut by the shot, she swung so as to get +dreadfully raked. Mr. Saumarez was employed in replacing this spring +three times in the Mercury's boat, assisted by the captain of that +transport.</p> + +<p>The brave Captain Morris, after receiving a number of wounds, with a +noble constancy disdained to quit his duty; until, his arm being shot +off, he was carried below in a condition which did not afford any +probability of recovery. At one time, the quarter-deck of the Bristol +was cleared of every one except the commodore, who stood on the +poop-ladder alone; a spectacle of intrepidity and firmness which has +been seldom equalled, never exceeded. It is said, that Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> Saumarez +seeing him in this situation, requested him to come down; when he +replied with a smile, "What! you want to get rid of me, do ye?" while +he well knew that the reverse was the fact.</p> + +<p>The loss sustained by the squadron in general, and by the Bristol in +particular, in an action unexampled in point of duration, and in which +it was finally repulsed, was very great: she had alone one hundred and +eleven killed and wounded, including her gallant captain and several +other officers.</p> + +<p>During this severe conflict, Mr. Saumarez had a very narrow escape: at +the moment he was pointing a gun on the lower-deck, of which he had +the command, a shot from the fort entered the port-hole, struck the +gun, and killed seven out of eight men who were stationed to work it. +Some time afterwards, being called on deck to execute certain orders +respecting the replacing the spring on the cable, he was standing +close to Mr. Darley, a midshipman, for whom he had the greatest +regard, when a shot took off the young man's head and covered Mr. +Saumarez with his blood.</p> + +<p>Captain Morris, after being carried below, lingered contrary to +expectation, and hopes were formed that he would survive; when, +unfortunately, his attendant being overcome with sleep, it is supposed +the captain's bandages gave way, and, not having strength to awake +him, he was found in the morning bathed in his blood. His dissolution<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +becoming inevitable, one of the officers asked him if he had any +direction to give with respect to his family; to which he nobly +replied, "None! I leave them to the Providence of God, and the +generosity of my country," and soon after expired. This engagement +lasted thirteen hours: it was the first in which Mr. Saumarez had been +present; and, after the very many in which he was subsequently +engaged, he has been heard to declare it to have been one of the most +severe he ever witnessed. Captain Scott, of the Experiment, lost his +arm; and there were several death-vacancies for lieutenants.</p> + +<p>Mr. Saumarez's conduct during the whole of this obstinate and bloody +contest was deemed so especially meritorious, that the commodore +expressed his highest approbation of it in the warmest and most +flattering terms, and soon after the battle he promoted him to the +rank of lieutenant. The following is a copy of his first acting +commission:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>"By Sir Peter Parker, Commander-in-chief of a squadron of his Majesty's ships to +be employed on a particular service.</p> + +<p>"Whereas I think it necessary for the good of his Majesty's service to have an +Acting-lieutenant on board his Majesty's ship the Bristol, you are hereby +required and directed to take upon you the office of Acting-lieutenant of his +Majesty's ship <span class="smcap">Bristol</span> strictly charging and commanding all the officers and +company of the said ship to behave themselves jointly, and severally, in their +respective employments, with all due respect and obedience <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>unto you their said +<span class="smcap">Lieutenant</span>; and you are likewise to observe and execute the <span class="smcap">General Printed +Instructions</span>, and such orders and directions as you shall from time to time +receive from your captain, or any other your superior officer, for his Majesty's +service.</p> + +<p>"For which this shall be your Order. Dated on board his Majesty's ship Bristol, +in Five-fathom Hole, off Charlestown, the 11th day of July 1776.</p> +<p class="right smcap">P. Parker.</p> +<p>"To Mr. James Saumarez, hereby<br /> +appointed to act as Lieutenant on<br /> +board his Majesty's ship Bristol,<br /> +until further orders.</p> +<p>"By command of the Commodore.</p> +<p class="right smcap">John Read."</p></div> + +<p>In this ship Acting-lieutenant Saumarez remained until the 23rd +September; serving often with the army on shore, and on all occasions +taking a distinguished part. He was actively employed in the boats of +the Bristol on every landing that took place, from the first +disembarkation of the troops in Gravesend Bay, to the landing at +Rochelle from Frog's-neck. Lord Howe then commanded in person on this +expedition, and hoisted his flag in the Carysfort, the gallant Captain +Fanshawe. His lordship appointed Mr. Saumarez his aide-de-camp, and +selected him to convey General Clinton, commanding the troops, to the +vicinity of Rochelle, when he had the satisfaction of receiving the +thanks of his lordship for his zealous exertions. All the boats were +then ordered to join their respective ships off New<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> York; an order, +it may be supposed, not unwelcome after an absence of several weeks, +during which officers and men had been subject to all the privations +consequent on such a service, sleeping in boats, and scarcely having +any change of clothing.</p> + +<p>Saumarez was afterwards on duty up the North River, and had the honour +of conveying Lord Cornwallis and his staff on board his boat in the +first landing in the Jerseys; and on several occasions he was actively +useful to his lordship, who repeatedly acknowledged his services. +Being employed in the disembarkation of troops newly arrived, he +discovered that his brother's regiment, the twenty-third Welsh (now +Royal Welsh) Fusileers, was one of them; and soon after he had the +happiness of meeting him, who, on his part, was not less agreeably +surprised at the welcome and unexpected encounter.</p> + +<p>Being at head-quarters when Fort Washington surrendered, the garrison, +consisting of two thousand seven hundred men, having laid down their +arms, Lieutenant Saumarez was the bearer of the tidings to the +Bristol; but they appeared so incredible, that it was some time before +Sir Peter Parker could be persuaded of their authenticity.</p> + +<p>Rear-admiral Lord Shuldham, having on the 6th September, shifted his +flag to the Bristol, Lieutenant Saumarez followed his commander, who +then hoisted his broad pendant in the Chatham. He was therefore +removed by Lord Viscount Howe,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> vice-admiral of the white, and +commander-in-chief of all his Majesty's ships and vessels in North +America, to the Chatham, as fifth lieutenant "for the time being." In +this situation Lieutenant Saumarez so often and so particularly +distinguished himself in the boats, and in command of the Lady Parker +schooner, tender to the Unicorn, Captain Ford, that, on the 17th +February 1778, he was appointed lieutenant commanding the Spitfire, a +schooner-rigged galley, by special direction of the +commander-in-chief, as will appear by the following order:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">By Commodore Hotham, on board the Preston.</p> +<p>"The Viscount Howe having directed that you shall command the Spitfire galley, +in the room of Lieutenant Scott; you are hereby directed to repair on board the +said galley, and take the command of her accordingly, using the utmost despatch +in preparing and fitting her for a passage to Rhode Island.</p> +<p class="right">"Given on board the Preston, off<br /> +New York, 17th February 1778.<br /> +<span class="smcap">W. Hotham.</span></p> +<p>"To Lieut. Saumarez, hereby<br /> +appointed to command<br /> +H.M. galley, the Spitfire.</p> +<p class="left25">"By command. <span class="smcap">Titus Lewis.</span>"</p></div> + +<p>Our young hero, who had been far less actively employed than he wished, had now +obtained almost the height of his ambition,—in other words, a situation +where he could have an opportunity of displaying his talents and intrepidity. He +found his new vessel in the king's yard; and, having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> taken charge from her +former commander, proceeded to fit out with surprising diligence. On the 23rd +February he received twenty-three seamen from the Preston; and on the 27th a +sergeant and eleven marines completed his complement of thirty-seven men, +including himself and the carpenter; when he immediately weighed and made sail. +It soon after blew a gale, but he succeeded in reaching the Brothers, where he +anchored, and found H.M.S. Sphinx, and some traders: the next morning he +weighed, and falling in with H.M.S. Falcon and convoy, they proceeded on their +voyage. On the 4th of March strong gales obliged the convoy to put into +Huntingdon Bay, where they were detained by stormy weather till the 13th of +March. On the 15th the convoy reached Oyster-pond Bay, and on the 16th anchored +off Fort Island, in company with the Eagle, Nonsuch, Apollo, Mermaid, Unicorn, +Ariel, Maidstone, Grampus, and Stromboli; and here their active operations +began. On the 28th of March an enemy's frigate was chased and run on shore in +the Narraganset Passage, when Lieutenant Saumarez, together with the boats of +the squadron, went to destroy her, she being protected by a battery on shore; +the Spitfire was anchored about four hundred yards from this battery in twelve +feet water, and, having got her long-bow gun to bear, engaged it while the boats +boarded and set fire to the frigate: this occupied more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> than an hour, during +which time the battery was silenced, but a brisk fire of musketry was kept up by +the rebels; and the service being performed, the galley was towed out with +little damage, five men being wounded: at nine she anchored in safety off +Newton's Point. Soon after this a gale came on; the galley drove towards the +rocks, and it was supposed she must be lost; but Lieutenant Saumarez cut his +cable, and by a masterly act of seamanship saved his vessel, and gained the +admiration of the whole squadron. During this period, Lieutenant Saumarez was +under the orders of Commodore Griffith, of the Nonsuch, senior officer of his +Majesty's ships and vessels at Rhode Island; and it will appear by the following +secret order, that he was kept at the most important point in advance.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p>(Secret.)<br /> +"By Walter Griffith, Esq. Commander of a division of his Majesty's ships and +vessels at Rhode Island.</p> +<p>"The employment of the galley under your command being necessary in the +Seakonnet Channel, with the intention to intercept any armed vessels fitted by +the rebels for putting to sea from the harbours or creeks communicating +therewith; but more particularly to defeat any attempts they may propose for +making a descent in force, or attacking the post occupied by the king's troops +on the eastern shore of Rhode Island; you are therefore to proceed to the +aforesaid channel, and put yourself under the command of the superior officer +there, for those purposes accordingly: but you are, nevertheless, at liberty to +move <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>the galley (under the orders of the commanding officer there) from time to +time, to prevent the enemy from being able to ascertain the position thereof, +either for executing any meditated insult on the galley, or to pass you +unobserved during the night; taking care, however, to keep as much as may be +within such limits, as will fully enable you to effect the principal object of +your appointment as aforesaid.</p> +<p>"It will become requisite for this end, to have your boats (or other +better-appointed craft, with which you can in future be supplied), advanced at +seasonable lines, both for the earlier discovery of any ships or vessels +attempting to pass your station in the night, and preventing any other +advantages attempted by the enemy under cover thereof.</p> +<p>"The crews of the boats so directed should be prudently cautious in boarding +vessels of inconsiderable appearance, that they may not be exposed to suffer by +the treacherous practice of the enemy in different modes to blow up and destroy +your men; but a suitable discretion will be no less requisite on your part, +that, in warning them of these hazards, they are not induced to become remiss in +their exertions in the essential services.</p> +<p>"If the enemy should attempt to pass your station with any ship of apparent +force, great attention will be requisite that you may not be misled by such not +improbable expeditions to draw you from your station, and thereby facilitate the +means to succeed with less risk in a meditated descent on the eastern shore of +the island; which is to be at all times the object of your chief care to resist +and oppose, by endeavouring to destroy the boats of the enemy employed on that +occasion, or otherwise to prevent the further use of them in the attempt.</p> +<p>"It will therefore be incumbent on you, in conjunction with other armed vessels +stationed with you in Seakonnet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>Channel, to intercept the said armed vessels +(if possible) before they have advanced below your first anchoring station, and +to keep secret such directions as the senior officer at the said anchorage may +propose to adopt for that intent.</p> +<p>"You are to continue on this service until further orders; and I am to recommend +your attention, that a careful watch is kept in the galley at all times, +conformable to the tenour of the printed instructions given in that respect; and +that every other precaution is taken to guard against the attempts of the rebel +for the annoyance of the galley, wherein it is to be observed of all such +enterprises, that those which are the least suspected are ever the most likely +to be attended with success.</p> +<p class="right">"Given on board H.M.S. Nonsuch,<br /> +at Rhode Island, 21st May 1778.<br /> +<span class="smcap">S.W. Griffith.</span></p> +<p>"To Lieut. Saumarez, &c.</p></div> + +<p>It should be mentioned here, that Rhode Island was taken possession of +by his Majesty's forces under General Clinton and Sir Peter Parker on +the 9th December 1776; and some description of it is necessary to show +the arduous as well as perilous nature of the service on which our +young hero was now employed. This island takes its name from the +province, and lies in Narraganset Bay: it is fifteen miles in length +from north to south, and three miles and a half broad; the north end +is only three miles from Bristol, to which there is a ferry. The +Seakonnet Passage separates it from the main on the north-west side, +and the islands of Conanicut and Prudence lie in the passage<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> on the +south-east side, the town of Newport being in the south-east part of +the island.</p> + +<p>The Seakonnet Passage was in consequence of the above order allotted +to the Spitfire. Lieutenant Saumarez was now under the orders of +Captain Græme, and proceeded to his station: it appears from his +journal, now in our possession, that he was constantly on the alert, +and almost daily skirmishing with the enemy. On the 24th he had to +sustain the attack of three armed boats which came off from Point +Judith, and had nearly decoyed them on board; but they found their +mistake in time to escape after a good drubbing. On the same evening +he joined a detachment of five hundred men, which, under cover of the +Flora, had landed above Bristol and burnt one hundred and twenty-five +batteaux-plats, an armed galley, and a privateer of fourteen guns, +besides destroying the greatest part of the town. On the 30th April a +firing was heard in the direction of the Taunton: the Spitfire +immediately weighed, and ran over to the enemy's shore, where +Lieutenant Saumarez opposed his vessel to a field-piece, which +returned his fire without doing any injury for a considerable time; +this was meant as a diversion to enable the 54th regiment to attack +unobserved, which in the mean time landed up the Taunton, destroyed +eight sawmills and several flat-boats, and came off by the assistance +of the Spitfire with inconsiderable loss.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p>On the 1st of May the Spitfire weighed, and was beating against the +wind to obtain her station, when, by the vessel missing stays, she got +aground on Sandy Hook. On this, the enemy immediately brought down a +gun, but without effect. An anchor was carried out; the vessel was +hove off without damage, and reached Fogland Battery, off which she +anchored, and the next day reached her former station.</p> + +<p>It will be needless to notice every occasion wherein the Spitfire was +engaged with the enemy, which, while Lieutenant Saumarez commanded +her, was no less than forty-seven times! but we shall proceed to the +period when his operations in that vessel were drawing to a close. The +Americans, who had publicly declared their independence on the 4th +July 1776, had concluded a treaty with the French on the 13th March +1778, which was considered by the British government as a declaration +of war; and the French ambassador being directed to withdraw, the +following orders were issued to the squadron at Rhode Island by +Commodore John Brisbane, who had now taken the command:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p>"By Captain John Brisbane, Captain of H.M.S. Flora, and +senior officer of his Majesty's ships and vessels at Newport, Rhode Island.</p> + +<p>"In pursuance of an order from the Lord Viscount Howe, vice-admiral of the +white, and commander-in-chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels employed on a +particular service, you are hereby required and directed to <span class="smcap">MAKE</span> <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span><span class="smcap">WAR UPON</span>, +take, or destroy any part of the French squadron lately arrived on the coasts of +this continent, as well as other ships of war of that nation appearing on the +coasts of North America, to the utmost of your ability, until further orders, +keeping this secret. Dated on board H.M.S. Flora, at Newport, Rhode Island, +26th July 1778.</p> +<p class="right">(Signed)<span class="smcap"> J. Brisbane.</span></p> +<p>"To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding<br /> +<span class="left5">the Spitfire, galley."</span></p></div> + +<p>This order was transmitted with an enclosure, designated "Copy of a +paragraph of a letter received from Lord Viscount Howe, dated off +Sandy Hook, 19th July 1778."</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p>"As there is not a sufficient naval force for the defence of Rhode Island, and +none can be sent while the French squadron, at anchor off Sandy Hook, continues +so much superior to that under my command, it may not be unseasonable to remind +you that you are at liberty to apply the force under your direction, by landing +of guns and men for the service of the batteries; dismantling, and even +destroying the ships, to strengthen the defences of the post in the most +effectual manner, in case of an attack upon the post, more especially when no +longer in prospect of rendering better assistance under the same circumstances, +or preventing the capture of the ships.</p> + +<p>"Every captain or commander is therefore directed to attend to the foregoing +paragraph, and act from circumstances, in the best and most effectual manner +possible for the defence of the post, and ship or vessel under his command, so +as to answer the intention of his lordship. Dated on board H.M.S. Flora, +Newport Harbour, 27th July 1778.</p> +<p>"To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding<br /> +<span class="left5">H.M. galley Spitfire."</span></p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> +<p>The French, who had secretly been assisting the Americans, and had +long been preparing for war, sent a powerful fleet from France, which +arrived, and anchored off Sandy Hook, while Lord Howe was within the +harbour with a very inferior force, but could not be attacked: they +therefore bent their course to reduce Rhode Island. On the 29th of +July they were discovered; and, on the 4th of August, two ships of the +line and two frigates entered the passage, where the Kingfisher sloop, +the Alarm and Spitfire, galleys, were stationed; and it being no +longer possible to prevent them from falling into the hands of the +enemy, their stores, guns, and crews were landed, and the vessels set +on fire.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1778 to 1782.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> +Serves ashore.—Returns to England in the Leviathan.—Providential +escape from shipwreck.—Visits Guernsey.—Joins the Victory.—A +journey to London.—Joins the Fortitude.—Battle off the Dogger +Bank.—Anecdotes of Admiral Parker.—Mr. Saumarez promoted to the rank +of Master and Commander.—Appointed to the Tisiphone.—Sails for the +West Indies with Admiral Kempenfelt.—Action with Comte de +Guichen.—Captures a French ship of thirty-six guns.—Is despatched to +Sir Samuel Hood.—Arrives at Barbadoes.—Escapes from two French +men-of-war.—Passes through an intricate channel.—Joins Sir Samuel +Hood.—Gallant conduct in cutting out a vessel.—Tisiphone ordered +home.—Fortunate exchange with Captain Stanhope.—Takes command of the +Russell.</p></div> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p>After the destruction of his little vessel, the Spitfire, Lieutenant +Saumarez was attached to the division of sailors under Commodore +Brisbane, to whom he became aide-de-camp. This division consisted of +the crews of the frigates and other vessels which had been destroyed, +on the following day in the southern passage, to prevent their falling +into the hands of the enemy. The vessels destroyed, in addition to +those mentioned in the last chapter, were, the Juno, Lark,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> Orpheus, +and Flora of thirty-two guns, and the Cerberus of twenty-eight.</p> + +<p>The artillery and stores had been in part landed, and mounted in +various positions on the island; while the seamen and officers, +amounting to above a thousand men, were actively employed there during +the whole of the siege. Lieutenant Saumarez was stationed latterly in +command of one of the advanced posts, and had several opportunities of +distinguishing himself in repulsing the repeated assaults of the +enemy, and in attacking them in return.</p> + +<p>The plans of the French for the reduction of Rhode Island having +failed, and their fleet having been dispersed in a storm, during which +some were disabled, and others captured, and finally the appearance of +Lord Howe with a reinforced but still inferior squadron, induced them +to abandon the project, and, after refitting at Boston, to steer for +the West Indies.</p> + +<p>The officers and seamen, being now no longer wanted, were ordered a +passage home in the Leviathan of fifty guns, on board which ship +Lieutenant Saumarez embarked, in company with Captains Dalrymple, +Smith, Hudson, Brisbane, Symons, and Græme, whose ships had also been +destroyed. As she was approaching the English Channel, the Leviathan +was overtaken by a violent storm, and most providentially saved from +shipwreck by the clearing up of a thick fog just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> in time to avoid the +danger, when they found the ship close to the Rocks of Scilly, near to +the spot where Sir Cloudesley Shovel was lost. This circumstance has +been attributed to a strong northerly current, but it was probably +from the position of these dangerous islands being inaccurately laid +down in the charts; it is indeed an extraordinary fact, that an error +of no less than three leagues in their situation was first discovered +by the Swedish surveyor, Nordenanker, about the commencement of last +war. The Leviathan, nevertheless, arrived safely at Portsmouth about +the beginning of the year 1779, when Lieutenant Saumarez had again an +opportunity of visiting his family and friends in Guernsey.</p> + +<p>He had, however, resided there but a short time, when he was appointed first +lieutenant of the Edgar of seventy-four guns, then fitting at Woolwich for the +broad pendant of Commodore Elliot. After receiving his letter of appointment, he +was obliged to wait some time for an opportunity to cross the channel; but at +length availed himself of the Ambuscade, which touched at Guernsey. Having +arrived at the Isle of Wight, Captain Phipps, her commander, ascertained that +the squadron under Admiral Drake, to which he belonged, had sailed from +Spithead; therefore without touching at Portsmouth to land Lieutenant Saumarez, +he proceeded to join the Channel fleet, which he found twenty leagues to the +westward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> of Scilly, having on the way retaken the Helena sloop of war; to +command which Sir John Warren, then first lieutenant of the Victory, was +appointed, and Mr. Saumarez was ordered in his stead to join the Victory, then +bearing the flag of Sir Charles Hardy, at whose request he was continued in that +ship, where he was third lieutenant in seniority, but supernumerary on the +books. Besides the commander-in-chief of the Channel fleet, Rear-Admiral +Kempenfelt, as first, and Captain Collings, as second captain, were both on +board the Victory detached to cruise off Brest, commencing in June 1779, and +returning occasionally to port until May 31st, 1780. After the death of Sir +Charles Hardy, which took place on the 9th May 1780, Admiral Geary, and then Sir +Francis Drake, succeeded to the command, with Captain Clayton as captain.</p> + +<p>The Victory continued on the same service until the spring of 1781, when Admiral +Hyde Parker hoisted his flag, and Mr. Saumarez now became first lieutenant. He +had been so zealously attentive to his duty, that for several months he never +went on shore, till at length he yielded to the persuasion of his messmates. On +arriving at Point Beach, Portsmouth, he was accosted by a person in French, who +demanded the way to the admiral's house, and at the same time informed him that +he had just landed with the intelligence that Jersey had been attacked by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> the +French. Mr. Saumarez immediately went with the messenger to the admiral, who +despatched him as a courier to town, and he returned in a remarkably short time +with orders respecting it. In short, his diligence and zeal were so manifest in +every service on which he was employed, that he soon gained the esteem and +friendship of Vice-admiral Hyde Parker, who, in June 1781, was appointed to the +command in the North Seas, and shifted his flag into the Fortitude, Captain +Robertson. The squadron in those seas, when under command of Commodore Keith +Stewart, was of inconsiderable strength, but had now risen to a force of five +ships of the line, besides one fifty, one forty-four, and three frigates. +Notwithstanding the desire of Lord Sandwich, then first lord of the admiralty, +to provide for his own friends, the admiral succeeded in carrying with him, from +the Victory, Lieutenants Waghorne and Saumarez. On the 3rd of June they sailed +from Spithead to Sheerness, and, after refitting and touching at Leith, sailed +to bring home the Baltic convoy from Elsineur, about the beginning of July.</p> + +<p>The squadron, which might have been made much stronger, consisted of the +Fortitude, seventy-four, Captain Robertson; the Princess Amelia, eighty, Captain +Macartney; the Berwick, seventy-four, Captain Fergusson; the Bienfaisant, +sixty-four, Captain Braithwaite; the Buffalo,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> sixty, Captain Truscott; the +Preston, fifty, Captain Græme; the Dolphin, forty-four, Captain Blair; the +Latona, thirty-eight, Sir Hyde Parker (the admiral's son); the Belle Poule, +thirty-six, Captain Patton; the Cleopatra, thirty-two, Captain Murray; and the +Surprise, cutter, Lieutenant Rivett.</p> + +<p>The Dutch by this time had declared war, and, being perfectly aware of the force +of Admiral Parker's squadron, sailed with a large convoy for the Baltic, under +command of Admiral Zoutman, whose squadron was one ship of the line superior; it +became, therefore, necessary to take the Dolphin, of forty-four guns, into the +line, although she had only eighteen-pounders on the lower deck.</p> + +<p>But before entering into the details of the action which took place on the 5th +of August 1781, it is proper to give some of the particulars of each squadron. +That of Admiral Parker was totally unfit for the line of battle; the ships had +been but a short time together, and had only two or three times practised the +usual manœuvres of forming the line, &amp;c. The Fortitude was a small +seventy-four, but well manned. The Princess Amelia was an old eighty-gun ship, +with reduced metal and masts. The Berwick was a good ship, and, in addition to +her metal, had two sixty-eight-pounder carronades on the poop; but next to her +was the Dolphin, forty-four, with only twenty twelve-pounders on the lower-deck, +which could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> not be expected to make any impression on a sixty-four. The Buffalo +was formerly the Captain, of seventy guns; but, in the commencement of +hostilities, not being thought efficient as a ship of war, she was fitted up as +a mast-ship and her name changed; but, probably for want of vessels, she was +again equipped for war with sixty guns, but only with eighteen-pounders on the +lower deck. The Preston was a good fifty-gun ship, with her proper metal, +twenty-four-pounders on the lower, and twelve-pounders on the upper deck. The +Bienfaisant had the metal on her lower deck reduced. The Artois, which +afterwards joined the squadron, was the finest frigate then known; had +twenty-eight, eighteen-pounders on her main deck, with, in addition to her +complement of guns, heavy carronades on the quarter-deck and forecastle; she was +manned with three hundred men. The Latona was a fine thirty-eight gun frigate, +with eighteen-pounders; the Belle Poule and Tartar were excellent of their +class.</p> + +<p>The Dutch squadron consisted of one seventy-four, one sixty-eight, one +sixty-four, and five fifty-fours. In the action there were five frigates, the +other five having gone off with the convoy; the list of both will be found in +the Appendix to this volume, with that of the killed and wounded.</p> + +<p>The Dutch squadron and convoy, which were bound to the Baltic, were discovered +at four o'clock in the morning about six leagues to leeward;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> and there being a +fine commanding breeze and smooth water, everything was favourable, as well for +detaching the convoy, which was immediately done by signal to the Tartar, as for +making dispositions to attack the enemy. The admiral seeing that they had their +own port (the Texel) directly to leeward, and being doubtful that they would run +in there for shelter, or at least go nearer to the shore, made the signal to +chase at thirty-five minutes past four, which obliged every ship to make sail +instead of preparing for action with a superior enemy. At five, Admiral Zoutman +hoisted Dutch colours, and his men-of-war drew out from the convoy, which took +their station under the lee to await the event. At half-past five, the admiral +made the Tartar's signal to stay by, and part company with the convoy, which +then hauled their wind, made sail to the south-west, and was soon out of sight +and danger.</p> + +<p>At ten minutes past six, the signal for the line of battle abreast was made, +which allowed the headmost ships to take in small sails; and immediately after +another signal was given for the Dolphin and Preston to change stations; this +was a serious mistake, as it led our squadron to believe that the admiral meant +to engage the ship ahead of the Dutch admiral, and not that of the latter, which +was actually his intention. This unfortunately placed the Dolphin in opposition +to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> one of the largest of the enemy's vessels; and while it left the rear-ship +(the Bienfaisant) for some time without an opponent, the van-ship Berwick and +the Dolphin had to engage three of the enemy.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, the Dutch were regularly drawn up in a line of battle ahead, +on the larboard tack, the ships being about a cable's length apart, and keeping +a point from the wind, with their sails well proportioned to each other. They +appeared in excellent order, their hammocks stowed, and marines drawn up on the +poop.</p> + +<p>At fifty-six minutes past seven, the signal for close action was made, and, to +the astonishment of our squadron, the enemy never fired a shot, although they +might have done considerable damage to our ships had they opened their fire on +them as they approached end on to them, on their weather beam. Not a gun was +fired on either side until within half-musket shot, when the red flag was +hoisted on both ships. Up to that moment all was silent, and it is scarcely +possible to conceive a silence more solemn and impressive! At the same instant, +they saw the signal go to the mast-head of Zoutman's ship. The dreadful silence +was now broken by the tremendous roar of cannon when within pistol-shot, and the +battle raged with the utmost fury for three hours and forty minutes.</p> + +<p>At ten o'clock, the signal for close action which had been made, was +repeated. The Berwick, having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> forced the van-ship of the enemy to +edge off, fell to leeward of the line, and was consequently obliged to +make sail, tack, and regain her station in support of the Dolphin, +which had then two ships on her, and was also thrown to leeward. The +admiral, having now slackened the Dutch admiral's fire, passed ahead +of the Buffalo, on which the ships astern closed up to the Buffalo; +and the Berwick took the station ahead of the admiral. At thirty-five +minutes past eleven, the ships became unmanageable; and, the Dutch +dropping to leeward, the action ceased.</p> + +<p>By some it has been affirmed that Admiral Parker should have renewed +the action: Lieutenant Saumarez says, it was certainly his intention +to do so; but the state of his own ship, and the reports he received +from others, rendered it quite impossible.<a name="FNanchor_3" id="FNanchor_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> + +<p>The Dutch convoy had about the middle of the conflict bore up for the +Texel. The protection of them was no longer an object, and Admiral +Zoutman, as soon as he could possibly get his ships collected and put +before the wind, made the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> best of his way into the port; but during +the night the Hollandia, Dutch seventy-four, was seen sunk in +twenty-two fathoms water, and her pendant was hauled down by Captain +Patton, of the Belle Poule, and brought to the admiral. As no ship was +taken, both claimed the victory: but, the convoy being sent back into +port and one ship sunk, should certainly decide it to Admiral Parker; +and had the English admiral not inadvertently rendered his van too +weak by the mistake in the signal which also extended his line beyond +their rear, thereby rendering one ship for a time useless, he would +have obtained a decisive victory.</p> + +<p>While Admiral Zoutman must be admired for his cool intrepidity, it +must be admitted that he was much to blame in forbearing to avail +himself of the opportunity of attacking and disabling the approaching +fleet, which he might have done with great effect. After the Fortitude +had been put into a condition to make sail, Lieutenant Saumarez was +sent to conduct the Preston, one of the disabled ships, into port; her +commander, Captain Græme, having lost his arm in the action. When +Admiral Parker arrived at the Nore, his Majesty paid the squadron a +visit; but the veteran commander, indignant at the conduct of +ministers, who, he conceived, ought to have reinforced his squadron +instead of allowing some fine ships to lie idle in port, received<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> the +King with that rough <span class="italic">hauteur</span> peculiar to himself, observing, "I wish +your Majesty better ships and younger officers. As for myself, I am +now too old for the service."</p> + +<p>On this occasion Lieut. Saumarez was presented to George III. The King +inquired if he was related to the captains of the same name one of +whom had circumnavigated the globe with Anson, and who had fallen +gloriously in the service of their country: the admiral replied in the +affirmative, saying, "Yes, please your Majesty; he is their nephew, +and as brave and as good an officer as either of them."</p> + +<p>In consequence of the bravery and skill he displayed in this action, +Lieut. Saumarez was promoted to the rank of commander, although only +second lieutenant; the first being wounded early in the action, the +duty had fallen on our hero: and he was immediately appointed to the +Tisiphone, a fire-ship constructed on a new plan, and armed with +carronades, which was then fitting at Sheerness; his commission as +"master and commander," bearing date for that ship, the 23rd August +1781.</p> + +<p>When lieutenant of the Fortitude, with Admiral Sir Hyde Parker,—who, +from his acerbity of temper, was distinguished from others of the same +name by the sobriquet of "Vinegar Parker,"—the old admiral betrayed +his ill-humour by unwarrantably finding fault with him one morning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> +when Mr. Saumarez commanded the watch; but soon after, probably to +make amends for such hasty and unguarded conduct towards an officer +for whom he had the greatest regard, he sent to invite him to dinner, +an honour which the young lieutenant declined in terms sufficiently +strong to indicate that his feelings had been hurt. On this, the +admiral sent for him and exclaimed, "What! can't you put up with the +fractious disposition of an old man?" The admiral, who could not bear +to be, even for a day, at variance with Lieutenant Saumarez, would do +anything to serve him; and, when he obtained the command on the East +India station, offered to take him with him in the Cato, which sailed, +and was supposed to have foundered off the Cape of Good Hope, as she +was never afterwards heard of; and he happily escaped sharing the fate +of that gallant chief and unfortunate crew.</p> + +<p>The Tisiphone having been fitted out at Sheerness, and the complement +of men having been filled up by supernumeraries from the Conquestadore +at the Nore, Captain Saumarez, by order from Admiral Roddam, placed +himself under the command of Captain Allen, of the Sceptre, on the 6th +September 1781, from whom he received the following order:</p> +<div class="blockquote"><p> +You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under my command, and to +follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive +from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>me for his Majesty's service, and to hold yourself in constant readiness +to sail at a moment's warning; and in case of separation by any unavoidable +accident, you are to make the best of your way without loss of time to Torbay, +and put yourself under the command of Admiral Darby.</p> + +<p>(Mem.) In case of your parting company with his Majesty's ship Sceptre, and +falling in with any ships or vessels belonging to France or French subjects, +Spain or Spanish subjects, the States General of the United Provinces, or to his +Majesty's rebellious subjects in the colonies of North America, that you can +cope with, you are to use your best endeavours to take, seize, sink, burn, or +destroy the same: giving me an account of your arrival at Torbay, and of +anything you may have so taken or destroyed.</p> +<p class="right">Signed.<span class="smcap"> Wm. Allen.</span></p></div> + +<p>In pursuance of these orders Captain Saumarez sailed from the Nore, +and, arriving at Torbay on the 17th, found that Admiral Darby had +sailed in the Britannia on the 15th, after having left orders for the +Tisiphone to cruise a week off the Lizard. Here he was directed to +proceed for Plymouth, where he arrived on the 1st of October; and +having received further orders to repair to Spithead without loss of +time, he arrived there on the 13th October, to fit for Channel +service. He now joined the fleet under Lord Howe, and, after a cruise +off Brest, returned to Portsmouth on the 21st of November: his ship +was found to sail extremely well.</p> + +<p>Captain Saumarez was now ordered to place himself under the command of +Admiral Kempenfelt,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> who, with a detachment of twelve sail of the +line, was destined to intercept Count de Guichen, who had put to sea +from Brest, after having returned from his last severe campaign. The +count had been ordered to use every exertion to refit and prepare the +French fleet for sea, notwithstanding the lateness of the season. The +objects in view could be accomplished only by extreme diligence and +the most profound secrecy, as it was absolutely necessary to reinforce +Count de Grasse, with both ships and troops in the West Indies, as +also M. Des Ornes and Admiral Suffrein in the East. It was evident +that De Grasse, after his hard service on the coast of North America +during the preceding campaign, must stand in need of a vast supply of +naval and military stores; and the service he was about to undertake +in the West Indies would increase the want of provisions, and almost +every necessary of life and of warfare: neither was the demand for +naval and military stores in the East Indies less urgent. Accordingly, +a numerous convoy of transports, store-ships, and victuallers were +prepared and equipped at the same time as the fleet, which was now +extended to such a number of men-of-war as was considered sufficient +for the protection of the convoys until fairly out of reach. This part +of the service, as well as the charge of the whole expedition, was, as +we have stated, confided to Count Guichen; and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> command of the +squadron and fleet destined to the West Indies, to M. de Vaudreuil. +The Tisiphone was the look-out ship of the squadron, which sailed from +Spithead at the end of November.</p> + +<p>At day-break on the 12th December, Captain Saumarez, being the first +to discover the enemy, made known his situation to the admiral; which +was, that the men-of-war were too far ahead and too much to leeward of +the convoy to afford any protection to it. The admiral, with that +decision and professional skill by which he was so eminently +distinguished, determined to profit by their situation, and boldly +pushed between the convoy and the greater part of the enemy's +line-of-battle ships, and succeeded in capturing twenty sail. In this +affair Captain Saumarez had a noble opportunity of distinguishing +himself, by attacking the ship of war, of thirty-six guns, which was +bringing up the rear of the convoy, and capturing her after an action +of twenty minutes.</p> + +<p>Besides those captured, many others had struck; but, the weather at +this time becoming thick and squally, the admiral discontinued the +chase of those which had been cut off, and which made sail in every +direction, that he might collect his squadron before dark, many of his +ships being at a great distance astern with the prizes. At daylight +next morning, the enemy's ships of war, twenty-one sail of the line, +were seen formed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> to leeward; but their force was so much superior, +that the admiral did not think it advisable to risk an action. The +captured ships consisted of twenty-one sail of transports, having on +board eleven thousand troops, besides their crews of seven thousand +seamen; the greatest part of which were taken by this squadron, and +the Agamemnon, which picked up five or six more.</p> + +<p>It was now evident that the force under Count Guichen, destined to +assist Count de Grasse in the capture of the valuable island of +Jamaica; was much greater than had been supposed by the English +government; and, consequently, it became of the utmost importance to +give the earliest information of the approach of such a formidable +enemy to Sir Samuel Hood. Accordingly, Captain Saumarez, whose gallant +conduct and zeal had been so manifest, was selected for this service. +His men were returned to the Tisiphone from the captured ships; and he +was detached with orders to push past the French fleet, and make the +best of his way to Barbadoes, (see Appendix) where he arrived on the +28th of January; and finding the Pegasus, Captain John Stanhope, he +delivered his despatches, and received the following orders from that +officer:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p> +You are hereby required and directed to proceed (without a moment's loss of +time) to the island of Antigua, where, on your arrival off English Harbour, you +are to send a boat in for intelligence respecting Sir Samuel <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>Hood and the fleet +under his command; which having received from the senior officer in that port, +you will proceed in search of the commander-in-chief, and deliver him the +despatches you are charged with from Rear-admiral Kempenfelt, as also those you +will receive herewith.</p> +<p>Given on board his Majesty's ship Pegasus,<br /> +Carlisle Bay, this 28th Jan. 1782.</p> +<p>(Mem.) I recommend that particular attention may be paid to keep well to +windward of the French islands.</p> +<p class="right">Signed<span class="smcap"> John Stanhope.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, H.M. fire-ship <br /> +<span class="left5">Tisiphone.</span></p></div> + +<p>In pursuance of these orders, Captain Saumarez sailed from Barbadoes +on the 28th of January. In the mean time, the Comte de Grasse, who had +been beating to windward for some days with the intention of attacking +Barbadoes, but without gaining ground, had abandoned his plan, and +bore away for St. Kitts. On his arrival there, he landed eight +thousand men, and took possession of greater part of the island: +General Frazer, with a small party of six hundred men, was obliged to +retire to Brimstone Hill Fort.</p> + +<p>Sir Samuel Hood, notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy, +(twenty-nine sail of the line,) resolved on a sudden and unusually +bold manœuvre, namely, to sail and attack the enemy's fleet at +anchor. It was for this purpose that he had put to sea with twenty-two +sail of the line, and proceeded to Antigua, where he took in +provisions, and embarked the twenty-eighth and two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> companies of the +thirteenth regiment, under command of General Prescott.</p> + +<p>Captain Saumarez, according to the orders he had received, proceeded +for Antigua, and keeping "well to windward," as he had been directed +to do, fell in with the Triumphante and Terrible, two French +line-of-battle ships, of the squadron which had been attacked by +Admiral Kempenfelt on the 12th December, and which had been detached +by Comte de Guichen to Martinique. These ships immediately gave chase; +but, night coming on, Captain Saumarez had recourse to stratagem in +order to effect his escape, which would otherwise have been impossible +in consequence of the Tisiphone having carried away her fore-top-mast +in a squall, an accident which was fortunately not observed by his +pursuers: he now made night-signals by hoisting lights and burning +false fires; which having led the enemy to suppose he was +communicating with an English squadron, they abandoned the pursuit +after a chase of half-an-hour.</p> + +<p>At the moment the fore-top-mast was carried away, Mr. Robb, one of the +midshipmen, who was looking out at the fore-top-gallant-mast-head, +fell on the forecastle without receiving any injury. This young +gentleman was an <span class="italic">elève</span> of Captain Saumarez, continued with him to +the end of that war, and embarked with him on board the Crescent in +1793. After the capture<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> of <span class="italic">La Réunion</span>, he was promoted to the rank +of lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The fore-top-mast of the Tisiphone was soon replaced; and next day, on +reaching English Harbour, he learned that Sir Samuel Hood, with his +squadron was at anchor in Basseterre Roads, St. Kitts, where he had +three times repulsed the enemy of a much superior force, but which had +now taken up such a position as rendered it impossible for him to +communicate with the admiral; for, unless he would venture to push +through the intricate channel between Nevis and St. Kitts, he would +run the greatest risk of being captured. Undismayed, however, at the +danger of navigating an unknown passage, he fearlessly proceeded where +no ship had ever before ventured; and by sounding as he advanced, and +by the dexterous management of his ship, he succeeded in carrying the +Tisiphone to the anchorage at St. Kitts in safety; and delivered his +despatches to Sir Samuel Hood, who informed him that the intelligence +was of such importance, that it was necessary it should be immediately +sent on to Sir Peter Parker at Jamaica. But when the admiral proposed +to send the Tisiphone on with it, Captain Saumarez, desirous of +remaining at the seat of warlike operations, represented to him that +the Tisiphone was a fine fast-sailing ship on a new construction, that +in the existing state of affairs she might be useful, and that he +should be happy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> to contribute by his own personal exertions to the +promotion of the public service; whereas any vessel could run down +with the trade-wind to Jamaica. Sir Samuel, no less pleased with the +proposal, and the manner in which it was made, than convinced of the +advantage he would derive from having with him a fast-sailing vessel +commanded by so zealous an officer, whose tact and intrepidity had +already been manifested, determined to keep the Tisiphone with his +squadron, and send a less useful vessel with the intelligence to +Jamaica. The admiral soon reaped the advantage of this decision. +Captain Saumarez, during the time the fleet remained there and at +Antigua, was the most active in harassing the enemy. He commanded +several boat expeditions, and cut out a vessel in a most gallant style +from Basseterre Roads and several other small vessels from the back of +the island.</p> + +<p>The time, however, had now arrived when it was absolutely necessary to +send another despatch to England; and the admiral had no other small +vessel remaining but the Tisiphone. On the 7th February 1782, the +signal was made for an opportunity of sending letters to England, and +subsequently for the captain of the Tisiphone: Captain Saumarez had +been dining with his friend, Captain Charrington, on board the Ajax, +and it was some time before he reached the Barfleur; when he found to +his dismay and mortification<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> that he was ordered home! In a short +time the despatches were ready, and he had taken his leave. He +described this interesting circumstance, on which it may be said his +fortune was founded, in the following manner to us, and we cannot do +better than give it in his own words.</p> + +<p>"I was," says he, "in my own boat, with the despatches in my hand; and +with a heavy heart had ordered the bow-man to shove off, when Captain +Stanhope, of the Russell, came alongside, and seeing me called: +'Hollo! Saumarez, where are you going?'—'To <span class="italic">England</span>', said I, 'I am +sorry to tell you!'—'Sorry,' replied Stanhope; 'I wish I was in your +place; I want to go home on account of my health; and, if I had known, +I would have exchanged with you.'—'Perhaps it is not too late,' said +I.—'Hold on then,' said he, 'till I speak to the admiral, since I +have your leave.'"</p> + +<p>By this time the Russell's boat was alongside the admiral's ship; and +at the word "Hold on!" which was emphatically repeated by Saumarez, +the bow-man hooked the quarter of the Russell's barge, and he remained +but a few minutes in breathless suspense; after which Captain Stanhope +appeared at the gangway, and called, "Come up, Saumarez." He was on +deck in an instant, and found that, on Captain Jackson being asked to +submit the proposal to the admiral, he said, "Let Captain Saumarez do +it himself, he is the fittest person."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<p>When Sir Samuel Hood heard the application, he was silent, and after +reflecting for a few minutes he said, "Captain Saumarez, you know not +how much I wish to serve you; Captain Stanhope shall go home as he +desires, and you shall have command of the Russell." Accordingly, +before the close of that day, Captain Stanhope was on board the +Tisiphone on his way to England; while her late commander was in +possession of his post-rank, and captain of one of his Majesty's ships +of the line of seventy-four guns; and all this effected in less than +two hours!</p> + +<p>We cannot forbear making honourable mention of a trait of attachment +manifested on this occasion by the first lieutenant, a Scotch baronet +of an ancient family, who had not been at sea for twenty-two years, +when he was appointed to the Tisiphone. The conflict of this officer's +feelings between joy for his captain's promotion and regret at losing +so excellent a friend was far beyond description; but, as the moment +of parting approached, he selected what he considered most valuable, +and so earnestly did he press Captain Saumarez to accept some +testimonial of his esteem, that, finding a refusal would deeply wound +his feelings, he accepted a silver ladle marked with his initials, +which has ever since been carefully preserved in memory of its former +owner.</p> + +<p>The same night Captain Saumarez took command of the Russell, he had +cause to find that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> promotion and honours bring cares. A report was +made to him that the ship was in a state of mutiny, and that a shot +had been thrown at one of the officers. He soon found, indeed, that he +had a most disorderly ship's company; but the firm, prompt, and +judicious regulations which Captain Saumarez immediately established, +brought the crew so effectually into order, that two months after, at +the memorable battle of the 12th April 1782, no ship was in a higher +state of discipline than the Russell.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1782.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> +Situation of the Hostile Fleets.—Surrender of Brimstone +Hill.—Junction of the Fleets.—Antigua.—St. +Lucia.—Sailing of the French Fleet under Comte de Grasse.—Action of +the 9th April.—12th of April.—Gallant conduct of the +Russell.—Captain Saumarez returns to Jamaica.—Comes to England with +Convoy.—Is paid off at Chatham, and confirmed a Post-captain.</p></div> + +<p>It has now become necessary to give a brief account of the situation +of the hostile fleets at the seat of war in the West Indies. While the +enemy's troops were prosecuting the siege of Brimstone Hill, the fleet +under the Comte de Grasse had been reinforced, and either continued at +sea, near to Basseterre, or anchored in the old road. On the 13th, a +practicable breach being made in the works, the general and governor +having given up all hopes of succour, and his brave garrison being +reduced to five hundred men, they embraced the proposals of a +capitulation made by the Marquis de Boullie, who on the same day +proclaimed the surrender of Brimstone Hill to the admiral by a flag of +truce, which had been previously agreed upon. The British fleet,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> +which had till this time continued at the anchorage in which it had so +bravely resisted the attacks of the Comte de Grasse, who on the 14th +anchored off Nevis with thirty-four sail of the line, was now in a +perilous situation, especially as the enemy were erecting mortar +batteries on the hill opposite to the shipping; and as it was no +longer necessary for him to continue there, Sir Samuel Hood issued +orders to slip or cut cables <span class="italic">without signal</span> at eleven o'clock at +night, the sternmost and leeward-most ships first, and so on in +succession, and proceed under easy sail until directed otherwise by +signal. That this order might be punctually executed, the captains +were ordered to set their watches by the admiral's timepiece. The +movement was performed with the utmost order and regularity. Not one +ship was molested or pursued by the French fleet, which was lying +within five miles, and must have been astonished at this excellent +manœuvre of the British admiral, wherein the Russell had a +distinguished share. Soon afterwards, Nevis and Montserrat fell into +the hands of the French.</p> + +<p>On the 19th February, Sir Samuel Hood anchored in St. John's Road, +Antigua; and on the same day, Sir George Rodney arrived at Barbadoes +from England with several sail of the line. On the 25th, he joined Sir +Samuel Hood off Antigua; and, three days after, three more sail of the +line arrived from England. Thus fortunately<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> united, the admiral +proceeded to St. Lucia, to refit and complete with water. On the 14th +of March he put to sea, with a view of intercepting a large French +convoy which was expected to arrive from Europe; but, notwithstanding +the vigilance of the frigates, the enemy, by keeping close to +Guadaloupe and Dominique, effected their escape into Fort Royal Bay, +on the 20th and 21st, unperceived by any of our ships. When this +unlucky event was made known to Sir George Rodney, he returned to St. +Lucia, to watch the motions of the enemy. In the mean time the +Russell, which had been damaged by striking on a rock, was repaired at +the Carenage.</p> + +<p>The Comte de Grasse was equally active in the equipment of his fleet, +in order to proceed to leeward and form a junction with the Spaniards, +for the purpose of carrying into execution their grand object—the +reduction of Jamaica, with an overwhelming force of sixty sail of the +line and twenty thousand troops.</p> + +<p>At daylight, on the 8th April, Captain Byron, of the Andromache, +communicated to the admiral by signal the anxiously-expected +intelligence that the enemy's fleet, with their large convoy, were +coming out of Fort Royal Bay, and standing to the north-west. Sir +George Rodney first made the signal for all boats, and persons who had +been necessarily employed in watering, &amp;c. to repair on board, and +immediately after to weigh. Before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> noon the whole fleet were clear of +Gros Islet Bay: Sir George stretched first over to Fort Royal, and +then made the general signal to chase north-eastward.</p> + +<p>The enemy's lights were distinctly visible during the night; and as +their ships-of-war, though better sailers than the English, were +delayed by the convoy of transports, there was little doubt of +overtaking them. Accordingly, at daylight on the morning of the 9th, +some of the advanced ships were close up with their convoy under +Dominique, while their men-of-war seemed much scattered: fourteen of +the latter were between Dominique and the Saints, with a breeze from +east-north-east; but the rest were becalmed under the land about St. +Rupert's Bay, and one ship was observed at some distance in the +north-west.</p> + +<p>About half-past seven, the van division, commanded by Sir Samuel Hood, +got the breeze; while the centre and rear, in which was the Russell, +continued to be becalmed. This of course caused a separation, but did +not deter Sir Samuel Hood from advancing, although he had only eight +ships to fourteen of the enemy. In the mean time, the French ship seen +in the north-west, which had got the breeze, boldly stood on and +weathered the Alfred, the van-ship of Sir Samuel Hood's division, +which bore up to allow her to pass; and, no signal having been made to +engage, not a shot was fired.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>At nine o'clock the action began, and was maintained with determined +bravery for upwards of an hour, the enemy's ships which had the breeze +having borne down upon and engaged this division; the Barfleur and +others had, at times, three to one opposed to them; and in this attack +there can be but one opinion, that the Comte de Grasse displayed great +professional ability. At length the leading ships of the centre got up +with the enemy's rear, and were followed by the Duke, Formidable, and +Namur; the Arrogant lost her main-top-mast, as well as the Royal Oak. +The rear squadron, commanded by Admiral Drake, now came up, and the +Comte de Grasse prudently hauled his wind; and as his ships sailed +better than the English, he succeeded in gradually drawing off, and by +half-past one his fleet were all out of the reach of shot.</p> + +<p>Captain Bayne, of the Alfred, lost his life in this his sixth +encounter with the enemy; and it is said that he bled to death after +his leg was shot off, before he was carried to the cockpit.</p> + +<p>In the action of this day the Russell had only a small share, as she +belonged to the rear division of the fleet, and, being becalmed, could +not get up until the enemy had hauled off. The Royal Oak, Montagu, and +Alfred were the ships which suffered most, but not so much as to +prevent their being repaired at sea; while two of the enemy's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> ships +were so materially disabled as to oblige them to bear up for +Guadaloupe. The necessary repairs of these ships were not completed +before the 11th, during which time the enemy, by carrying a great +press of sail, had gained so far to windward as to weather the Saints, +and were nearly hull down; and, as it was supposed that the Comte de +Grasse meant to abandon to their fate two of his ships of the line +that had been so much damaged in the late action as not to be able to +keep company, all hope of being able to come up with them seemed now +to vanish.</p> + +<p>In the mean time the line had been inverted, which brought +Rear-admiral Drake's division in the van, and that of Rear-admiral +Hood, which had been engaged, in the rear. The signal having been made +for a general chase, the two ships above mentioned would have been cut +off, had not De Grasse been induced to bear down to their relief. This +brought the enemy so far to leeward, that the hope of forcing them to +engage was revived.</p> + +<p>As soon as the commander-in-chief saw that the enemy's fleet was +sufficiently to leeward, he recalled the chasing ships, formed a close +line of battle, and carried sail to windward all night; during which +the French line-of-battle ship Le Zélé, whether from injuries received +in action, or in running foul of another ship, lost her bowsprit and +fore-mast, and at daylight on the morning of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> the 12th was seen in tow +of a frigate, both carrying all the sail they could, and steering for +Basseterre. Sir Samuel Hood being in the rear, and consequently +nearest these ships, was directed to detach some of his division in +chase of them; and the Comte de Grasse, seeing that they must be +inevitably taken, bore up with his whole fleet for their protection. +It was now impossible to avoid an action.</p> + +<p>The ships which had been recalled from chase resumed their stations, +and a close line ahead was formed on the starboard tack, the enemy +being on the larboard. Having hauled their wind after they had +perceived the chasing ships recalled, they thus endeavoured to avoid +an action; but the English fleet could now fetch near the body of the +French. At half-past seven, therefore, the engagement began by Admiral +Drake's division, led by the Marlborough and Arrogant, fetching the +fifth ship from the van, and bearing up in succession. The Honourable +Hugh Lindsay, who was a midshipman in the Arrogant, informed us that +in that part, and in the whole of the action, the enemy fired so high, +that the three <span class="italic">trucks</span> of the Princessa's mast-heads were shot away, +and the consequence was that very few men were killed or wounded. The +Duke lost her main-top-mast, as she approached the centre of the +enemy's fleet.</p> + +<p>At half-past nine the action became general: Admiral Drake's division, +in which was the Russell,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> had now passed the rear of the enemy on the +opposite tack; and Captain Thompson, of the America, seeing that he +could fetch to windward of the enemy's line, wore without waiting for +the anxiously-expected signal, as did also the Russell; and we have +reason to know that Captain Saumarez rejoiced at this circumstance. +Captain Thompson, being an experienced officer and second in command, +gave a sufficient authority to any other officer to follow his +motions, and they now stood to the southward. The America, however, +did not continue long on that tack, and the Russell was consequently +separated from her and the whole division; as the signals to tack, and +soon after to wear, were not made and put in execution for an hour +afterwards by Sir Francis Drake, who was then considerably to the +northward.</p> + +<p>In the mean time the Russell continued, and got up with the rear ship +of the enemy's centre division about eleven o'clock, with which she +exchanged broadsides. At noon, the wind, which was very light, changed +to the south, throwing both fleets into confusion; but this gave Sir +George Rodney, and three of the centre division, an opportunity of +passing through an opening it occasioned in the enemy's line, and +doubling on its rear division: all their attempts to form again were +in vain; the enemy's van could never come into action. After this, the +remainder of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> the day was spent in desultory actions of single ships, +without regard to the motions of each other; the signals to chase and +for close action being visible only at intervals.</p> + +<p>It is here unnecessary to give a particular account of the events +which took place on this memorable day, or to allude to those +circumstances which have been so fruitful in controversy; more +especially as Rodney's public letter, and other official records, will +be found in the Appendix to this volume. We shall, therefore, confine +our observations to the positions and conduct of the Russell, +commanded by Captain Saumarez.</p> + +<p>The Russell was the only ship belonging to the van (Admiral Drake's) +division, which had wore and continued her course soon after she had +passed the rear of the enemy. By standing to the southward again, +Captain Saumarez brought his ship into action, but to <span class="italic">windward</span> of +the enemy; and, at the time the wind shifted to the southward, Sir +George Rodney, in passing through the enemy's fleet, was surprised to +find an English ship to <span class="italic">windward</span> of the French. Having ascertained +it was the Russell, he declared emphatically that the captain had +distinguished himself more than any officer in the fleet.<a name="FNanchor_4" id="FNanchor_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> By this +favourable position, which he had thus gallantly obtained, after +receiving the more distant fire of several of the enemy's ships, about +three o'clock he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>was able to come up with and closely engage a French +seventy-four, and after exchanging broadsides with three others, +pushed up to the Ville de Paris, and after raking her, having +maintained a position on the lee quarter, poured in a most destructive +fire, until the Barfleur, Sir Samuel Hood's flag-ship, came up.</p> + +<p>Sir Gilbert Blane, in his account of this period of the battle, says: +"It was late in the day when the Ville de Paris struck her colours: +the ships immediately engaged with her at that moment were the +Barfleur, the flag-ship of Sir Samuel Hood, and the Russell, commanded +by Captain Saumarez. The Formidable (in which was Sir Gilbert) was +right astern, and, having come within shot, was yawing in order to +give the enemy a raking broadside, when Sir Charles Douglas and I +standing together on the quarter-deck, the position of our ship opened +a view of the enemy's stern between the foresail and the jib-boom, +through which we saw the French flag hauled down." This fact has not +been generally stated.</p> + +<p>But the anecdote which we are now about to relate, must remove every +doubt on the subject. In the autumn of 1808, when the Baltic fleet, +under command of Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, returned from the +Gulf of Finland, in company with the Swedish fleet, to the harbour of +Carlscrona, the Swedish commander-in-chief,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> Admiral Palmquist, +Rear-admiral Nauckhoff, Commodore Blessing, Captain Tornquist, and +others, came on board the flag-ship, Victory, to pay their respects to +the admiral: they were of course asked to take some refreshment in the +cabin: on which, as on all other occasions where an interpreter was +wanted, we were of the party. The conversation naturally turned to the +actions wherein they each had served in early life, when it appeared +that the whole of the four officers mentioned had been brought up in +the French service, and had actually been in the battle of the 12th of +April 1782. When we acquainted them that Sir James Saumarez commanded +a ship in that action, they eagerly inquired the name; and being +informed it was the Russell, Captain Tornquist, who was in the +Northumberland, rising from his chair and seizing Sir James's hand, +exclaimed, "Mon Dieu! Monsieur l'Amiral, nous avons brulé le poudre +ensemble; allons boire un coup."</p> + +<p>It is impossible to do justice to the scene which followed. The old +Swedish officer's joy at this discovery knew no bounds; they +completely "fought the battle o'er again;" and we found it distinctly +proved that it was the Russell, commanded by Captain Saumarez, which +gallantly engaged several of the enemy's ships for two hours, and at +six, <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> pushed on to the Ville de Paris. Baron Rosenstien, who was +on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> board that ship, and Baron Palmquist, who was on board La Couronne +stationed next to her, declared that the Compte de Grasse, who was +then attempting to escape to leeward, would have succeeded had it not +been for the Russell. During our sojourn among the Swedes in that and +another winter, we often heard the history of that memorable battle +repeated; and they never ceased to maintain the circumstance we have +stated, of which we made a memorandum at the time.<a name="FNanchor_5" id="FNanchor_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> + +<p>We took leave on that occasion to say to Sir James, that we believed +the credit had been given to another ship; to which he replied, "Yes, +it was; but what Admiral Palmquist and Captain Tornquist has told you, +is true: it <span class="italic">was</span> the Russell that engaged the Ville de Paris until +the Barfleur came up." But such was the extreme sensibility of +Saumarez, that he could not persuade himself to correct the error, +from an idea that such an interference might argue a desire to sound +his own praise; and, but for the circumstance we have now related, the +truth might never have come to light.</p> + +<p>In answer to a letter from Captain Thomas White, which he sent to Lord +de Saumarez with a copy of his publication, called "Naval +Researches,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> written in 1836, to defend the gallant Rodney from +certain attacks and allegations which had been published, <span class="italic">not</span> to +give a "full and perfect account of the battle, but," says Captain +White, "more particularly that part where your lordship so ably +commanded the Russell, which portion of our fleet the tongue of +calumny has never ventured to assail," Lord de Saumarez wrote the +following letter:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Guernsey, 13th June 1836.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir,</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">I beg</span> to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, accompanying your interesting +publication, which you have done me the favour to send for my acceptance, and +which has been forwarded to me by Lord Amelius Beauclerc.</p> +<p>I regret that you have (inadvertently, I am persuaded) fallen into the same +error as some of your predecessors, in detailing the account of Lord Rodney's +victory of the 12th of April, by ascribing to the Canada what is alone due to +the Russell, which ship I commanded.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>I shall for your information briefly state the circumstance to which I allude. +After passing the sternmost of the enemy's ships, the America, the ship astern +of the Russell, wore to stand after them: I was glad to have the example of an +old experienced officer, and wore also; but Captain Thompson, finding there was +no signal, shortly after wore again, to join Sir Samuel Drake's division. I +stood on, till passing a division of four of the enemy's ships, I exchanged +broadsides with them, and finally came up with the Ville de Paris, wore under +her stern and engaged her on the quarter for some time, when the Barfleur came +up, and the Comte de Grasse hauled down his colours.</p> + +<p>Even at this distant period, I have a perfect recollection of the transactions +of that day. I shall only add, that I am convinced that no officer who was on +board the Canada in the victory of the 12th of April, will assert that she was +engaged with the Ville de Paris at the time stated. The present Admiral Giffard +was, I believe, one of the lieutenants, to whom I wish to refer you.</p> +<p class="left70">I am, &c.</p> +<p class="right smcap">De Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>Captain White, as well as other officers, is of opinion that Admiral +Drake's division should have tacked sooner; and, as circumstances +happened, it would doubtless have been better if he had done so; but +probably the admiral, in continuing to stand on the same tack, had +calculated that the wind would continue in the same direction, or +alter to the northward; in either case he would have weathered the +whole of the enemy's fleet, besides giving time to his division to +repair damages. The wind veering to the southward immediately after +his division had wore, had unfortunately the effect of throwing them +to leeward; whereas the Russell, which wore as above stated, was by +the same change of wind far to windward of his division and nearer the +enemy.</p> + +<p>No sooner had the Ville de Paris struck her colours, which "went down +with the setting sun," than the Russell made sail in chase of one of +the French ships which had deserted her chief, as also did Sir Samuel +Hood; but their noble<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> efforts were arrested by the night signal to +bring to, which put an end to the battle in that quarter: and although +Commodore Affleck in the Bedford, and three others, who did not see +the signal, continued the chase, they were unable to come up with the +enemy, who escaped to leeward in small divisions and single ships, +leaving the Ville de Paris, the Glorieux, the Hector, and Cæsar, in +possession of the English.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 13th no enemy was in sight, and the ships which +had been in chase returned to the fleet. Admiral Rodney, with his +prizes and the fleet, remained three days under Guadaloupe to repair +damages, which afforded the flying enemy an opportunity to escape; +but, on the 19th, the Caton and Jason, of sixty-four guns each, with +the Astrée and Ceres, frigates, were added to the list of prizes by +the exertions of Sir Samuel Hood, Captains Goodall, and Linzee. On the +23rd of April, Sir Samuel Hood rejoined the fleet off Tiberoon; +whereupon Sir George Rodney proceeded to Jamaica with those ships most +disabled, among which was the Russell and the prizes, leaving Sir +Samuel Hood with a strong squadron to watch the enemy, should they +venture out and attempt to prosecute their attack on Jamaica.</p> + +<p>Nothing could be more flattering than the reception that Sir George +Rodney met with at Jamaica from the inhabitants, whose anxiety was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> so +suddenly supplanted by unbounded joy; and who not only found +themselves freed from the danger of invasion, but beheld the principal +commander of that overwhelming force which had caused them so much +alarm a prisoner within their harbour, and six of his principal ships +having the English colours triumphantly waving over the fleur-de-lis +of France.</p> + +<p>It is worthy of remark that, down to this period, the Ville de Paris +was the only <span class="italic">first-rate</span> man-of-war that had ever been taken and +carried into port by any commander of any nation! The Ville de Paris, +in the capture of which Captain Saumarez had a distinguished share, +was the largest ship in the French navy: she had been a present from +the city of Paris to Louis XV. and no expense had been spared to +render the gift worthy of the city and of the monarch. Her length was +185 feet 7½ inches, her breadth 53 feet 8½, depth 22 feet 2, and +2347 tons' measurement; and the expense of building her and sending +her to sea is said to have been 156,000<span class="italic">l.</span> On board her at the time +of capture were found thirty-six chests of money intended for the pay +and subsistence of the men who were to be employed in the expedition +against Jamaica; and she had on board, at the commencement of the +action on the 9th, 1,300 men: in the other captured ships, the whole +train of artillery, the battering cannon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> and carriages meant for the +expedition, were found.</p> + +<p>The loss of men in the British fleet in both actions was very small, +amounting to only two hundred and thirty-seven killed, and seven +hundred and seventy-six wounded; while the loss of the French was +computed to be three thousand slain, and double that number wounded. +In the Ville de Paris alone three hundred were killed.</p> + +<p>In the engagement on the 9th of April, the French fleet consisted of +thirty-four sail of the line, and the British of thirty-six; but in +that engagement, two of the enemy's ships having been disabled, their +numerical force was reduced in the battle of the 12th to thirty-two +sail of the line: on the other hand, the French ships were much larger +than the British; and it was calculated by Sir Charles Douglas, that +the broadside of the French fleet exceeded that of the British in +weight by 4396 pounds, and their numerical superiority in men was much +greater.</p> + +<p>On the 13th of April, the Comte de Grasse was removed to the +flag-ship; and, some days after, when Captain Saumarez went on board +the Formidable after the action, and several times after their arrival +at Jamaica, the Comte de Grasse acknowledged that the Ville de Paris +suffered very severely from the well-directed fire of the Russell.</p> + +<p>Among the instances of heroic submission and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> perseverance under the +severest suffering, may be recorded the conduct of the captain of the +main-top of the Russell, who having received a shot that carried off +one of his arms, instead of requesting the assistance of his +companions to take him below, insisted that they should continue at +their stations, and let himself down by one of the backstays. After +suffering amputation, he persisted in going again on deck, where he +remained encouraging the men till the action terminated.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of the fleet at Jamaica, the Russell was found to be in +so disabled a state, that Sir George Rodney intended to send her home +with the Ville de Paris and the other prizes, and arrangements were +made for that purpose accordingly. His old friend, Sir Peter Parker, +who had held the command at Jamaica, sailed in the Sandwich, on board +which ship was the Comte de Grasse, for England, with a convoy of +merchant-ships. After having been at sea three days, the Ajax, one of +the ships under his command, sprang a leak, returned to Bluefields +Bay, and the Russell was ordered to follow the fleet in her stead. The +exertions which Captain Saumarez used to refit his ship obtained the +commander-in-chief's highest approbation. In two days he was ready, +and immediately joined the Sandwich and Intrepid, which now sailed +with the trade under convoy, and preceded the prizes, which were not +yet ready to undertake<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> the voyage to England; and it was owing to +this interposition of Providence, that the Russell escaped the +melancholy fate which afterwards befel the unfortunate fleet, in which +the ill-fated Ville de Paris was lost with all her crew. The Russell +had on board three hundred French prisoners and twenty-two officers, +and arrived at the Downs on the 29th July 1782. She was ordered to be +paid off at Chatham, to which port she proceeded. On her arrival +there, an order came from the Admiralty to draft her crew into a ship +which was under order to sail for the East Indies. This excited a +general murmur, and at length the men refused to obey. On Captain +Saumarez being informed of it, he went on board and remonstrated, when +they unanimously declared that, although they had but just returned +from a long voyage, they would follow him all the world over. Before +he left the ship, however, he prevailed on them to resume their duty; +and these orders were subsequently altered. After returning her +stores, the Russell was paid off on the 24th of September. Captain +Saumarez' acting commission as a post-captain, dated on the 8th of +February 1782, was confirmed by Earl Howe; and no officer in his +Majesty's service more richly deserved his promotion.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1784 to 1793.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> +Captain Saumarez returns to Guernsey.—His exemplary Conduct.—Visits +Cherbourg.—Is introduced to the French King.—Returns.—Changes +at Guernsey.—Prince William Henry visits the Island twice.—His +Reception.—Appearance of Hostilities in 1787.—Captain Saumarez is +appointed to the Ambuscade, and pays her off.—His Letter on his +Marriage.—Remarks thereon.—Armament of 1790.—Saumarez +commissions and pays off the Raisonable.—War of 1793.—Appointed to +command the Crescent.—First Cruise; takes a prize and saves +Alderney.—Second Cruise; captures a cutter.—Third +Cruise.—Return.—Crescent docked and refitted.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez having paid off the Russell, and distributed his crew +into different ships according to the final orders he had received +from the Admiralty, repaired to London, and after paying his respects +to Earl Howe, proceeded to Guernsey to receive the congratulations of +his numerous friends; but these were far from altering "the natural +bent of his disposition to do good." Instead of becoming elevated by +prosperity, his sincere and unaffected piety induced him to take a +leading part in the establishment of charitable institutions, and in +his own person to give "a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> striking and useful example of moral and +religious life." But his noble mind was never diverted from the +service and the good of his country; he was constantly attentive to +every circumstance that concerned the duties of his profession, and an +event occurred about this time that peculiarly interested him.</p> + +<p>Although this was a period of profound peace, the ambition of France +was constantly awake. It had long been the object of the French +government to form a naval port in the British Channel, for the +evident, if not avowed, purpose of annoying our trade in time of war, +and disputing with us the dominion of the British seas. No labour +however arduous, and no expense however great, could check this +favourite design. The port of Cherbourg, which had long been fixed +upon as being immediately adjacent to our great arsenal at Portsmouth, +became the point of attraction. The unfortunate Louis XVI. had +determined to stimulate this grand undertaking by his presence, when +the first <span class="italic">cone</span> was submerged.</p> + +<p>The assemblage of the French court opposite our own coast naturally +attracted a number of our countrymen, among whom was Captain Saumarez, +who was induced to cross the Channel probably by a secret wish to +examine the nautical projects of our rivals, to counteract which, +might at some future period become his duty. This was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> eventually the +case in 1793, when he captured the French frigate Réunion off that +very harbour, from which she had sailed only a few hours before the +action.</p> + +<p>Captain Saumarez was present at the above imposing ceremony, and had +the honour of being introduced to the French king, by whom he was +treated with the greatest attention. It is worthy of remark, that this +was the only time during his long life that he ever set his foot in +France, and he returned directly to Guernsey much gratified by his +excursion.</p> + +<p>Between the period of Captain Saumarez' departure from Guernsey in +1776, and his return in 1782, the island of Guernsey had undergone +great and important changes. The war with America had brought an +influx of strangers; wealth and its attendant luxuries had superseded +the simple mode of living of its inhabitants; society had extended; +and when the peace took place, at the close of 1782, no spot of its +size could display a greater appearance of prosperity, civilization, +and beauty.</p> + +<p>Between the years 1785 and 1787, the island was twice honoured with a +visit from Prince William Henry, our <ins title="Corrected erratum: original reads 'present'">late</ins> most gracious sovereign; +and, however great the change had been in men and manners since it had +beheld a prince of the blood on its shores, the loyalty of the +islanders had sustained no diminution, and the arrival<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> of the prince, +then a lieutenant of the Hebe, Captain Thornborough, excited the most +unbounded joy. Every one's heart glowed at seeing the son of a monarch +whom they were accustomed to regard with veneration and love; and as +people who lived in the habitual belief that to "fear God and honour +the King" is a "united precept," every mark of respect and attachment +was exhibited on both occasions. When his Royal Highness came the +second time, as captain of the Pegasus, the homage, which had been +paid to him at the first visit, as son of their sovereign, was mingled +with respect to himself. Some there are who yet remember, and still +delight to relate, the account of the elegant <span class="italic">dejeuné</span> with which the +illustrious prince entertained a party on board the Pegasus; after +which his Royal Highness honoured Captain Saumarez and his brothers +with his company at dinner, and attended a ball in the evening at the +assembly-rooms.</p> + +<p>In 1787, when Captain Saumarez had nearly attained his thirtieth year, +peace seemed to be completely established. At an early age he had +attained, by his own merit, the highest rank to which an officer could +be advanced: he had fully established a character equally exalted for +courage and professional talent; and having been, wherever Fortune had +placed him, always in the best society, his manners as a gentleman +were no less elegant than his person, which was tall and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> graceful, +while his handsome features denoted a heart susceptible of the +dictates both of humanity and love. It is not then to be wondered at, +when he returned to his native island, that he still cherished an +attachment which he had long formed; especially when he found her on +whom he had fixed his affections, possessed of every quality which +could ensure mutual happiness; neither can it appear surprising that +on her part the regard should be equally warm and sincere.</p> + +<p>The appearance of hostilities in the same year, however, occasioned a +suspension of his matrimonial arrangements, as he was then appointed +by Lord Howe to the command of the Ambuscade frigate, which he had +scarcely fitted before she was ordered to be paid off, the hostile +differences having been adjusted. He now returned to Guernsey, and, on +the 8th October 1788, was united to Miss Martha Le Marchant, only +daughter and heir of Thomas Le Marchant, Esq. by his marriage with +Miss Mary Dobrée, to the entire satisfaction of the families and +relations on both sides.</p> + +<p>The following extract of a private letter to his brother Richard, +written a few days after his marriage, will give the reader a just +idea of the feelings which occupied his mind on this happy occasion:</p> + +<p>"It is needless," he says, "to attempt giving you any idea of my joy +on this occasion. The abundant blessings which Providence is pleased<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> +to pour down on me, who am ever unworthy the least of its favours, +makes my heart glow with boundless gratitude and love, which I hope +ever to testify by a life strictly devoted to His service. To have the +power of making her happy who has ever been the joy and delight of my +soul, far surpasses all that I had ever formed of felicity in this +world. I must also acknowledge the affectionate kindness of her +relations, who have for ever attached me to them by the confidence +they have placed in me."</p> + +<p>These self-congratulations were, indeed, fully confirmed in after +life; for few husbands have ever been blessed with such a devoted +wife, or children with such an affectionate mother. During their +younger days, and when their gallant father was at sea, Mrs. Saumarez +lived retired, giving up her whole time to their instruction; and we +can most fully testify that gratitude for her maternal anxiety, both +for their spiritual and temporal welfare, has been indelibly impressed +on all their hearts.</p> + +<p>After passing some time at Guernsey, Captain Saumarez removed to the +neighbourhood of Exeter, where he resided two years. In 1790, +appearances of hostility took place. The Spanish armament was not to +be lightly regarded. Captain Saumarez was appointed to command the +Raisonable of 64 guns; but he never went to sea in this ship, the +differences between the two nations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> having been amicably settled. It +seemed to show, however, that, in the event of war, he was one of +those who were to be actively employed.</p> + +<p>Captain Saumarez remained on shore until the war occasioned by the +French revolution broke out in 1793, when he was appointed to command +the Crescent of 36 guns. His commission was dated on the 24th January, +and he hoisted his pendant in her at Portsmouth on the 28th of the +same month, receiving, at the same time, orders to place himself under +the command of Commodore Sir Hyde Parker. No sooner was it known at +Guernsey, and in Devonshire, that the Crescent was commissioned by +Captain Saumarez, than a number equal to half the complement of seamen +volunteered for the Crescent; and, on the 1st of February, the +Tisiphone sloop was sent to bring the men from Guernsey, while the +rest, from Exeter, were sent by the way of Plymouth to join the ship. +It could not but be highly gratifying to his feelings when he found +that so many of his countrymen had chosen to devote themselves to his +service; and he was soon able to report his ship ready for sea.</p> + +<p>On the 10th of February 1793, in common with other officers, he +received the following intelligence that war had been declared against +France.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p> +By Sir Hyde Parker, Knt. &c.</p> + +<p>Accounts having been received that war was declared at Paris, by the National +Convention of France, against <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>Great Britain and Holland; you are, in pursuance +of the King's pleasure, signified to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by +the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, one of his Majesty's principal secretaries of +state, hereby required and directed to seize or destroy all ships and vessels +belonging to France that you may happen to fall in with.</p> + +<p class="right">Given under my hand, on board the Victory,<br /> +this 10th day of February 1793.<br /> +<span class="smcap">H. Parker.</span></p></div> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, R.N.</p> +<p>The Crescent having been reported ready for sea on the 1st of March, +Captain Saumarez received orders to proceed to Guernsey with his ship, +accompanied by the Liberty brig, and three transports under convoy, to +reinforce the garrisons of the Channel islands. He had also sealed +orders, which were to be put in execution when the troops were landed +at Guernsey and Jersey. The following account of this cruise was sent +to his brother, on the ship's return to Guernsey Road.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">H.M.S. Crescent, Guernsey, 18th March 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard</p> + +<p>As the detail of our proceedings on our first cruise cannot but be acceptable to +you, I take up my pen to communicate them. We anchored in this road on Sunday +morning, the day after we had sailed from Spithead. The independent companies +and invalids for this island were immediately disembarked. The wind being too +much to the southward for the transports to proceed to Jersey, they remained +till Thursday following, when I sent them under convoy of the Liberty brig.</p> + +<p>On Thursday morning, intelligence was brought to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>me that a French brig was seen +to the northward of the island, standing for the <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Caskets'">Casketts</ins>. I immediately got +under way, and directed the Drake to do the same. We pushed through the Race of +Alderney during the night, and at day-break found ourselves close to the brig, +off Cherbourg. She is about 100 tons, from Vannes, loaded with salt, for Havre. +Seeing another brig and a galliot to the N.W. from us, I ordered the Drake and +Cockatrice to chase, and I have hopes they are also prizes.</p> + +<p>About three o'clock, it blowing very hard, I was much surprised at an express +joining me from Alderney, with a letter from the governor, addressed to the +commander of H.M. ships off Alderney, mentioning that he had positive +information that the enemy meant to attack the island this or the following +night; and as there was no ship of force at Cherbourg but an old 64, with +frigate's masts, he was certain that the appearance of a man-of-war off +Cherbourg would preserve Alderney, and baffle the expedition. Chance having +thrown me off Cherbourg, within sight the whole day, I was happy the purport of +this letter was so fully answered. Expecting further intelligence, I waited till +a cutter hailed us that he was going express to Plymouth. No other vessel +appearing, I made sail for this island, and anchored in the road this morning. I +have scarcely a doubt that what caused your brother<a name="FNanchor_6" id="FNanchor_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> to be alarmed was the appearance of this ship, the +Drake and Cockatrice, with another small vessel in the Race of Alderney; and I +am sorry it was not in my power to acquaint him with it, as the vessel he sent +me returned immediately.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez, on his return to Guernsey, wrote to Governor Le +Mesurier, and, in reply to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> his letter, informed him that the +appearance of the Crescent and squadron off Cherbourg had the desired +effect of baffling the meditated attack on Alderney; nevertheless, the +Crescent was detained on that station until the 25th, in consequence +of other reports of the enemy's intentions to attack either Jersey or +Alderney, and his squadron therefore was reinforced. In the mean time +he succeeded in filling up the complement of his crew at Guernsey, and +at length returned to Spithead, when some alteration took place in the +armament of his ship: having there completed his stores and +provisions, Captain Saumarez' next employment was to take a convoy of +transports with troops to Cork, and bring from thence two regiments to +Guernsey. This service occupied his ship until the 4th of May, when +she arrived off the Lizard, and, having sent part of his convoy into +Falmouth, he anchored at Guernsey on the following day.</p> + +<p>He left Guernsey on the 15th of May, having six transports with French +prisoners on board, and arrived at Spithead on the 17th.</p> + +<p>On the 22nd Captain Saumarez received orders from the Admiralty to +take the Hind, Captain Cochrane, under his command, and proceed with +the Crescent and that ship to cruise between lat. 51° and 47° N. and +long. 10° to 16° W. for the protection of the trade, and continue on +that service for three weeks. The account of this cruise, in which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> +two prizes were taken, is given in the following letter to his +brother.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Spithead, 26th June 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I have the pleasure to acquaint you with our return from a cruise which has been +rather unsuccessful, having only taken (besides the brig I informed you of) a +cutter called "Le Club de Cherbourg," of ten guns. She sailed from Brest on the +20th instant, and was found on the coast of Ireland, where she had done much +mischief on her former cruise, having taken four vessels within a few days. I +find by the prisoners that the French have only eighteen sail from Brest in +readiness for sea. They rendezvous in Quiberon Bay as soon as they are equipped. +I hope Lord Howe will soon give a good account of all of them. I anchored at +Guernsey for a few hours, where I left the cutter for my brother's disposal.</p> + +<p> As we have been parted from the Hind since the 8th instant, I hope to find she +may have met with success. We are under agreement to share till the expiration +of our cruise. As I write before we anchor, you cannot expect I should give you +an account of my further destination; but, from what they informed me in the +island, we are to go with Lord Howe, which hurried me from there. All the family +were in perfect health at six o'clock on Tuesday evening, when I left them. We +must now console ourselves with the hope that we shall soon terminate the +business. I think this year will nearly do it. We anxiously sought for an +opportunity similar to the Nymphe. We traversed the bay (Biscay) in every +direction, without the appearance of a French ship; and on Monday we were all +day in sight of Ushant, but could never meet with any but neutral vessels. Our +next cruise may probably <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>prove more fortunate. With my affectionate love to my +sister and the children, I am, my dear Richard,</p> +<p class="left70">Yours truly,</p> +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>It will be seen by the date of this letter, that the Crescent had +arrived at Spithead on the 26th, which is the date of his official +letter to the Admiralty, giving an account of the capture of Le +Club, which, being the same as already given, need not be repeated.</p> + +<p>The Crescent, being replenished with water and provisions, was +directed on the 4th July to take on board a quantity of specie for +Plymouth, to which he sailed on the 5th, and, having delivered it +there, took a convoy from thence to the Downs, where he arrived on the +18th July, and, according to further orders, returned with the trade +under convoy from thence to Spithead on the 20th.</p> + +<p>The following order, which Captain Saumarez received from the Lords of +the Admiralty, will show the nature of the service on which he was now +employed.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p> +By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great +Britain and Ireland, &c.</p> +<p class="smcap">Captain Saumarez,</p> + +<p>You are to take his Majesty's ships named on the margin (Concorde and Thames) +under your command, (their captains being directed to follow your orders,) and +putting to sea with them and the Crescent, the moment the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>wind and weather will +permit, proceed and cruise between the latitudes of 49° and 50° 30' north, and +from sixty to one hundred leagues to the westward of the Scilly Islands, for the +protection of the trade of his Majesty's subjects, and the annoyance of the +enemy, taking all possible care of the above-mentioned frigates; and diligently +looking out for, and using your best endeavours to fall in with, the +homeward-bound convoys from Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, which are daily +expected, and which are to be the principal objects of your attention.</p> + +<p>In case of falling in with either of the said convoys, you are to see, or cause +to be seen, such of the merchant ships or vessels as may be bound to Ireland, or +into the Bristol Channel, as far as may be necessary for their security, and +those bound into the English Channel, as far as the Start; and, having so done, +return with the frigates under your command to the above-mentioned station, to +look out for the other convoy; and, having met with it, to see, or cause to be +seen, such of the merchant vessels as may be bound to Ireland, and into the +Bristol Channel, as before directed, and to see those bound up the English +Channel off their respective ports, as high as Spithead, where you are to remain +until further orders, sending to our secretary an account of your arrival and +proceedings.</p> + +<p>You are to continue on the above-mentioned service until the 20th of next month, +unless you shall have fallen in with both the said convoys sooner; when you are +to make the best of your way to Spithead, and remain there as above directed.</p> +<p class="right">Given under our hands, this 18th day of July 1793.</p> +<p class="right smcap">Chatham, J. Smyth, Ch<sup>s</sup>. S. Pybus.</p> +<p>To James Saumarez, Esq. &c.<br /> +<span class="left25">By command of their lordships.</span><span class="left5 smcap">P. Stephens.</span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez received at the same time information of the number +of ships expected from the different islands in both the convoys, took +the Concorde and Thames under his command, and sailed from Spithead on +the 26th of July 1793.</p> + +<p>Next to the command of a fleet, that of a squadron of frigates was at +this period of the war considered the most important, and it could not +but be highly gratifying to Captain Saumarez to find himself selected +again for such a desirable command; but Fortune did not favour his +little detachment. The convoys, which they had been sent to look out +for and protect, had arrived safely at the respective ports before the +squadron reached their destination, and they continued to cruise in +vain within the prescribed limits of their station, till at length +they were assailed by a tremendous gale from the south-east on the +17th of August, in which the Concorde parted company, the Thames lost +her bowsprit and bore up for England, while the Crescent sprung her +main-yard, and by a sudden shift of wind to the northward carried away +her main-top-mast, and, her orders for returning into port having +expired, she arrived at Spithead after an unsuccessful cruise.</p> + +<p>The Crescent had not been in dock since the year 1785, and required +much refitting: Captain Saumarez, therefore, on reporting his arrival +to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> the Secretary of the Admiralty, sent also a statement of the +ship's defects; in consequence of which, an order was sent for her to +be docked at Portsmouth, and refitted for Channel service, while one +hundred of her crew were lent to the Vanguard. As this process +required a considerable time, Captain Saumarez sent for his family; +and, having taken apartments at Ryde, had a few weeks of enjoyment in +their society, and of relaxation from the arduous duties of his +profession. The Crescent was received into dock on the 25th August, +and was again fit for sea on the 10th October, when he received orders +to hold himself ready to proceed at a moment's notice.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1793.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> +Crescent refitted.—Sails for the Channel Islands.—Falls in with the +French frigate La Réunion.—Particular account of the action.—Letters +from Captain Saumarez to his brother.—Brings his prize to +Portsmouth.—Official letters.—Letters from various +persons.—Ship refitting.—Captain Saumarez obtains leave of +absence.—Is knighted for his gallant conduct.</p></div> + +<p>The Crescent being now ready for sea, but with thirteen men short of +her complement, Captain Saumarez applied to have the number filled up, +as her masts and yards were of the same dimensions as those of a +frigate of thirty-eight guns; he also requested such increase as the +Lords of the Admiralty thought proper: but these applications were +unsuccessful, and on the 10th of October he received orders from Sir +Peter Parker, the port-admiral, to "hold himself in constant readiness +to put to sea at a moment's warning;" and it was not long before the +following order was received from the Admiralty.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">By the Commissioners for executing the office of<br /> +Lord High Admiral,&c.</p> + +<p>You are hereby required and directed to proceed in the ship under your command, +without a moment's loss of time, to the islands of Guernsey and Jersey; and so +soon as you shall have delivered the pacquets you will herewith receive, +addressed to the commanding officers of his Majesty's troops serving in these +islands, you are to repair with the said ship off St. Maloes, and use your best +endeavours to obtain such information of the enemy's forces there, as +circumstances will admit.</p> + +<p>Having so done, you are to return with the said ship with all possible despatch, +for further orders, transmitting to our secretary, for our information, by +post-office express, an account of your arrival and proceedings.</p> + +<p class="right">Given under our hands, this 18th October 1793,<br /> +<span class="smcap">A. Gardner. J. Smyth.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">P. Affleck.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, R.N.</p></div> + +<p>For several days previously to the 19th, it had been reported that a +French frigate usually quitted the port of Cherbourg at night, and +returned next morning with what prizes she had picked up: this, +together with the information that an armament was preparing for the +invasion of Jersey, caused Captain Saumarez to make extraordinary +exertions to get to sea; and, although the wind was light, he +fortunately succeeded in getting round St. Helens before night. Early +on the morning, on the 20th, he was close to the light-house off Cape +Barfleur.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> +<p class="p2 center">ACTION BETWEEN THE CRESCENT AND REUNION.</p> +<p class="p2"> +This gallant action, which we are now about to describe, having been +misrepresented in every account yet published, we have, in order to +make the circumstances attending it more easily understood, +illustrated the positions by a diagram, showing the masterly +manœuvre performed by the Crescent, and the relative situation of +the ships at the commencement and the end of the conflict. The +engraving shows the state and situation of the two ships at the time +the Réunion surrendered.</p> + +<p>During the night, the wind had been so far to the westward as to +enable the Crescent to fetch Cape Barfleur, while the Réunion, which +left Cherbourg in the evening, stood to the northward, in hopes of +meeting with merchant-ships coming up Channel. The two frigates, +therefore, must have crossed each other at no great distance; but the +wind having changed towards the south about daylight, and the French +frigate being unable to fetch back to Cherbourg, broke off with her +head to the eastward, while the Crescent, by coming up on the opposite +tack, was enabled to weather and get in shore of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Shortly after day-break Captain Saumarez saw two sail standing on the +starboard tack towards the Crescent, and it appears that they had +approached her within two miles before they discovered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> themselves to +be under the lee of an English frigate: they then tacked and made all +sail, either for the purpose of trying to escape, or to approach +nearer to Cherbourg, that they might have the assistance of their +consort then in the harbour with her sails hoisted up. It was soon +evident that the Crescent, now "clean out of dock," had the advantage +in sailing; and, by half-past ten, Captain Saumarez, by edging down, +took his position on the enemy's larboard quarter within pistol-shot, +when the action began.</p> + +<p>Captain John Tancock, who was then a midshipman stationed on the +main-deck, says that the men had directions to fire at the rudder of +their opponent, which was very soon disabled, while the +main-topsail-yard and fore-yard were both shot away. The enemy fired +so high that scarcely any shot struck the hull of the Crescent; but, +consequently, her fore-topsail-yard, and soon afterwards her +fore-top-mast, fell over the starboard gangway. Hitherto the ship had +been kept in her first position by backing and filling the +mizen-topsail, but now she came to, and eventually <span class="italic">came round</span>: but +Captain Saumarez, whose presence of mind never forsook him, brailed up +the mizen, and, by keeping all the square-sails aback, gave the ship a +<span class="italic">stern-board</span>; at the same time, by keeping the <span class="italic">helm up</span>, she wore +round on her heel, obtaining a position under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> the stern and on the +starboard quarter, while the enemy was lying with his yards square and +totally unmanageable. This manœuvre is shown in the diagram, to +which an explanation is added.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/109.jpg" width="500" height="166" +alt="diagram" title="" /></div> +<p>C. The Crescent. R. The Réunion. 1. Commencement of the action. 2. The +Crescent's track in wearing on her heel. 3. The position when the Réunion +struck.</p> + +<p>In passing under the enemy's stern, it was observed that his colours +had been shot away, and, supposing he had struck, the firing ceased; +but, on coming round on the starboard quarter, the enemy again opened +his fire. The Crescent, having now got her larboard guns to bear, +returned his broadside with such effect, that at twenty minutes past +noon the officers of the Réunion waved their hats and flags to +indicate that they had surrendered. The engraving represents the +situation of the two ships at this moment; and Captain Sir Thomas +Mansel, who was then a midshipman, declares it to be correct.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/103-t.jpg" width="475" height="268" +alt="Surrender Réunion" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/103-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">Action with the Crescent and Réunion taken at the time the latter surrendered.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p>The combat now ceased, and the prize was taken possession of by +Lieutenant (now Admiral) Sir George Parker, who received the usual +order<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> to carry her into port. The French captain being sent on board +the Crescent, they began to remove the prisoners and repair damages. +When the action began, a ship had been seen under the land to the +eastward, about four leagues distant; this was supposed to be an +enemy: but it turned out to be the Circe, Captain Yorke, who joined +four hours after the action, and took part of the prisoners. In the +mean time the cutter made off towards Cherbourg, out of which harbour +the wind and adverse tide prevented the other frigate, said to be La +Semillante, from getting to assist the Réunion.</p> + +<p>The following very concise official letter to the Secretary of the +Admiralty from Captain Saumarez, supplies the rest of the detail.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, off Cherbourg, 20th October 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of my Lords Commissioners +of the Admiralty, that this morning, being off Cape Barfleur in his Majesty's +ship Crescent, under my command, I fell in with a French frigate, which, after a +close action of two hours and ten minutes, struck to his Majesty's colours: she +proved to be the Réunion, mounting thirty-six guns, and manned with three +hundred and twenty men.</p> + +<p>I am singularly happy in being able to inform their lordships that she has been +obtained without the loss of a single man, or even any wounded, although her own +loss has been very considerable indeed, having, as the prisoners informed me, +one hundred and twenty killed and wounded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> + +<p>I must beg leave to render the most ample justice to the officers and ship's +company of the Crescent, for their cool and steady behaviour during the action; +and I take this opportunity to recommend to their lordships' notice the three +lieutenants, Messrs. Parker, Otter, and Rye: their conduct has afforded me the +utmost satisfaction.</p> +<p class="left50">I have the honour to be,<br /> +<span class="i2">With the greatest respect, sir,</span><br /> +<span class="i4">Your most obedient and very humble servant</span>,</p> +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p> +<p>To Philip Stephens, Esq. Admiralty.</p> +<p>P.S.—The Réunion was accompanied by a cutter, which did not attempt to +come into action, but made for Cherbourg.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez was now on his passage to Portsmouth, where he had +left his wife and infant children only two days before, in pursuit of +an implacable enemy known to be not many leagues distant! It was the +first battle he had fought since he became a husband and a father; and +his feelings, as he returned triumphantly to the bosom of his family, +can be easier imagined than described.</p> + +<p>The anxiety and excitement inseparable from the day of battle had +subsided, the prisoners had been removed, the captive Frenchmen with +whom he had been sympathizing had retired, and he was at length left +alone to meditate on that remarkable dispensation of Divine favour +which had been so fully and especially manifested towards<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> him: he had +gloriously wrested from an enemy, fighting under the proud banner of +liberty, a ship equal to his own in weight of metal and superior by +seventy men in numbers, after a furious contest of above two hours, +without a man being hurt by his opponent, who lost one hundred and +twenty men killed and wounded: a fact unparalleled in the page of +history. With the generality of mankind, such circumstances were well +calculated to raise feelings of proud exultation; but these were never +cherished in the breast of Saumarez. Having done all in his power to +soothe the affliction of his vanquished enemy, his first impulse was +to offer up his thanksgivings and acknowledgments to the great <span class="smcap">Giver</span> +of all victory, and to implore that his mind might not be too highly +elevated by his glorious success. After despatching his unpresuming +letter to the Admiralty, which has been already given, he wrote to his +brother, in London, the following letter:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, 21st Oct. 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>You will rejoice with me at the success that has attended our short cruise. On +Saturday evening we sailed from Spithead; and the next morning, being about +three leagues from Cape Barfleur, we saw two sail standing towards us from under +Cherbourg, which I soon discovered to be a French frigate and a cutter. We were +on the larboard tack with the wind off shore; I was happy in being able to keep +between them and the land. When <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>about two miles from us, the frigate tacked +with all her sail set, and the cutter made sail to windward: we edged down to +her, and at a cable's distance, at half-past ten, began the action, which +continued with scarcely any intermission two hours and ten minutes.</p> + +<p>Both ships were soon cut up in their sails and rigging, our fore-topsail yard +being shot away, and soon after the fore-top-mast; the ship came to, and wearing +on the other tack, gave us an opportunity to fire our guns, which were so well +served that the French ship soon became unmanageable, and enabled us to rake her +fore and aft; in which situation she struck her colours. I must observe that +they had been before shot away, and, imagining she had struck, I gave orders to +cease firing; she, however, soon relieved us of our suspense by giving us her +broadside: we were so well prepared, and kept up so good a fire, that in a short +time after they waved their colours and made signs from the gunwale with their +hats that they had struck.</p> + +<p>I immediately sent Mr. Parker to take possession of the ship, and send the first +and second captains on board the Crescent. They informed me that the ship they +had surrendered was La Réunion, mounting thirty-six guns and three hundred and +twenty-one men. When we came into action, another frigate was in sight to the +eastward, which we took to be her consort; we therefore lost no time to exchange +prisoners, and repair our damages, in the best manner we could: she, however, +proved to be the Circe, and joined us four hours after the action ceased.</p> + +<p>The circumstance that has made me most happy from this engagement is, that we +have not had a single person hurt by the enemy, and but one man injured, who had +his leg fractured by the recoil of a gun. There being little wind the sea was +perfectly calm; and I had the satisfaction to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>observe that most of our shot +were perfectly well directed. The enemy's frigate is indeed most sadly a wreck, +thirty-four men killed and eighty-four wounded, many of them mortally; one +officer only has suffered, being badly wounded. She was commanded by Citizen +Denain, capitaine de vaisseau, to whose obstinacy they ascribe the sacrifice of +many lives.</p> + +<p>It is unnecessary for me to observe, my dear Richard, the great happiness I +derive from the consciousness that this event will afford you and all our +friends particular satisfaction. My dear Martha, too,—I scarcely know how +I shall disclose the circumstance to her; it embarrasses me as much as if it +were a mournful subject. One observation is incumbent on me to make, namely, +that Captain Yorke used every possible exertion to join us sooner, and that he +has most readily afforded us every assistance we required,</p> +<p class="left55">I now remain, your ever affectionate brother,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez had now realized his ardent desire for an opportunity +of distinguishing himself, such as was afforded to his gallant +brother-officer of the Nymphe; and it is a singular coincidence that +each should have written to his brother on the day of action, under +similar circumstances of triumph and excitement. These interesting +documents seem to have decided the superiority of the British over the +French navy, at the commencement of the French revolution, and in +reference to that of Saumarez, we cannot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> but dwell with admiration on +the humility and acuteness of feeling with which it is replete!</p> + +<p>The Circe, which had joined four hours after the action, was +despatched to Guernsey to execute the service on which Captain +Saumarez had been ordered; but the Crescent and her prize, in +proceeding to Spithead, were detained by light winds and calms. On the +22nd, she arrived off the Isle of Wight, when Lieutenant Otter was +sent to Portsmouth in the boat with the following official letter:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, off the Isle of Wight, 22d Oct. 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">I beg</span> you will be pleased to inform my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, +that, being unable to gain Spithead from the prevailing calms, I have thought it +expedient to despatch Lieutenant Otter with the intelligence I have the honour +to convey to their lordships.</p> + +<p>Having been prevented by the action with La Réunion from complying with their +lordships' orders, I directed the Hon. Captain Yorke, who joined me in his +Majesty's ship Circe, to proceed with the pacquets I was charged with for the +commanding officers of his Majesty's troops at Guernsey and Jersey, and from +thence to proceed to St. Maloes, and return to Spithead, agreeable to their +lordships' orders.</p> + +<p>I beg to observe, that Captain Yorke gave me every possible assistance, and has +taken one hundred and sixty prisoners from the Réunion, which I directed him to +land in the island of Guernsey.</p> + +<p class="left65">I have the honour to be, sir,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>To Philip Stephens, Esq.</p></div> + +<p>The Crescent arrived at Spithead on the following day, and with her +prize was ordered into harbour; the former to have her damages +repaired, and the latter to be surveyed and purchased for his +Majesty's service.</p> + +<p>Before we submit the interesting official and private letters which +Captain Saumarez received on his arrival, and which may be considered +as the best proof of the sensation which this gallant action created, +it becomes our duty to state the comparative force of the two +frigates.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<table cellspacing="5" summary="Force of frigates"> +<colgroup span="9"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom"><span class="italic">Crescent.</span></td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">No.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">Size.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">No.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">Size.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">No.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">Size.</td> +<td rowspan="3" valign="bottom">Total.</td> +<td>Weight</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>of</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>metal</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Broadside guns</td> +<td>13</td> +<td>18pr.</td> +<td>4</td> +<td>18pr. car.</td> +<td>1</td> +<td>9pr.</td> +<td>36</td> +<td>315lbs.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="italic">Réunion.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Broadside guns</td> +<td>13</td> +<td>14pr.</td> +<td>3</td> +<td>40pr. car.</td> +<td>4</td> +<td>7pr.</td> +<td>40</td> +<td>330lbs.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7" align="left">Difference of guns, and of weight of shot in favour</td> +<td>—</td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7" align="left">of la Réunion</td> +<td align="right">4</td> +<td align="right">15lbs.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Power"> +<colgroup span="7"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td><span class="left10 italic">Crescent.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td>Men</td> +<td>257</td> +<td> </td> +<td>Tons</td> +<td>888</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><span class="left10 italic">Réunion.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td>Men</td> +<td>320</td> +<td> </td> +<td>Tons</td> +<td>951</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3" align="left">Difference in favour</td> +<td>——</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="3" align="left">of La Réunion</td> +<td> 63</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> 63</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="7" align="left">N.B. The weight has been reduced to English pounds.</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p>The Crescent lost her fore-top-mast; her sails and rigging were much +damaged, but very few shot struck her hull; and the only man hurt was +at the first broadside, when his leg was fractured by the recoil of a +gun.</p> + +<p>La Réunion, on the contrary, had many shot in her hull, and her stern +was very much shattered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> After she was in dock, we saw where a shot +had entered the starboard quarter, and made its way out of the +larboard bow. It was said to have killed and wounded twenty-one men! +The head of her rudder and wheel were shot away, and the fore-yard and +main-topsail-yard came down early in the action: she was, in short, a +complete wreck, as represented in the plate. The hopes that the ship +seen to the eastward under the land was a friend, induced the French +captain to delay surrendering after defence could no longer be +effectual.</p> + +<p>The head-money was only paid for three hundred men; but there was no +doubt that three hundred and twenty-one were on board at the +commencement of the action, as many of the slain were thrown +overboard, and the French officers, for obvious reasons, wished to +make their force less than it was. According to Captains Tancock and +Mansell, forty men were killed, and eighty wounded. The cutter which +was in company, believed to be L'Espérance, mounting fourteen guns, +made off for Cherbourg with sweeps and sails as soon as the firing +commenced. La Réunion's consort, believed to be the Semillante, made +an attempt to get out of Cherbourg, but was prevented by the tide, +when she sent a boat full of men, it was supposed, to reinforce the +former, but which returned when it was observed that her fate was +decided. The French shore,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> only five miles distant, was crowded with +spectators.</p> + +<p>There is no action between two single ships on record, where +consummate skill in naval tactics has been so brilliantly and +successfully displayed as in that which we have just described. The +patriotic reader must not imagine that, because the Crescent had +"none" either killed or wounded, the captain and officers of La +Réunion did not do their utmost, and far less that they were deficient +in courage. The severe loss they sustained, and the obstinacy with +which their ship was defended, has fully proved their bravery. Had the +Crescent at once boarded the Réunion, which was in her power, and +carried her sword in hand, as in the case of the Nymphe and Cléopâtre, +it would have been perhaps better calculated to excite feelings of +admiration in the general reader, who is not acquainted with naval +affairs; but this mode of attack is one which, we must acquaint them, +might readily be made by any officer moderately skilled in naval +tactics. It is where the commander of a ship, by his presence of mind +and skilful manœuvring, succeeds in the defeat and capture of an +enemy, that the superiority is manifest; and it is to him who has thus +proved that he possesses the <span class="italic">tact</span> to accomplish his object, and yet +spare the valuable lives of his men, that the meed of praise is most +justly due.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Spithead, 23rd October 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I beg you will be pleased to inform my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of +my arrival at Spithead in H.M. ship Crescent, under my command, and the prize La +Réunion, and from thence into Portsmouth Harbour, conformable with orders from +Sir Peter Parker.</p> +<p class="left60">I have the honour to be,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p> +<p>To Philip Stephens, Esq.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Admiralty, October 24th, 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I learnt yesterday with great satisfaction the account of your action with the +French frigate La Réunion, and beg to congratulate you very sincerely on your +success on this occasion. The greatest praise seems due to the bravery and good +conduct of the officers and men of the Crescent. I shall be extremely happy, as +soon as it is convenient to you, to have the pleasure of seeing you in town, and +of presenting you to his Majesty on an occasion so highly honourable to you.</p> +<p class="left60">I am, sir,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your very faithful humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Chatham</span><br /> +(First Lord of the Admiralty.)</p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Admiralty, 24th October 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I was this morning so happy as to receive your letter, conveying the agreeable +account of your having captured the French frigate La Réunion, and which I lost +no time in communicating to Lord Chatham, who will himself express <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>to you his +very high sense of your distinguished conduct, as well as his great satisfaction +at the account you have given of the exemplary and gallant behaviour of your +officers and men. I beg, my dear sir, to congratulate you most sincerely on an +event which adds such lustre to your professional character, at the same time +that it entitles you to every reward from your country, and</p> +<p class="left55">I remain, with great regard,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your very faithful</span><br /> +<span class="i4">and obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">J. Hunt</span><br /> +(Private Secretary.)</p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, &c.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">St. James's-square, 24th October 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Lord Chatham was so obliging as to acquaint me yesterday with your success, and +at the same time with his fullest approbation of your conduct, which you may be +assured gave me great pleasure. I have this day the favour of your letter, and +thank you for your kind attention in informing me of what you might be confident +would give me particular satisfaction.</p> +<p class="left60">I am, with great regard, sir,<br /> +<span class="i4">Your obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Amherst.</span></p> +<p>To Captain James Saumarez.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 center">FROM THE REV. R. B. NICHOLLS.</p> +<p class="right"> 28th October 1793, Middleham, Yorkshire.</p> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>Accept my warmest congratulations on your late very extraordinary and glorious +success, which I consider as a signal favour and blessing upon you from the God +of armies, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>whom I invoke, and shall ever, on your behalf, that the path of +happiness and glory, temporal and eternal, may be successfully trodden by you, +and that you may long live an example of the blessings that Heaven has for a +Cornelius. Continue me in your friendly remembrance, which I shall ever consider +as an honour.</p> +<p class="left55">I am, dear sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most affectionate</span><br /> +<span class="i4">and most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">R. B. Nicholls.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, &c.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Portsmouth, 30th October 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I am infinitely obliged to you for your kindness and attention to George Parker. +I have not as yet heard from Lord Chatham, but suppose I shall in a day or two. +This morning I reckon you will kiss hands, and return home "Sir James." Such an +honour obtained on such an occasion is worthy the solicitation of a duke. If +anything material occurs, be so good to favour me with a line. Lady Parker +unites in every good wish for your rib and yourself, with</p> +<p class="left70">Yours, most sincerely,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">P. Parker.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez, after a happy visit to his family at Ryde, repaired +to London, on leave of absence; and, on being presented to his +Majesty, received the well-merited honour of knighthood, and his first +lieutenant (now Admiral Sir) George Parker, was promoted to the rank +of master and commander. Sir James, having applied for an extension of +his leave, enjoyed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> society of his friends in London until the +14th of November, when he and Lady Saumarez returned to their family +at Ryde. The following letter to his brother, descriptive of other +marks of respect which had been paid to him, will be read with +interest:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Ryde, Isle of Wight, 16th Nov. 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Brother,</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was not before yesterday that we were enabled to return to our little +treasure in this island, owing to official business and the badness of the +weather. We found all in perfect good health except our little girl, who has +been for some time very unwell, and has suffered exceedingly; she is at present +rather better, and we hope her disorder is past its height. Mr. Le Marchant has +fixed for next Monday to leave the island. I shall endeavour to accompany them +to Southampton, and, after that, trust to opportunities hereafter offering to +enable me to see them at Bath.</p> + +<p>I do not expect the Crescent will be ready to leave the harbour before the +middle of next week; what our destination will then be must remain uncertain. +Sir John Jarvis has this morning made the signal for sailing, and it is expected +will put to sea on Monday or Tuesday next. I mean to return to Portsmouth to-day +or to-morrow, that I may have an opportunity of seeing General Dundas before his +departure.</p> + +<p>Our last letters from the island (Guernsey) are of the 6th; no particular news. +You will be concerned to hear of the fate of the unlucky Thames; when the +particulars are received, I am persuaded it will be found that the ship has not +been given away. The report is, that, after a severe action with a +six-and-thirty, she was next day attacked by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>the Carmagniolle, to which ship +she struck. Sir E. Pellew is cruising with the Circe off St. Maloes; the French +have no ships at present at Cherbourg.</p> + +<p>Yesterday I received a very polite letter from Mr. Marsham, inclosing the +resolution of the 14th instant from the committee for encouraging the capture of +French privateers, voting me a piece of plate, value one hundred guineas, which +I consider a very high compliment paid to my earnest endeavours. But I am not +quite so well pleased with a letter from Mr. Cooke, who has the distribution of +the fees which he says are due from those who receive the honour of knighthood, +and which amount to 103<span class="italic">l.</span> 6<span class="italic">s.</span> 8<span class="italic">d.</span> In reply to this, I have referred him to +whoever paid the above fees for Sir E. Pellew, on whom that honour was conferred +on a similar occasion. I fear it may not be taken well; at the same time, I +think it hard to pay so much for an honour which my services have been thought +to deserve.</p> + +<p>Captain Parker came down to Portsmouth last Thursday, without having obtained an +interview with Lord Chatham. I am, however, persuaded he will soon get a ship. +The other arrangements are not yet made. Mr. Warren has gone to London, to +endeavour to get over the difficulty of not having served his rated time; if he +does, he is to be third lieutenant.</p> + +<p>You must now permit me to return you and my dear sister our most sincere thanks +for the kind hospitality we experienced under your roof; we not only ate of your +board and drank of your cup, but you gave us your very bed to repose on: when +shall we have it in our power to requite such goodness? At any rate, receive +this tribute of our warmest gratitude.</p> + +<p>I hope your dear children, whom we almost considered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>as ours, are very well: +bestow on them a thousand kisses from us. With our most sincere love, I remain, +my dear brother,</p> +<p class="left65">Ever affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez</p></div> + +<p>On the 22nd of November, the Crescent came out of harbour, and was +reported ready for sea; and Sir James Saumarez was now ready to +proceed, and to add fresh laurels to those he had so gloriously gained +in the service of his king and country.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1793, 1794.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez is placed under the orders of Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride.—Is +detached, and attacks an Enemy's squadron.—Narrow Escape from +Shipwreck.—Off Havre.—Cherbourg.—Private Letters relating the +particulars of several Cruises on the French coast.—Gallant Action with a +French squadron of superior force off Guernsey.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James was now placed under the orders of Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride, who gave +him the command of a squadron, consisting of the Crescent and Druid, +frigates, Liberty brig, and Lion cutter. The first service he had to +perform was to carry a small convoy of transports with troops, &c. to +Guernsey and Jersey, and furthermore to obtain pilots for the +admiral's squadron.</p> + +<p>We shall not attempt to describe the enthusiastic reception which Sir +James and his gallant crew received from their loyal and patriotic +countrymen in these islands; but his stay was short. Despatching the +Liberty to reconnoitre St. Maloes, he proceeded to Jersey, and, having +reconnoitred Granville, returned to Guernsey Roads on the 28th of +November, when he detached the Lion with pilots to the admiral; and, +pursuant to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> orders, sailed to the adjacent coast of France to assist +the royalists.</p> + +<p>The following is his account of an attempt to attack a French squadron +in the bay of Brehat.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, off Guernsey, 7th Dec. 1793.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acquaint you, that pursuant to your orders I sailed from +Guernsey Roads the night of the 5th instant, in his Majesty's ship Crescent, +under my command, together with the Druid frigate and Liberty brig. The wind +being to the southward, we were unable to fetch to windward off Cape Frehel in +the morning; and observing several sail at anchor off the isles of Brehat, +particularly two large ships and a brig, in a bay to the northward, which there +appeared a great probability of attacking with success, I stood in for them; but +the tide of ebb setting us to the westward, prevented our fetching into the bay, +and enabled the enemy's ships to get under way with the first of the flood, and +save themselves between the rocks. We were however in time to fire several shot +at the largest, which, as well as the others, appeared armed <span class="italic">en flute</span> and deeply +laden.</p> + +<p>Finding it impossible to follow them without endangering his Majesty's ships, I +stood out of the bay through a passage which both the pilots I had on board +assured me was perfectly safe.</p> + +<p>We soon found ourselves deceived, perceiving several rocks which we with +difficulty cleared. Unfortunately the Druid, (which I hailed to acquaint her of +the danger,) in wearing, tailed on a sunken rock; and, although she floated in a +few minutes, she has I fear received so much damage as to require her to be +taken into dock.</p> + +<p>I have directed Captain Ellison, whose activity and exertions <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>cannot be too +highly praised, to proceed to Plymouth, and the Liberty to accompany him into +the Sound, and rejoin you without loss of time.</p> +<p class="left55">I am, with every respect, sir,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Rear-admiral John M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</p></div> + +<p>On Sir James's arrival at Guernsey, he addressed the following letter +to his brother in London, which continues the narrative of his +proceedings on that dangerous coast.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I take the first opportunity to send you an account of an enterprise which, had +it been attended with success, would have proved fortunate indeed. Not having +time to send you the particulars, I have enclosed a copy of my letter to the +admiral, which you will show to M. Le Mesurier. I have only to add, that the +object in view justified the attempt; but, as the world too often forms its +judgment from events, I fear we shall not acquire much credit for the attempt.</p> + +<p>At midnight, we providentially escaped getting wrecked on the Rocks Douvre, in +steering after the Druid. We were warned of our perilous situation by the noise +of the breakers, and had only time to avoid them. In short, my dear friend, when +I consider our disappointment, and the very wonderful escapes we have had, it is +almost too much for me, and I can only be thankful things are not worse.</p> + +<p>Accounts have lately arrived from the army of the royalists, that they are in +possession of Rennes, and we have reason to expect soon to hear of their having +a seaport wherein we can land the reinforcement. Four <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>French frigates have been +in sight of the island these two days; the more mortifying as we cannot detach +after them without leaving the troops embarked unprotected. An expedition of +this consequence should have at least the support of two ships of the line.</p> + +<p>Be careful that nothing that I write to you transpires. I have lately seen +paragraphs which have given me concern, particularly one mentioning my being +ordered off St. Maloes. Be assured they may occasion much mischief and distrust, +if it can be imagined that they originate from any of my friends. My brother has +shown me the P.S. of your letter to him: I think it best the plate should be +confined to a dinner-set, as I am unwilling to separate the whole of a present +so handsomely bestowed; therefore, if not too late, I wish you to direct +accordingly. Lady S. writes to me that our dear little girl is better; I wish to +hear that she is sufficiently well to be inoculated. I shall be happy to have it +over.</p> + +<p>You are a long time without writing to me. Although I know you are most hurried +at this time, you must forgive me if I desire you will devote a few spare +minutes to me; my sister, I am sure, will consent to it. Assure her of my +sincere love; and believe me truly,</p> + +<p class="left60">My dear Richard,<br /> +<span class="left10">Yours affectionately,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> + +<p> P.S.—We are close ship-keepers, being all on board by six o'clock; a very +proper regulation. I do not expect to sail before the fleet proceeds to the +French coast, when I hope our accounts will prove more favourable.</p></div> + +<p>We have here two other remarkable instances, where on sudden and +unexpected danger appearing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> the presence of mind and professional +skill of Saumarez saved his ship and squadron from destruction; and +although the bold attempt he made to attack the enemy was +unsuccessful, he does not less deserve the merit of making it, for we +cannot command the wind and tide.</p> + +<p>The Crescent continued to cruise with Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride's squadron +during the winter, making several attempts to assist the royalists on +various places on the coast of France, and annoying the enemy's +coasting trade.</p> + +<p>The following letters from Sir James to his brother in London, give a +particular account, in his own words, of the arduous services on which +he was employed during that time.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Cowes Roads, 25th January 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>You will not expect so soon to hear from me, but I must just give you a journal +of our short cruise. The day after we sailed from here, we chased three armed +brigs off Havre, which were very near captured by the Flora and this ship. The +day following, Sir John Warren having detached me and La Nymphe to look into +Cherbourg, on the very spot where La Réunion fell into our hands, we were on the +point of taking a French frigate, apparently of twenty-eight or thirty-two guns. +The wind at first flattered us with the hope of cutting her off from the land, +when it shifted and enabled her to get into Cherbourg: they were decidedly +frightened, and kept firing guns as signals to their ships in the bay, which +never attempted to come out to their assistance, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>although we were alone, as La +Nymphe was scarcely discernible from this ship. The next day La Nymphe sprung +her fore-mast, which obliged her to return to Spithead.</p> + +<p>I appeared close to Cherbourg all day yesterday, in the hope of drawing their +ships out, which I plainly discerned to consist of six frigates, four of which +were large. In the evening it coming on to blow hard, and no appearance of our +ships, I stood off shore, and at noon this day, it blowing a severe storm, I +anchored in this road. Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride having consented to my going to Bath for +twenty-four hours, I am setting off with all speed: not having time to add more, +I remain, with my kindest love,</p> +<p class="left60">My dear Richard,<br /> +<span class="left5">Yours ever affectionately,</span></p> +<p class="right">Sunday Morning.<span class="smcap"> Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>P.S.—I really intended to write to the Lord Mayor, but have not a moment's +time; I shall therefore leave you to acquaint him with our return here.</p></div> + +<p>We may stop here to mention, that in the debate in the House of +Commons on the address to the King's speech at the opening of +parliament, the gallant conduct of Sir James Saumarez was mentioned in +terms of admiration, and his late action quoted as a remarkable +instance of the superiority of our naval commanders in professional +talent and skill; the account of this had been transmitted to him from +London by his brother Richard.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cowes, 2nd February 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I left my dearest concerns yesterday morning, and arrived here this afternoon, +after a six hours' storm, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>from Southampton. Both your kind letters afford me +infinite satisfaction. When I wrote to you on Sunday, I had not the admiral's +consent to remain till I heard from him, and only expected to remain twenty-four +hours in Bath; but depended, nevertheless, on hearing from you there. You must +therefore desire my sister to plead in your behalf, when she writes to Lady S.</p> + +<p>I am much flattered at my name having been found worthy of notice in the House +of Commons, and I thank you for the praise you bestow on me for the business of +our last cruise. Though we failed in taking the frigate, it was certainly a +matter of exultation and triumph to me, in a single ship, thus to brave the +enemy off their port.</p> + +<p>I find Sir John Warren has sent in an armed brig, which we were prevented from +sharing, at the time we were in pursuit of the frigate: we decoyed her to within +a small distance from us by showing French colours, and I am persuaded we should +have taken her, if we had chased her instead of the frigate; and they ought in +justice to allow us to share in the profits of this prize.</p> + +<p>I would advise you to wait till Donaldson's plates come out for your paintings. +Let me caution you against purchasing any of the prints, as I have engaged +fifteen sets for my friends, in order to have proof engravings.</p> + +<p>Tom<a name="FNanchor_7" id="FNanchor_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> writes to me they are under serious apprehensions for the island. I own +to you I think there is some cause, unless we keep a strong squadron for their +defence; at the same time, I do not believe they have so strong a force as +mentioned, or that they are making preparation for invading this country. Let me +know what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>has become of Mr. Warren, and whether Captain Parker has sailed.</p> + +<p>I must now wish you and my sister, and all under your roof, a good night. And</p> +<p class="left60">I remain truly,<br /></p> +<span class="left5">Yours affectionately,</span><br /> +<p class="right">Monday morning.<span class="smcap"> Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>P.S.—Our admiral has not yet made his appearance, a vessel is gone to +Portsmouth for him. The packet returns so speedily that it is next to +impossible to answer letters the same day.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Crescent, Spithead, 24th February 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>You will be pleased to hear of our being safe in port in the midst of the +prevailing storms, but not without our having previously felt their rigour. Last +Thursday morning we carried away our main-top-mast; and, in going to Torbay soon +after, we sprung our fore-yard, which made the admiral determine to send us to +Spithead to refit, and afterwards join him with all possible despatch. We are +just anchored; but it blows so very hard, there is no possibility of sending a +boat on shore.</p> + +<p>I left the squadron anchored in Torbay yesterday evening, where they are well +sheltered from the present very high wind. Let me hear from you, if possible, by +the next post. Not expecting to be ordered here, I wrote to Lady S. yesterday +morning, desiring her to direct to me there; and would have written to you to +the same purpose, but that I expected to have sent my letters from here by this +evening's post, which would have reached you equally soon.</p> + +<p>I think this weather will, for the present at least, let us sleep in +tranquillity, and make our enemies set aside their projected invasion. Let them +attempt it when they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>will, I shall view it as a desirable event for this +country. But I am not of that opinion with regard to our islands.</p> + +<p>God bless you, and preserve them all! Let us deserve well, and there is nothing +that we may not confidently expect from his providence. And, with my sincere +love,</p> +<p class="left65">I am ever affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>P.S. Sunday morning.—I availed myself of a favourable time this morning to +come on shore, and have just received a letter stating that the Liberty had been +chased by two frigates off the Casketts.</p></div> + +<p>The following letter gives an account of his visit to the island of +Jersey, &c.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Bouley Bay, Jersey, 30th March 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I have at length had an opportunity of visiting this island, the admiral having +detached this ship and the Druid to look into Cancalle Bay and Granville. It +falling calm on Thursday evening, we anchored in St. Owen's Bay; and, next +morning, Captain Ellison and myself went on shore to wait on Lord Balcarras. We +called on Mr. Dumaresq on our way to St. Hilliers, who most obligingly assisted +us with horses, and accompanied us to town after having engaged us to dinner. I +had just time to call on our friends John Durell and Mr. Wm. Dumaresq, who were +very kind in their offers of service. We then returned to St. Peter's, and I +shall ever be thankful for one of the most pleasant days I have passed since I +commanded the Crescent. Lord Balcarras and his aides-de-camp were the only +strangers; Major and Mrs. Le Couteur were of the party; and they were all to +have favoured me with their company on board the following day, had not untoward +circumstances prevented that pleasure. In the evening <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>we had so thick a fog +that it was impossible to join the ships; and at day-break we had the +mortification to find, that, the wind having come to the southward, they had +found it necessary to leave the bay. They however soon made their appearance, +and with some difficulty I got on board.</p> + +<p>The weather not permitting our going on the French coast, I anchored in this +bay, and detached a lugger with the third lieutenant, which will execute the +service better than we could in the ships. They are here greatly relieved from +their fears by knowing our squadron is so near them; and the ladies that at +first emigrated are now returning. Write to me by the packet to Guernsey.</p> + +<p>When we can ascertain the force at Cancalle, I hope we shall find ourselves of +sufficient strength to pay them a visit. If the emissaries are to be credited, +they are disembarking their troops, and marching against the royalists in La +Vendée.</p> + +<p>I hope my sister continues well, as when I left you. And, with kindest love,</p> +<p class="left60">I remain, yours ever affectionately,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Sunday evening.—P.S. Mr. French, third lieutenant, is this moment +returned. He reports that eleven sail of frigates are in Cancalle Bay +only;—not the least appearance of ships of the line.</p></div> + +<p>After remaining some time on this dangerous station, the Crescent and +squadron returned to Plymouth, when Sir James Saumarez was employed on +the expedition under Earl Moira, which need not be detailed here. On +the 11th May he received orders to take a squadron under his command,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +to cruise off the Lizard. The following letter is relative to this +cruise:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, at sea, 14th May, 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>Pursuant to your directions, I dispatch the Mary cutter to Plymouth for any +orders you may be pleased to send me, and I avail myself of this opportunity to +acquaint you with the proceedings of the squadron from the time of our +departure.</p> + +<p>We made sail to the southward on Sunday night, and saw nothing except two +neutral vessels. One of them was informed by Sir Richard Strachan, that on the +6th instant he fell in with a squadron of French frigates in lat. 47° 50' N., +long. 6° 15' W.</p> + +<p>Yesterday morning, about eighteen leagues to the southward of the Lizard, the +weather having proved hazy, on clearing up we saw a ship and a brig, which we +soon distinguished to be enemy's cruisers. I made the signal for general chase, +and endeavoured to cut them off from the French coast. We pursued them till +within four miles of Ushant, when they escaped through the passage De Four. I +then made the best of my way to regain the station; and we are now anxiously +looking for the frigates we sailed in pursuit of, with the hopes of better +success.</p> + +<p>I beg to assure you of my most earnest endeavours to merit the confidence you +are pleased to repose in me; being, with great truth,</p> +<p class="left60">My dear Admiral,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your most faithful</span><br /> +<span class="left10">and obedient servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride, Plymouth.</p></div> + +<p>It was in the interval between December 1793 and June 1794, that Sir +James Saumarez and Sir Edward Pellew, and Sir John Warren, being each +in command of squadrons of frigates, agreed to share prize-money until +the latter should return to port, which did not take place until June. +It is notorious in the navy that this led to a dispute, and +consequently a coolness, between these gallant officers, but the +misunderstanding was subsequently made up, and need not be farther +alluded to.</p> + +<p>On the 1st June Captain Saumarez returned to Plymouth from the coast +of France adjacent to the Channel islands, and on the 6th received the +following order from Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p> +You are hereby required and directed to take under your command his Majesty's +ships, luggers, and cutters, named on the margin,<a name="FNanchor_8" id="FNanchor_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> and proceed first with them to Guernsey and Jersey, and then +endeavour to ascertain the force the enemy may have in Cancalle Bay and St. +Maloes, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>and then return to Cawsand Bay, leaving the Prestwood cutter with +Captain Ball, of his Majesty's ship Fury.</p> +<p class="left60">Given under my hand, on board<br /> +<span class="left5">H.M.S. Echo, 6th June 1794.</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jno. M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</span></p></div> + +<p>Sir James sailed on the 7th from Plymouth: the following is a copy of +his official letter, giving an account of his action with the French +squadron:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Guernsey, 8th June 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acquaint you that this morning, at dawn of day, being with +his Majesty's ship Crescent, under my command, and the Druid and Eurydice +frigates, about twelve leagues to the northward of Guernsey, on the larboard +tack, with a fresh breeze to the N.E., we fell in with five sail of ships and a +cutter to windward. From their not bearing down, and other circumstances, I did +not take them for enemy's ships; and I directed Lieut. Baker, of the Valiant, +armed lugger, to make sail to windward, for the purpose of reconnoitring them. +At six o'clock they hoisted national colours, and fired on the lugger. I then +shortened sail to form the line; but the Eurydice sailing so indifferently, and +having so superior a force to contend with,—three of the enemy's ships +being large frigates, with another which I took for the Thames, and one +apparently of twenty-four guns,—I directed Captain Cole to make all the +sail he could and stand in shore, Guernsey at the time being in sight. +<a name="FNanchor_9" id="FNanchor_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> +<p class="p4"></p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/131-t.jpg" width="475" height="268" +alt="Off Guernsey" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/131-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<p class="center">Commencement of the action between the Crescent and her squadron, with the +French squadron of superior force off Guernsey.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p>I remained with this ship and the Druid under easy sail to windward. +The two headmost ships of the enemy kept up a brisk fire as they came +up; which was returned, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>at too great a distance to do any +considerable damage. At eight, the Eurydice being so far in shore as +to run no risk of their coming up with her, and the whole French line +coming up within gun-shot, I made sail with the Druid for the +Hanoways.</p> + +<p>Observing the headmost of the enemy gaining very fast on the two +ships, I hauled in for the shore with the view of drawing off her +attention; which answered my purpose, as she immediately hauled up +after me, and maintained a brisk fire for some time, but without +effect. She then bore away, but the Druid and Eurydice were too far +ahead; and soon after they hauled their wind to the northward.</p> + +<p>I feel every satisfaction in acquainting you that, from the spirit and +bravery of my officers and men on this occasion, I am persuaded it +would have had every effect, had we had a more equal force to contend +with. I met with a noble support in Captain Ellison; and I have only +to regret that Captain Cole was not in a ship of sufficient force to +allow of my deriving advantage from his tact and intrepidity.</p> +<p class="left50">I am, with every respect, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Rear-Admiral John M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p class="center">RELATIVE FORCE OF THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH SQUADRONS.</p> +<p class="center">English.</p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Force"> +<tr> + <td> </td> + <td>Guns.</td> + <td>Weight of shot.</td> + </tr> +<tr> + <td align="left">Crescent</td> + <td>36</td> + <td>630</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">Druid</td> +<td>36</td> +<td>630</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">Eurydice</td> +<td>20</td> +<td>240</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>—</td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Total</td> +<td>92</td> +<td>1500</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p class="center">The cutters and luggers went off to Plymouth when the action began.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> +<p class="center">French.</p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="French force"> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td>Weight of shot.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">Le Scævola (razée)</td> +<td>54</td> +<td>1656</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">Le Brutus (ditto)</td> +<td>54</td> +<td>1656</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">La Danae</td> +<td>36</td> +<td>800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">La Félicité </td> +<td>36 </td> +<td>800</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="left">La Terreur.</td> +<td>12</td> +<td>144</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>—</td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Total</td> +<td>192</td> +<td>5056</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p>Thus it appears that the French were 100 guns, and 3556 pounds in +weight of metal, superior to the English squadron.</p> + +<p>This exploit, which has been justly considered by every officer of the +navy a masterpiece of professional skill, as well as of presence of +mind and intrepidity, should be more particularly related than in the +above very modest public letter. The superiority of the enemy being +much too great to be opposed with any chance of success, it became the +imperative duty of Saumarez to effect, if possible, the escape of his +ships, to which the enemy immediately gave chase. Observing that his +own ship and the Druid had the advantage in sailing, and that the +Eurydice, which was not only in bad condition but a bad sailer, would +fall into their hands, he shortened sail, and having ordered the +Eurydice by signal to push for Guernsey, he contrived, by occasionally +showing a disposition to engage, to amuse the enemy, and lead him off +until the Eurydice was safe. He now tacked, and, in order to save the +Druid, closed with the enemy, passing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> along their line; and the +capture of the Crescent seemed at one time inevitable. The Druid +meanwhile made her escape, with the Eurydice, into Guernsey Roads.</p> + +<p>But Sir James Saumarez had for his own preservation a scheme which, in +the first instance, required great courage; in the second, a perfect +knowledge of a most dangerous and intricate channel; and, in the last, +a consummate skill in the management of his ship. He was himself well +acquainted with the coast, and possessed an experienced pilot, John +Breton, a native, whose house was on that extremity of the island. As +soon therefore as the other two ships were secure, he bore up as if to +run his ship on the rocks, to avoid capture. Ordering his pilot to +steer the Crescent through a narrow passage between the rocks, which +had never before been attempted by a ship of her size, and defying the +enemy to follow him, he reached the anchorage in safety,<a name="FNanchor_10" id="FNanchor_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> to the no +small surprise and mortification of the French, who, after firing some +time over the rocks at the ship, were obliged, by the shot of the +Crescent and that of the batteries, to give up the contest.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/134-t.jpg" width="450" height="258" +alt="Rocks Guernsey" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/134-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<div class="blocquote"> +<p class="center">Close of the action when the Crescent retreated among the rocks at Guernsey.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p>It is worthy of remark that, after passing through the narrow channel, +the ship had to sail so near to the shore of Câtel parish, that he +could distinctly see his own house,—a position truly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> singular, for +behind he beheld a French prison, and before him his own fireside! +While passing through the narrowest part of the channel, Sir James +asked the pilot if he was sure he could see the marks for running +through? when he replied, "I am quite sure, for there is <span class="italic">your</span> house, +and there is my own!"</p> +<p class="p4"></p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/135-t.jpg" width="325" height="617" +alt="Chart Island" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/135-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">Chart of the island of Guernsey, showing the positions of the English and French +squadrons.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p>The gratification which Sir James must have felt in having, by his +admirable skill and daring, so completely succeeded in saving the +whole of the ships, could not but be highly augmented by the +circumstance of his countrymen, and even his family and friends, being +eye-witnesses of his gallant and judicious conduct. +Lieutenant-governor Small, who, with a multitude of the inhabitants, +beheld the whole of these masterly evolutions, immediately published +the following flattering testimonial in his general orders, which was +afterwards transmitted to Sir James by the brigade-major in a polite +letter.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Parole, <span class="italic">Saumarez;</span> countersign,<span class="italic"> Crescent.</span></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>The lieutenant-governor cannot, without doing injustice to his own feelings, +help taking notice thus publicly of the gallant and distinguished conduct of Sir +James Saumarez, with the officers and men of his Majesty's ships Crescent, +Druid, and Eurydice, under his command, in the very unequal conflict of +yesterday, where their consummate professional skill and masterly +manœuvres demonstrated with brilliant effect the superiority of British +seamanship and bravery, by repelling and frustrating the views of at least +treble their force and weight of metal.</p> + +<p>This cheering instance of spirit and perseverance in a detachment of our royal +navy, could not fail of presenting an animating and pleasing example to his +Majesty's land forces, both of the line and island troops, who were anxious +spectators, and beheld with admiration the active conduct of their brave +countrymen.</p> + +<p>To the loyal inhabitants of Guernsey it afforded cause of real exultation to +witness the manly and excellent conduct of an officer of whom this flourishing +island has to boast he is a native.</p></div> + +<p>The governor of Guernsey, as a further mark of admiration at the +gallant conduct of Sir James Saumarez, wrote the following letter to +the Secretary of the Admiralty:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Government-house, Guernsey, 9th June 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I do myself the honour of transmitting herewith a copy of what I deemed proper +to insert this day in the public orders issued to his Majesty's forces stationed +on the island of Guernsey, under my command. May I request that this tribute of +well-earned approbation from a brother officer may be communicated to the Lords +Commissioners of the Admiralty. Should it appear irregular that an +extra-official communication of this nature comes from a department not +immediately under their lordships' cognizance, the impropriety on my part I +trust will be indulgently forgiven, as it arises from an irresistible impulse of +wishing to do justice to merit and exertions far indeed above my praise. As an +officer honoured with a public and confidential situation, and having from shore +been an eye-witness of the gallant intrepidity of Sir James Saumarez, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>and +sailors of his Majesty's ships Crescent, Druid, and Eurydice, under his command, +I consider it my duty to express, although still inadequately, my opinion of the +conduct of men whose modesty (the infallible concomitant of merit) may, in +reporting to you, come short of what thousands of loyal and anxious spectators +from this island beheld with joy and satisfaction, in the display of superior +address and British bravery alluded to.</p> + +<p class="left50">I have the honour to subscribe myself,<br /> +<span class="i2">With esteem and high regard, sir,</span><br /> +<span class="i4">Your most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">John Small.</span></p> +<p>To Philip Stephens, Esq. &c. &c. &c.</p> +<p>N.B. The enclosure has been already given.</p></div> + +<p>The following general memorandum was issued to the squadron, dated</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794.</p> +<p>General Memorandum.</p> + +<p>Sir James Saumarez desires to return his best thanks to Captain Ellison, and the +officers and men of H.M.S. Druid, for their spirited conduct and bravery on the +8th instant, in having, jointly with the Crescent, repelled ships of the enemy +treble our force. It is to be regretted that the bad sailing of the Eurydice +prevented their deriving the advantage they otherwise would have received from +Captain Cole and his brave ship's company.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794.</p> +<p>General Memorandum.</p> + +<p>Sir James Saumarez requests Captain Cole will signify to the officers and ship's +company of his Majesty's ship Eurydice, under his command, how truly mortified +he felt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>himself at being deprived of their support and assistance on the 8th +instant, in consequence of the bad sailing of their ship. Had the enemy's force +on that day permitted their being brought to action on more equal terms, he is +too fully persuaded of the gallantry and bravery of British seamen not to be +convinced of its having been attended with the most signal success.</p></div> + +<p>Early in the action, the small vessels, being separated by the enemy, +bore up for Plymouth. The Valiant arrived first with bad news; and +then Mr. Hall, of the Cockchafer, went to Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride, and +informed him that the whole of Sir James Saumarez' squadron was taken. +The admiral, who was then suffering under a fit of the gout, demanded +if he saw them strike; to which Mr. Hall replied that he did not, but +they could not escape. This so enraged the admiral, who would not +believe Sir James's squadron had been taken, that he threatened to +throw his crutch at him, and sent him out of his presence in a very +summary manner, charging him to return to Guernsey with the following +letter:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Tuesday, 10th June.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir,</p> + +<p>If I can gather anything right from Hall, of the little lugger that ran away +from you, this will find you at Guernsey, and I hope in good health, with your +associates; to whom remember me. The conduct of the small craft you are the best +judge of, and I shall suspend my conjectures till I see or hear from you on that +subject. As you must naturally have received damage, you will, I think, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>do well +to return hither, by which time I suppose La Margaretta will arrive. Yesterday +evening Sir Roger Curtis landed from the Phaeton. He left Lord Howe on the 4th. +I know not the particulars, but there has been a general action; and I think +Monsieur Jean Bon L'Andre and his Guillotine have had a thorough drubbing. We +have lost very few officers of rank. Lord Howe is perfectly well, of which I +give you joy.</p> +<p class="left60">Yours, my dear sir, most affectionately,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">John M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</span></p></div> + +<p>Meanwhile the commodore, in consequence of the enemy's motions, +wrote the following letter to the Admiralty:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, Guernsey Road, 11th June 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have despatched the Active cutter to Spithead, to acquaint you, for the +information of their lordships, that the French squadron which engaged his +Majesty's ships under my command on Sunday last, put into Cancalle Bay the day +following. I have reason to believe they are part of the squadron that chased +this ship, in company with the Nymphe and Concorde, on the 2nd instant, off the +Seven Islands; and that the ships of the line that were then in company +proceeded to Brest.</p> + +<p>His Majesty's ship Severn joined me this morning from Plymouth; and I propose to +proceed to the Sound to-morrow, in compliance with orders from Rear-admiral +M<sup>c</sup>Bride.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Philip Stephens, Esq. Secretary, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>The squadron returned to Plymouth Sound on the 14th of June, when +Sir James sent the following letter to his brother:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Saturday, 14th June 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>We sailed from the island at four yesterday morning, unluckily too +soon for the arrival of the packet; by which I lost all the pretty +things you, with other friends, said to me on the business of last +Sunday. We remain also uninformed of Lord Howe's victory, except that +we know a general action has taken place favourable to us. This +evening will, I hope, clear up all our doubts.</p> + +<p>The French squadron put into Cancalle Bay the day after our rencontre, +and I have reason to think were rather sore from our well-directed +fire. That their fire did not take more effect on the Crescent, must +be ascribed to a superior Providence; as, I will own to you, I never +saw shot fall thicker about any ship than at the time we hauled up for +Vason Bay.</p> + +<p>My old pilot, Jean Breton, has infinite merit, and I must have him +recommended to that very laudable society for the encouragement of the +protection of the commerce of the country. He has a large family, to +whom any pecuniary recompense will be of service; but as two other +pilots exerted themselves, one on board the Druid, and the other in +this ship, I hope they will also be considered. Mention this to my +worthy friend the Lord Mayor, who will probably have the goodness to +undertake the business.</p> + +<p>I am proceeding to Plymouth for further orders, and you may rest +assured of hearing from me when any thing is fixed. The Valiant lugger +has this instant joined me from Plymouth, and has brought me the +extraordinary Gazette; I most truly rejoice at the good news it +contains, though I am savage enough to wish a few more had been sunk +or taken.</p> + +<p>This business absorbs all lesser considerations, and I must be +satisfied if I can only be considered the <span class="italic">horse-radish</span> to garnish +the roast beef.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> + +<p>Adieu, my worthy Richard: lose no time, as the Admiral writes to me we +shall sail again early next week. I hope to arrive in the Sound this +evening.</p> + +<p class="left70">Yours affectionately,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James was, however, disappointed in receiving an answer from his +brother, being ordered to sail in command of a squadron. The following +letter concludes the account of the late meritorious affair:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Plymouth, Crescent, June 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> +<p>I have been much disappointed, not to receive a single line from you since we +sailed from this place, although I am convinced you must have written by way of +Guernsey. To-morrow I sail with a squadron of six frigates under my command, +viz. Crescent, Nymphe, Blonde, Druid, Concorde, and Severn: my only fear is, +that we shall not be so fortunate as to fall in with the enemy. Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride +has shown me his reply from the Admiralty to his letter, inclosing my account of +our late business off Guernsey. It is highly flattering to myself, and +expressive of their approbation of my conduct in the strongest terms. I doubt my +letter being published, as it is only in instances where success has been the +consequence.</p> + +<p>What a noble business that of Lord Howe! And how well he has fulfilled the +expectations which those who knew him had formed of his character! Several of my +friends are here who were in that action, and speak in the highest strain of +panegyric of the whole of his conduct.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>I wait for my wife being again on her legs to compose on the late victory. Why +have you not a turn for poetry and music, so as to indite a song on this +subject, in lieu of the famous <ins title="Corrected erratum: original reads 'Ninety-second'">Ninety-two</ins>., that has had the run of a whole +century?</p> + +<p>Adieu, my worthy friend! I am truly and faithfully yours,</p> + +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1794, 1795.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"> + +Sir James commands a Squadron of Frigates, in the Channel.—Visit to +Weymouth.—Joins the Channel Fleet.—Black Rocks.—Private +Letters and Instructions.—Appointed to the Orion.—Crescent's +Officers and Crew volunteer to follow him.—Appointed to the Marlborough +(<span class="italic">pro tempore</span>).—Commands a detached Squadron.—Returns to the Orion, +attached to the Channel Fleet.—Private Letters.—Lord Bridport's +Action.—Orion, the headmost Ship, begins the battle.—Official +Letter.—Two private Accounts.—Returns to Portsmouth—Expedition +to Isle Dieu.—Returns to Spithead.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Saumarez, whose conduct in his late encounter with the enemy's +squadron had called forth the admiration of his country, and the high +approbation of the Admiralty, was continued in command of the squadron +destined to protect the Channel islands. Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride emphatically +said, "their defence could not be in better hands." Sir James left +Plymouth on the 16th of June 1794, and arrived at Guernsey on the +following day. The enemy's large ships escaped to Brest before any +force could be brought to intercept them. The station of Saumarez was +from Cape Barfleur to the Seven Islands; and, on the English coast, +between the Isle of Wight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> and the Start, having four frigates under +his command. The following letter to his brother gives an amusing +account of a false alarm, occasioned by the squadron while his Majesty +George the Third was at Weymouth:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Crescent, 18th September 1794.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I was made happy yesterday by the sight of your handwriting, of which I had for +a considerable time been deprived. You will have learnt from the Lord Mayor of +our short cruise off Cherbourg. On our return, Sunday evening, we caused an +alarm I had little expected: the Trusty, having fallen in with the four +frigates, made the private signal, which, not being distinctly seen, remained +unanswered. In consequence of which she proceeded to Weymouth Road, making +signals of an enemy. The troops were ordered under arms, the batteries manned, +and the royal carriages got in readiness. At our approach to the road after +dark, a shot was fired from the Trusty. This ship was secured with springs on +her cables, and was ready to pour her broadside, when I fortunately made the +night-signal, to denote we were friends. I immediately went on shore, and found +the royal family at the rooms, not without apprehension of the enemy's landing.</p> + +<p>The King desired to see me, and very heartily laughed at the circumstance. I +remained near an hour in conference with their Majesties in the tea-room; a very +distinguished honour, I assure you, as even the lords in waiting are scarcely +ever admitted during meals: I was highly flattered at the very gracious and +flattering reception I met with. The next day they were on the water, and the +King expressed himself much satisfied with the manœuvres <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>of the squadron +under my directions. Lady S. and Mrs. Le Marchant, of Bath, were on board the +Crescent, and I was happy in the company of Mr. G——. All dined on board, +and seemed well satisfied with the day.</p> + +<p>I expect Admiral M<sup>c</sup>Bride the beginning of next week; at which time we shall +either go to Plymouth or Portsmouth, to complete our provisions. The weather is +so bad that we must not expect the packet from Guernsey, and it prevents the one +from Weymouth putting to sea. Love to my sister and children.</p> +<p class="left70">Yours most affectionately,</p> +<p class="right">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The Crescent continued on Channel service until the 10th of October, +when she returned to Cawsand Bay; and, after a short cruise in the +entrance of the Channel, she came to Plymouth to be refitted on the +4th of November. On the 8th she was taken into dock, not having been +coppered since 1784. Sir James had now an opportunity of enjoying +repose for two months, (his ship being in course of repair,) till the +15th of January 1795, when he was immediately attached to the grand +fleet under Earl Howe.</p> + +<p>The following instructions will show the nature of the arduous service +on which Saumarez was destined to be employed for a considerable time:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center"> +Instructions for the conduct of ships appointed to obtain intelligence of the +state of the enemy's naval force at Brest.</p> + + +<p>Two frigates, supported by one or more ships <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>of the line, will be most +generally appointed for obtaining intelligence of the enemy's naval force, from +time to time, when the wind has been favourable to their fleet, or detachment +thereof, to put to sea. The frigates so appointed are meant to stretch from +Ushant inward to the Black Rocks, together or in succession, as requisite for +their mutual support, and better means of communicating with the covering ships; +and off St. Matthew's Point, or so as to discover whether the enemy's fleet are +still in Brest water, and, if easily practicable, the number and situation of +the enemy's ships of war there, and in the adjacent anchoring bays without the +Goulet. The covering ships of the line, it is supposed, will generally answer +the purpose of their appointment by keeping off, or a little within, the Black +Rocks, whilst the frigates are advanced to the more eastern situation before +mentioned. The several captains so employed are, nevertheless, to be governed on +this service by the state of the weather and movements of the enemy, as they see +best in their discretion, or may be directed by the commanding officer, for +being able to get to sea with facility when necessary for the purpose of this +appointment; and, having made the intended discovery, they are to return for +reporting observations to me with all convenient despatch. They are to observe, +that the capture of single ships of the line or frigates, or any action with the +enemy not absolutely requisite for the security of their ships, is not an object +of equal moment to compensate for any delay in conveying the earliest +information to me, by signal or personal intercourse, of the state or motions of +the enemy as aforesaid. The ordering of the fleet in their absence on this +service will be calculated for arriving off Ushant as early as possible the next +morning, on these occasions if the detached ships should not have joined the +fleet the preceding day, in view to take advantage of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> every opportunity to +intercept the ships of the enemy attempting to put to sea from Brest. And as it +may be requisite often to renew this appointment, the intention will be +expressed by signal No. 181, together with the particular signals (one or more) +of the ships of the line and frigates then meant to be so employed; and the +signal No. 124 will be subsequently made when the ships are to part company from +the fleet for such purpose.</p> + +<p class="right">Given on board the Queen Charlotte,<br /> +Torbay, 5th February 1795.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Howe.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez,<br /> +<span class="left5">Captain H.M.S. Crescent.</span></p></div> + +<p>On this occasion Sir James Saumarez wrote the following letter to his +brother, which shows the high opinion entertained of his services off +the Black Rocks by his lordship:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Spithead, 15th January 1795.</p> + +<p>I had the pleasure of yours yesterday morning, and have only time to acquaint +you that part of the fleet are now dropping down to St. Helen's, and to-morrow +we hope to put to sea. The wind is far to the southward, but I hope we shall be +able to get down Channel before it comes to the westward. There can be little +doubt but the enemy's fleet are still at sea. If we have the good fortune to +meet them, the business will be glorious for the country.</p> + +<p>Our line consists of thirty-five, ten of which are three-deckers. The French +have only thirty-two, and four only of three-deckers. My situation in the fleet +(repeating frigate) is certainly more desirable than a less conspicuous one; at +the same time, I would rather command a seventy-four. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>Lord Howe is remarkably +gracious, and has overwhelmed me with compliments in his opinion of my merits. I +have the more to accomplish in order to show myself deserving of it. Be assured +of my zealous endeavours. Adieu! Give my sincere love to my sister and dear +children.</p> +<p class="left65">I am ever affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez</p></div> + +<p>Sir James always preferred the command of a ship of the line to a +frigate, notwithstanding the chances of prize-money are in favour of +the latter. He accordingly made the following application to the First +Lord of the Admiralty; and it will be seen, by the subsequent +correspondence, that his wishes were complied with.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I beg leave to acquaint your lordship, that some time since I made application +to be appointed to a line-of-battle ship, and the Earl of Chatham was pleased to +signify his intention of meeting my wishes the earliest opportunity. I shall +esteem myself greatly obliged to your lordship to appoint me to one, and at the +same time to permit me to take my officers and ship's company.</p> +<p class="left65">I have the honour to be, &c. &c.</p> +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p> +<p>Right Honourable Earl Spencer.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging your letter to be appointed to +a line-of-battle ship. I am not at present apprised of there being an immediate +opportunity to comply with your request; but it will give me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>great pleasure to +have an early one afforded me of promoting an officer of so much acknowledged +merit.</p> +<p class="left60">I am, sir, with great respect,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Spencer.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Saumarez, H.M.S. Crescent.<br /> +<span class="left5">Admiralty, December 24th, 1794.</span></p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">Crescent, Spithead, 1st March 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I beg to avail myself of the return of the fleet into port, to remind your +lordship of the application I had the honour to make to be appointed to a +line-of-battle ship; and as the Orion is likely soon to become vacant, I shall +be greatly obliged to your lordship to have the goodness to give me the command +of her, and at the same time to permit me to take my officers and ship's +company.</p> + +<p class="left45"> I have the honour to be, my lord,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Right Honourable Earl Spencer.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p class="right">Crescent, off Spithead, 4th March 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> +I beg to express my sincere acknowledgments to your lordship for having been +pleased to appoint me to the command of the Orion. I shall be further obliged to +your lordship to permit the commissioned and warrant officers of the Crescent to +be removed to her, with the ship's company. I have the honour to be, &c. +&c. +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p> +<p>Earl Spencer, &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James remained with the Channel fleet until the 13th of March, +when, at his own request,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> he was removed into his Majesty's ship +Orion. The whole crew of the Crescent volunteered to follow him, and +his application for them was in part complied with; as also for +Lieutenants Otter and Rye, and some of the warrant and petty officers, +who were consequently turned over to that ship, which was fitting at +Portsmouth. As it would be a considerable time before she could be +refitted so as to be ready for sea, Captain Saumarez was, at the +special application of the admiral, Lord Hugh Seymour, appointed (pro +tempore) to the Marlborough of seventy-four guns, and attached to a +detachment of the grand fleet under the Honourable W. Waldegrave, +(afterwards Lord Radstock,) cruising between Ushant and Cape +Finisterre. His appointment was dated 19th March 1795. On the 8th of +April he became senior officer of the detached squadron off the +Western Isles, under the orders of Lord Bridport. He returned on the +8th of June to take command of his own ship, the Orion, which had been +fitted out by Captain Donnelly, and was now ready to receive orders +for sea. He was now again placed under the orders of his lordship, the +commander-in-chief of the Channel fleet, and sailed on the 12th of +June, two days after his arrival. On the 22nd, the squadron fell in +with the enemy off L'Orient at daylight, at which time the Orion was +one of the sternmost ships when the signal was made to chase. Her +captain soon gave a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> manifest proof of his zeal and abilities on this +occasion. She was, before morning of the 23rd, the headmost ship of +the fleet; and, before six o'clock, was the first which actually began +the action with one of the enemy's largest ships.</p> + +<p>The following is a copy of Lord Bridport's official despatch:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Royal George, at sea, 24th June 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>It is with sincere satisfaction I acquaint you, for the information of the Lords +Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty's squadron under my command +attacked the enemy's fleet, consisting of twelve ships of the line, attended +with eleven frigates and some smaller cruisers, on the 23rd instant, close in +with the port of L'Orient. The ships which struck are the Alexander, Le +Formidable, and Le Tigre, which were with difficulty retained. If the enemy had +not been protected and sheltered by the land, I have every reason to believe +that a much greater number, if not all the line-of-battle ships, would have been +taken or destroyed.</p> + +<p>In detailing the particulars of this service, I am to state that at the dawn of +day, on the 22nd instant, the Nymphe and Astrea, being the look-out frigates +ahead, made the signal for the enemy's fleet. I soon perceived there was no +intention to meet me in battle; consequently, I made the signal for four of the +best-sailing ships, the Sanspareil, Orion, Russell, and Colossus, and, soon +afterwards, the whole fleet, to chase; which continued all day and the whole +night with very little wind.</p> + +<p>Early in the morning of the 23rd, the headmost ships, the Orion, Irresistible, +Queen Charlotte, Russell, Colossus, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>and Sanspareil, were pretty well up with +the enemy; and a little before six o'clock the action began, and continued till +near nine. When the ships struck, the British squadron was near to some +batteries, and in the face of a strong naval port, which will manifest to the +public the zeal, intrepidity, and skill of the admirals, captains, and all the +other officers and seamen, and soldiers, employed upon this service; and they +are fully entitled to my warmest acknowledgments.</p> + +<p>I beg also to be allowed to mark my approbation in a particular manner of +Captain Domett's conduct, serving under my flag, for his manly spirit, and for +the assistance I received from his active and attentive mind. I feel great +satisfaction in doing justice to the meritorious conduct of all the officers of +every class, as well as to the bravery of the seamen and soldiers in the Royal +George, upon this event and on former occasions.</p> + +<p>I judged it necessary, upon the information I received of the force of the +enemy, to put the Robust, Thunderer, and Standard into my line of battle; but +their distance from my squadron, and there being little wind, prevented them +from joining me till after the action was over.</p> + +<p>I shall proceed upon my station as soon as I have ordered a distribution of the +prisoners, and made other necessary arrangements for the squadron. It is my +intention to keep at sea, in order to fulfil every part of my instructions.</p> +<p class="left75">I am, &c.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Bridport.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p><p>The enemy made their escape into L'Orient. By some accounts the +commander-in-chief has been blamed for not continuing the action; but +this does not seem to have been the opinion of Sir James Saumarez, who +wrote the following letter to his brother on the day after the action. +It is said that the fleet were not supplied with pilots for that part +of the coast.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, at sea, 24th June 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that, last Monday, we fell in with the +French fleet, about eighteen leagues from the Isle de Groix. The signal for a +general chase was made at six o'clock; but, having little wind, we were still at +a considerable distance from them in the evening. Our headmost ships denoted by +signal that they consisted of fourteen sail of the line and eleven frigates. The +admiral made the signal to engage the enemy on coming up with them. It was with +great delight I found the Orion sail extremely well, and in the morning we were +one of the headmost ships of the squadron. I should observe, that Sir John +Warren's convoy were in sight at the time we first saw the enemy; and a vessel +was detached to order the Robust and Thunderer to join us, which made our number +nineteen sail of the line.</p> + +<p>The French fleet at daylight was about five miles from us, crowding all sail, +and steering for their coast, which appeared in sight. At five o'clock, this +ship, being ahead of the Queen Charlotte, began the action, and kept up a +constant fire as we came up; which was warmly returned by the enemy's sternmost +ships, one of which was the Montagne. Finding I could go to windward of one of +their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>ships, I hauled up between her and their fleet, and gave her our larboard +guns directly for her stern. She was afterwards attacked by other ships, to +which she struck, and proved to be the Alexander.</p> + +<p>The Irresistible, Russell, Colossus, and Sanspareil were the headmost of our +fleet after the Orion and Queen Charlotte, and engaged the enemy as they came +up. A French seventy-four, that had taken fire on the poop, struck to the +frigates. She is called the Formidable, and is not materially damaged from the +fire. When the Queen, London, and finally the Royal George, came into action, +they kept up a most amazing fire; but by this time the enemy were within three +miles of their coast, and they all escaped except the Tigre, which struck to the +Royal George.</p> + +<p>For further details I must refer you to the public accounts. Our loss in this +ship has been inconsiderable when I assure you we were engaged with very little +intermission the whole time of the action, which lasted four hours. We have four +killed, two since dead, and eighteen wounded. The ship has suffered more in +proportion in the hull, masts, and sails. We regret not to have had a few +leagues' more space, as none could then have escaped. Port Louis, near L'Orient, +has afforded them this timely shelter, but not till they had a severe drubbing.</p> + +<p>You will show the contents of this letter to Mr. Le Mesurier, as I have scarcely +one moment to spare.</p> + +<p>Adieu! Remember me most kindly to my sister; and believe me truly, my dear +Richard,</p> +<p class="left70">Yours affectionately,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p> +<p>You will oblige Lady S. by inclosing this, after perusal, to her.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> +<p>This detachment of the Channel fleet, which was destined to protect +the ill-fated expedition to Quiberon Bay, under Sir J. B. Warren, +continued for some time on the coast; but the Orion, being one of the +ships which had suffered most, was ordered to Portsmouth. On his +arrival, Sir James wrote the following letter to his brother Richard.</p> + +<p class="right">Orion, off St. Helens, 12th July 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Brother,</p> + +<p>I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, that I parted from the fleet +last Thursday, with the Charon, hospital ship, which I saw safe into Portland +this morning: Captain Grindall, (the only captain wounded,) who took his passage +on board her, was much recovered. On the day I left the fleet, Admiral +Cornwallis, with the ships under his command, joined Lord Bridport; and I +imagine the Queen Charlotte, with the ships that suffered most in the action, +will go home. As the Orion requires a new fore-mast and bowsprit, besides +considerable repair, I take it for granted she will be ordered into harbour.</p> + +<p>A few days after the action we were alarmed by the appearance of an epidemic +fever on board; but, by sending the men infected on board the hospital ship, and +using timely precaution, I am happy to say it has entirely subsided, but it gave +me a great degree of concern: added to this, we have had the small-pox on board; +but it has been of so favourable a kind, that the men who have had it are all +doing well, two excepted, who died on board the hospital ship. Several are now +under inoculation, and I hope will recover.</p> + +<p>We have lost eight men in consequence of the action: all <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>the wounded, except +two, are nearly well; their wounds, I am happy to find, were slight.</p> + +<p>It will have surprised you to find me differ in my statement of the action from +the Admiral, when I mention having begun the action. The fact was, the +Irresistible fired two, or, I believe, three bow-guns, but I never could +consider that entitling her to being the first in action; <span class="italic">but of this hereafter</span>.</p> + +<p>Now is a good opportunity for you and my sister to come and spend a few days at +Portsmouth, if you can spare time to undertake the journey. Come down +immediately, and take a sail in the ship into Portsmouth Harbour. I was in great +hope to be in time to see Lady S. this evening, but I fear it is impossible; it +is near eight o'clock, and we are no nearer than St. Helen's Road, with little +wind. I have heard from none of my friends during the cruise, so that I know not +what became of you after your peregrination to St. Helens.</p> + +<p>The prizes left the fleet ten days ago, and must be expected the first westerly +winds. You will be glad to hear that Mr. Otter is promoted.</p> + +<p class="left70">Yours affectionately,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p> + +<p>P.S. Portsmouth, 15th July 1795. I have only time to acquaint you with my being +just landed. Let me hear from you. Adieu!</p></div> + +<p>We here give a diagram of this action at the time it began. When the +Irresistible fired her bow-guns, she was in <span class="italic">chase</span>, astern and not up +alongside of the enemy; but the Orion reserved all her fire until +actually alongside; she was certainly the first that could bring all +her broadside to bear on one of the enemy's ships, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> therefore +justly claims the honour of having commenced the battle. But Sir James +took no steps to correct the statement, and was, as usual, content +with being included in the mass of those who distinguished themselves +on that occasion.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Position of the hostile fleets on the morning of the 23rd June 1795, when the +headmost ships brought the rear of the enemy to action.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/163.jpg" width="500" height="508" +alt="diagram2" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>No.1. Orion, Capt. Sir J. Saumarez. 2. Queen Charlotte, Capt. Sir A. +S. Douglas. 3. Irresistible, Capt. Grindall. 4. Russell, Capt. T. +Luscom. 5. Colossus, Capt. Moncton. 6. Sanspareil, Admiral Lord H. +Seymour, Capt. Brown. 7. London, Capt. Griffith. 8. Queen, +Rear-admiral Gardner, Capt. Bedford. 9. Prince George, Capt. Edge. 10. +Royal George, Admiral Lord Bridport, Captain Domett.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p></div> + +<p>The Orion was taken into Portsmouth harbour, and, as six weeks were +required to repair her damages, Sir James had another month's +relaxation from actual service. It was the 18th July before she was +reported ready for sea. On the 21st he wrote the following letter to +his brother, describing the service on which he was now to be +employed:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Ryde, 21st August 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>Expecting to sail from day to day, I delayed writing till I could acquaint you +with the precise time of our departure. This morning the wind proved easterly, +but it has again veered to the westward, and become as uncertain as ever, so +that I yet hope to hear from you. I understand that about four thousand troops, +<span class="italic">British</span>, and fifteen hundred emigrants, sail under our escort. They are +commanded by General Doyle, and it is supposed are destined to take possession +of Noirmoutier, to keep up communication with Charrette's army. Monsieur, who +you know is embarked on board the Jason, accompanies them. It is to be hoped +that this last effort of ours to secure a footing on their own territory to +these unfortunate people, will prove successful; I say this last, for, from what +I learn, Lord Moira resigns with the whole of his staff, and the rest of his +army are to be, under command of Sir R. Abercromby, destined for the West +Indies.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>We are likely to have enough on our hands should war be continued, as it is +impossible but we must have the Spanish to contend with. Several ships sailed +this morning to reinforce our squadron in the North Seas, which shows the Dutch +are beginning to stir themselves.</p> + +<p>I write from Ryde, where Lady S. has been since yesterday, being near Spithead, +where I must be every day. As the wind is at present, there is every reason to +expect that we shall be here some days longer; therefore write to me. Adieu! God +bless you all!</p> +<p class="left65">I am truly and affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The expedition, alluded to in the above letter, was placed under +command of Rear-admiral Henry Harvey, and consisted of the Prince of +Wales (flag-ship), Queen Charlotte, Prince, Orion, Russell, Arethusa, +and Jason, with a convoy of one hundred and twenty-six vessels. These +were detained at Spithead till the end of September; and on the 13th +of October they reached Isle Dieu, where they were destined to +co-operate with the former expedition. When off Hedic, Admiral Harvey +sent the Orion to join Commodore Sir John Borlase Warren, with that +part of the convoy intended to act with the royalists, while he +proceeded with the rest to the West Indies.</p> + +<p>The troops were landed. The Orion was employed blockading the coast +near Rochfort and L'Orient; the nature of which memorable service will +be best understood from the following letters from Sir James to his +brother.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, at sea, 26th October.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> +<p>I have just learnt from the Admiral, that he intends to despatch the Porcupine +for England, which gives me an opportunity of writing a line merely to acquaint +you of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>our being in existence, but most deucedly tired of our cruise: nothing +worthy our notice has occurred since my last letter. Sir John Warren left +Quiberon Bay last Wednesday for Noirmoutier, whence it is supposed the emigrants +will join Charrette's army. We pay frequent visits to our friends in Port Louis. +They continue nearly in the same state as when we left them after the 23rd of +June; and, from the intelligence we have obtained, they are not in any +forwardness for sea, being without stores or men.</p> + +<p>We experienced hitherto remarkable fine weather, which I hope will continue; but +nothing can equal our unvaried scene, fixed to this confounded spot, without the +least prospect of anything falling in our way. We have not even the advantage of +hearing from England; for, sparingly, two ships only have joined us from +Plymouth since we are on this station. In short, my dear friend, I am heartily +tired of so inactive a situation, and shall very sincerely rejoice to be +relieved from it. You are much more likely to receive accounts of the expedition +than we are, having but little intercourse with the army, and that little is +solely confined to the Admiral, who deals out the news very <span class="italic">cautiously</span>. Could we +but hear from our friends, it would yield us some comfort; but that we are also +denied: it is, however, some satisfaction we can let them know we are alive. God +bless you! and believe me, with my kindest love to my dear sister and children,</p> +<p class="left70"> Yours most affectionately,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">Orion, Houat, 26th November 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>We sailed from Isle Dieu this day, subsequent to my letter by the Thunderer; and +various have been the decisions respecting withdrawing the troops from that +island. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>On Monday, Sir John Warren sailed with the Robust, Theseus, and four +frigates, with the intention of making the embarkation; but it came on to blow +so strong that they were obliged to put back. I was dispensed with from that +service, by having been appointed to carry on the communication with the +royalists, for the purpose of conveying to them the immense supply of stores and +ammunition intended for them, besides about thirty thousand pounds in specie. +The 24th was the day fixed for their being landed, and General George was to +muster all his force to receive them, at a place called Bitiers, at the entrance +of the Villaine; but the weather proved so boisterous on that and the following +day, that there existed no possibility of any communication.</p> + +<p>Sir John Warren, to my great satisfaction, joined me this morning with the +frigates; the embarkation from Isle Dieu having at last been given up. To-morrow +we hope to hear that our friends occupy the post agreed on; and we shall throw +them as speedily as possible, by means of the chasse-marées and boats of the +squadron, the various articles in our possession which they so much want.</p> + +<p>The last letters I have received were dated the 19th: they mention P—— +being under arrest; but there was a difference of opinion respecting him, which +was submitted to Monsieur. As his Royal Highness is gone home, it will be some +time before his fate is decided. Being informed that the Standard was ordered +for England, I would not lose the opportunity, and in some way I hope to inform +you with the successful result of our enterprise: once ended, I hope we shall +bend our steps homeward.</p> + +<p>Our friend Dan, with Phil. Dumaresq, are perfectly well. Remember me with +kindest love to my sister, and believe me ever affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> +<p>The details of the failure of this expedition need not be dwelt upon; +it was finally determined on the 13th of December to withdraw the +troops, and Sir James Saumarez consequently received the following +order:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>By Henry Harvey, Esq. Rear-admiral of the Red, &c.<br /> +<span class="left5">To Sir James Saumarez, Captain of H.M.S. Orion.</span></p> + +<p>You are hereby required and directed to take under your convoy all the +transports, store-ships, victuallers, and other vessels lying in this bay, and +put to sea in company with his Majesty's squadron under my command. You will +have under your direction his Majesty's ship Porcupine, whose captain is +directed to follow your orders. You are to use your utmost endeavours to keep +company with me; but, in case of separation, make the best of your way to +Spithead, leaving off Plymouth such of the victuallers as may have sailed from +that port.</p> +<p>Given under my hand, on board the<br /> +Prince of Wales, 17th December<br /> +1795, Houat Roads.</p> +<p class="right smcap">H. Harvey.</p></div> + +<p>Admiral Harvey parted from the convoy off Brest, and Sir James arrived +at Spithead, after having looked into Brest, on the 30th December, and +reported his arrival to the Secretary of the Admiralty; to which he +received the following answer:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right"> 31st December 1795.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have received, and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, +your letter of yesterday's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>date, informing them of your arrival at Spithead in +the ship you command, with part of the transports under your convoy, from +Quiberon Bay; and I have their lordships' command to acquaint you that they are +pleased with your proceedings.</p> +<p class="left65">I am, sir, your obedient humble servant,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Evan Nepean.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Sir James Saumarez,<br /> +<span class="left5"> H.M.S. Orion, Spithead.</span></p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1796, 1797.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Orion taken into dock.—Is refitted, and joins the Channel +fleet.—Detached on a particular service.—Returns.—Proceeds to +reinforce Sir John Jervis.—List of his fleet.—Battle with Spanish +fleet off Cape St. Vincent described in a private letter.—Conduct of +Saumarez in the action.—Salvador del Mundo strikes to the Orion, and is +taken possession of by her lieutenant.—Engages the Santissima +Trinidada.—She strikes to the Orion.—Remarks on that +occasion.—Lagos Bay.—Lisbon.—Sir James sails on a cruise with +Admiral Sir H. Nelson.—Returns.—Commands the advanced +squadron.—Several private letters.—Commands the advanced squadron +off Cadiz.—Mutiny in the fleet.—Anecdote and remarks thereon.</p></div> + +<p>The Orion was ordered into harbour; and on examination it was found +she had been so much strained during the last cruise, particularly in +the November storm, subsequently known by the name of "Admiral +Christian's gale," besides having sprung her lower masts, that it +became absolutely necessary for her to be taken into dock. During the +next four months Sir James obtained, leave of absence; and it was not +until the 7th of May 1796, that, having rejoined his ship, he was +called into active service, the Orion being placed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> in Rear-admiral +Lord Hugh Seymour's division of the grand fleet which was fitted for +foreign service.</p> + +<p>After a short cruise off Brest, the Orion proceeded to reinforce the +fleet under Sir John Jervis, off Cape St. Vincent. This squadron +consisted of the Sanspareil (flag-ship), Orion, Triumph, Juste, +Hector, and Theseus, of the line; Phaeton and Latona, frigates; and +Incendiary, fire-ship. On arriving off their station, Captain Saumarez +was detached to Fayall by Lord Hugh's order, dated the 13th June, to +obtain stock, wine, &c. for the use of the squadron; and was directed +to meet his lordship at ten leagues to the westward of that island; +after which the squadron returned to Cape St. Vincent, and from +thence, in the month of September, they joined the Channel fleet, +under Lord Gardner.</p> + +<p>On the 11th of December the Orion returned to Spithead, in order to +refit and replenish in water and provisions, after a six months' +unsuccessful cruise. This occupied but a short time; and on the 17th +of the same month Sir James proceeded in the Orion, with a squadron +under the orders of Admiral W. Parker, to reinforce Sir John Jervis, +off Cape St. Vincent. This squadron consisted of the Prince George, +98; Namur, 90; Irresistible, Orion, and Colossus, of 74 guns; and +Thalia frigate. The junction with Sir John was effected on the 6th of +February.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> Thus reinforced, the Admiral had under his command—</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<table cellpadding="5" summary="English ships"> +<colgroup span="3" +align="left"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>100</td> +<td>Victory,</td> +<td>Admiral Sir John Jervis.</td> +</tr> +<tr><td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain Robert Calder.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain George Grey.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Britannia, </td> +<td>Vice-admiral Charles Thompson.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain Foley.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>98</td> +<td>Barfleur,</td> +<td>Vice-admiral Hon. W. Waldegrave.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain J.R. Dacres.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Prince George,</td> +<td>Rear-admiral W. Parker.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain John Irwin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Blenheim,</td> +<td>Captain Thos. L. Frederick.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>90</td> +<td>Namur,</td> +<td>Captain James H. Whitshed.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>74</td> +<td>Captain,</td> +<td>Commodore Horatio Nelson.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captain R.W. Miller.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Goliath,</td> +<td>Captain Charles Knowles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Excellent,</td> +<td>Captain Cuthbert Collingwood.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Orion, </td> +<td>Captain Sir James Saumarez.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Colossus,</td> +<td>Captain Geo. Murray.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Egmont, </td> +<td>Captain John Sutton.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Culloden, </td> +<td>Captain Thomas Troubridge.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Irresistible,</td> +<td>Captain Geo. Martin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>64 </td> +<td>Diadem,</td> +<td>Captain Geo. H. <ins title="Corrected erratum: original reads 'Towny'">Towry</ins>.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>38</td> +<td>Minerve,</td> +<td>Captain Geo. Cockburn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>32</td> +<td>Lively,</td> +<td>Captain Lord Garlies.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Niger,</td> +<td>Captain Ed. Jas. Foote.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Southampton, </td> +<td>Captain Jas. Macnamara.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Slps</td> +<td>Bonne Citoyenne, </td> +<td>Captain Chas. Lindsay.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Raven,</td> +<td>Captain W. Prowse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cut.</td> +<td>Fox,</td> +<td>Lieutenant John Gibson.</td> +</tr> +</table></div> + +<p>Sir John Jervis was well aware that the Spanish fleet might be nearly +double his force, but he kept working up towards the position where he +expected to meet them. On the 13th, in the morning, the Minerve, +Captain Cockburn, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Nelson, +(which was afterwards shifted to the Captain, 74) having on board Sir +Gilbert Elliot, late viceroy of Corsica and others, came into the +fleet with intelligence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> that on the 11th, soon after quitting +Gibraltar, she had been chased by two Spanish line-of-battle ships; +and that afterwards, when in the mouth of the Straits, she got sight +of the Spanish fleet. Before sunset the signals were made for the +British fleet to prepare for battle, and to keep in close order all +the night, during which the signal-guns of the Spaniards were +distinctly heard. At half-past two, A.M. the Portuguese frigate +Carlotta spoke the Victory; and her captain (Campbell) gave +information that the Spanish grand fleet, commanded by Don Josef de +Cordova, was only five leagues to windward; that they had sailed from +Carthagena on the 1st of the month, and consisted of twenty-eight sail +of the line, viz.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<table cellspacing="5" summary="French and Spanish ships"> +<colgroup span="2" +align="left"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>130</td> +<td>Santissima Trinidada.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>(four-decker).</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>112</td> +<td>Concepcion.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Conde de Regla.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Mexicano.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Principe de Asturias.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Salvador del Mundo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Josef.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>80</td> +<td>Neptuno.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Nicolas.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>74</td> +<td>Atalante.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Bahama.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Conquistador.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Firme.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Glorioso.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Oriente.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Pelayo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Antonio.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Domingo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Firmin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San F'sco de Paula.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Genaro.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Ildefonso.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Juan Nepomuceno.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Pablo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>San Ysidro.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Soberano.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Terrible.</td> +</tr> +</table></div> + +<p>There were also twelve frigates, some gun-boats, and seventy +transports with troops, which were disembarked at Algesiras.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>It is not positively known what the destination of this powerful fleet +was; some accounts say Cadiz, others Brest. It is, however, certain +that their admiral did not expect to meet more than ten or twelve sail +of the line with Sir John Jervis, and that he anticipated an easy +capture, and a triumphant entry into port with his prizes. His dismay +may therefore be easily imagined at seeing the English fleet of +fifteen sail of the line close to him, in excellent order of battle, +while his own fleet was in such a scattered situation as to render it +impossible to prevent his intrepid enemy from cutting off a group +which had separated from the main body of his fleet, and which in vain +attempted to rejoin by crowding all sail.</p> + +<p>As it is not our intention to enter into the particulars of this +memorable battle, excepting as regards the Orion, an extract from the +admiral's despatch will be sufficient to show the bold and decisive +step which he took on that occasion, and by which he succeeded in +obtaining a most glorious victory over double his force.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Victory, Lagos Bay, 16th February 1797.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>The hope of falling in with the Spanish fleet, expressed in my letter to you of +the 13th instant, was confirmed last night by distinctly hearing the report of +their signal-guns, and by intelligence received from Captain Foote, of his +Majesty's ship Niger, who had, with equal judgment and perseverance, kept +company with them for several days, on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> my prescribed rendezvous, (which, from +the strong S.E. wind, I had never been able to reach,) and that they were not +more than the distance of three or four leagues from us.</p> + +<p>I anxiously waited the dawn of day; when, being on the starboard tack, Cape St. +Vincent bearing E.N.E. eight leagues, I had the satisfaction of seeing a number +of ships extended from S.W. to S., the wind then W. by S. At forty-nine minutes +past ten, the weather being extremely hazy, La Bonne Citoyenne made the signal +that the ships seen were of the line, twenty-five in number.</p> + +<p> His Majesty's squadron under my command, consisting of fifteen ships of the +line, happily formed in the most compact order of sailing in two lines. By +carrying a press of sail, I was fortunate in getting in with the enemy's fleet +at half-past eleven, before it had time to collect and form a regular order of +battle. Such a moment was not to be lost; and, confident in the skill, valour, +and discipline of the officers and men I had the happiness to command, and +judging that the honour of his Majesty's arms, and the circumstances of the war +in these seas, required a considerable degree of enterprise, I felt myself +justified in departing from the regular system; and, passing through their fleet +in a line formed with the utmost celerity, tacked, and thereby separated +one-third from the main body. After a partial cannonade, which prevented their +rejunction till the evening, and by the very great exertions of the ships which +had the good fortune to arrive up with the enemy on the larboard tack, the ships +named in the margin<a name="FNanchor_11" id="FNanchor_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> were captured, and the action ceased about five o'clock.</p></div> + +<p>That the Orion was one of those ships which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> distinguished themselves +will best appear from the private letter of her brave commander to his +brother, written only the day after the action; a circumstance which +cannot but give such a communication a value far superior to a more +elaborate composition. The log also of his ship, written at the time +by the master, to which we have had access, completely accords with +the facts so clearly stated in the letter.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, Lagos Bay, 15th February 1797.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>You will be happy to receive an account from me of the important victory +obtained by our squadron over the Spanish fleet, consisting of nearly double our +force. The Admiral having received previous information of their sailing from +Carthagena, and of their cruising off the entrance of the Straits, gave us +timely notice of the intelligence by the signal to prepare for battle.</p> + +<p>Early on Tuesday morning, the weather being hazy, with light winds, the frigates +on the look-out made the signal for discovering the enemy, and soon after we +discerned several ships to leeward, and the body of the fleet to windward. We +were then on the starboard tack, standing to the southward. The signal was made +to different ships to chase; and, shortly after, for the fleet to form in line +of battle as most convenient. The enemy at this time were bearing down to join +their ships to leeward; but we came upon them so fast, that, before they could +effect the junction, the headmost ships, which were the Culloden, Prince George, +Orion, Blenheim, and Colossus, with the Victory and the rest coming up, it was +effectually <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>prevented. They then hauled their wind on the larboard tack, and +our Admiral made the signal for the fleet to tack. Our sternmost ships then +became the headmost.</p> + +<p>Commodore Nelson, who had joined from Elba the day before, shifted his pendant +to the Captain, the leading ship, and distinguished himself most eminently. The +Culloden, Blenheim, Prince George, and Orion, were the next that came up, and +were warmly engaged for nearly three hours with the body of the enemy's fleet, +who had not had the time, or address, to form into any order. But it is only +doing them justice to say, they defended themselves very bravely.</p> + +<p>We were, for above an hour, opposed to a three-decker, the Salvador del Mundo, +which finally struck to this ship; we lowered the boat from the stern, and gave +orders to Mr. Luce, the first lieutenant, to take possession of her; still +making sail for the other ships, and following Admiral Parker in the Prince +George. The Excellent, which had passed us to windward, had made a +line-of-battle ship, the San Domingo, strike some time before this.</p> + +<p>Several ships of the enemy were extremely shattered in their masts and sails; +but, keeping up a warm fire on their ships, the Captain laid one of them, the +San Nicolas, an eighty-four, on board, and hauled down her colours. A +three-decker, the San Josef, wishing, I believe, to rescue the ship, got on +board of her, and gave Commodore Nelson an opportunity of also hauling down her +colours. His bravery on this occasion is above all praise.</p> + +<p>The Namur and other ships had by this time joined the van, and engaged as they +came up. I stood for a three-decker, which, after engaging some time, struck her +colours: she first had showed a white flag, which, though I concluded to +indicate a truce, was not satisfactory to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>myself, and we continued firing till +they hoisted an English flag over the Spanish, on which we ceased firing.</p> + +<p>The enemy's ships, many of which had not been in action, at this time came up +and were forming to windward. The Admiral made the signal to wear and come to +the wind on the starboard tack; wishing, I believe, to keep his squadron +collected near the prizes, as well as the Captain, that was much disabled, +besides the Colossus, which ship very unfortunately lost her fore-yard very +early in the action. This ill-timed, but doubtless necessary manœuvre, +lost us the additional triumph of having the Purissima Concepcion, to grace the +ships already in our possession, and I experienced the regret of again seeing +her resume the Spanish colours.</p> + +<p>I have here related to you facts as they really occurred, and I believe all my +officers will vouch for the authenticity of this account. I am happy to acquaint +you that we have providentially lost no man in the action; eight only wounded, +all doing well; amongst which number is Mr. Mansell, from a contusion in his +right shoulder by splinter. Our main and mizen top-masts are alone disabled, and +the hull has not suffered materially. All the officers, and every man +individually, behaved as nobly as I have ever witnessed; and you know it is not +the first action in which I have seen courage excited.</p> + +<p>This is copied from the letter I write to my brother. My amanuensis is a +gentleman who acted as my aide-de-camp, and I beg you will acquaint his good +father that he acquitted himself highly to my satisfaction, and showed himself +deserving the stock from which he sprung. I truly hope in due time to have the +opportunity of advancing a young man of his merit.</p> + +<p>In case I have not time to write to my brother, as the above has been copied +only from the scraps of the letter <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>I intended writing, send him this letter, +stating my great hurry and the pressure of service at this crisis.</p> + +<p>Adieu! nothing can equal my impatience to hear from you, and to receive good +accounts of my sister.</p> + +<p class="left60">I am truly, most affectionately yours,</p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p> + +<p class="right">Lagos Bay, 17th February 1797.</p> + +<p>The principal cause of my present haste is my anxiety attending the care of the +San Josef, which we have in tow, and which has delayed us more than I can +express, these twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>N.B. I since have found it was the Santissima Trinidada, and not the Concepcion, +that struck, but afterwards got off. And the St. Ysidro, 74 guns, and not the +Santa Domingo, that is captured. The Santissima Trinidada is reported to be off +here by one of our frigates.</p></div> + +<p>The enemy, however, passed Lagos Bay, leaving the prizes unmolested. +As the further details, and Spanish account of this action, will be +found in the Appendix, we shall proceed by giving the copies of the +following letters.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2 right">Victory, Lagos Bay, 16th February 1797.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>No language I am possessed of can convey the high sense I entertain of the +exemplary conduct of the flag-officers, captains, officers, seamen, marines, and +soldiers embarked on board every ship of the squadron I have the honour to +command, present at the vigorous and successful attack made upon the fleet of +Spain on the 14th instant. The signal advantage obtained by his Majesty's arms +on that day is entirely owing to their determined valour and discipline; and I +request you will accept yourself, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>and give my thanks and approbation to those +composing the crew of the ship under your command.</p> + +<p class="left60">I am, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right">J. <span class="smcap">Jervis.</span></p> +<p>To Captain Sir James Saumarez, Orion.</p></div> + +<p>In consequence of this glorious victory, obtained, under Providence, +by the valour and discipline of the crews of his Majesty's ships on +the 14th February 1797, the commander-in-chief was pleased to grant a +free pardon to James Maloney, seaman, then under sentence of death for +repeated desertion from H.M.S. Speedy, which was communicated in the +most impressive manner to the fleet.</p> + +<p>We cannot but remark that, in the various accounts of this action, +justice has been but barely done to the commander of the Orion, who is +only mentioned as one of the six captains who prevented the junction +of the enemy's separated squadron. If any act of heroism displayed on +that occasion was designed to be particularly recorded in the public +despatches, surely the fact that the Orion was the last ship that +engaged and took possession of the Salvador del Mundo, and then made +the Santissima Trinidada strike her colours and hoist the English flag +over the Spanish, deserves a place. For these achievements we have the +undoubted testimonies, not only of the gallant commander and the +officers of the ship,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> viz. Sir John Savage, Captains Tancock and +Mansell, but also that of one of the officers of the Spanish ship who +was on board at the time, and who added, that "we did not surrender +until all further defence was hopeless." The Orion could not send a +boat to her, because she had already taken possession of the Salvador, +on board which ship she had sent her first lieutenant and as many men +as she could spare, and also because she had no boat that could swim: +but this, it appeared, raised some doubts on the subject; and on a +subsequent occasion, when the captains met on board the Victory, +Commodore Nelson said, "It <span class="italic">was true</span>, Saumarez, that the Santissima +struck to you; the Spanish officers have acknowledged it." Sir James, +supposing from the manner in which this was spoken that Nelson had +doubted the truth of his report, answered rather sharply, "Who ever +doubted it, sir? I hope there is no need for such evidence to +establish the truth of the report of a British officer."</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Luce's description of the state he found the Salvador in +was appalling in the extreme.—There were more than fifty lying on the +decks with wounds requiring amputation. In many instances the Spanish +surgeon, after having separated the limb, omitted to tie up the +arteries; consequently, on removing the tourniquet, the victim in a +few minutes bled to death: and the English sailors, who at length +stopped his merciless hand,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> were with difficulty prevented from +throwing him overboard with those he had butchered.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Luce was one of the officers promoted, in consequence of +this battle, to the rank of master and commander.</p> + +<p>The fleet now returned to Lisbon, where the conquerors were received +with every demonstration of joy and gratitude. The English factory +presented a congratulatory address; and at this place the thanks of +both houses of parliament were communicated to them; and a third time +to Sir James, as one of the most distinguished captains. At the same +time he received from Earl Spencer and Lord Hugh Seymour the following +handsome letters of congratulation:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I congratulate you most sincerely on your having been present at the most +brilliant action which our naval history records, and on having had so +distinguished a share in it.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am, dear sir, with great truth,<br /> +<span class="left5">Your very obedient, humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 8th March 1797. <span class="smcap">Spencer.</span></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir James,</p> + +<p>I congratulate you most heartily on your having had another opportunity of +displaying your merit, and on the share which you bore in the most brilliant +action that ever was achieved.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<p>I hope that I need not assure you how much I have shared with your friends the +satisfaction your conduct has given them; the reward for which, I hope, you will +long enjoy in the approbation of the whole world, which is now bestowed upon +you.</p> + +<p class="left60">I am, my dear Sir James,<br /> +<span class="i4">Most truly and faithfully yours,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">H. Seymour.</span></p> +<p>Admiralty, March 10th, 1797.</p></div> + +<p>Early in March the Orion was again ready for active service; and the +following letter gives an account of the departure of Sir James +Saumarez with Commodore Nelson on a cruize.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, off the Tagus, 6th March 1797.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I had the pleasure of your letter by packet, and I have to tell you we are now +actually under sail, with Commodore Nelson, in the Irresistible, the Leander, +and some frigates, going to intercept several Spanish ships expected from Vera +Cruz with rich cargoes. Be not surprised if, with our <span class="italic">desperate</span> commodore, you +hear of our taking the whole Spanish fleet, should we fall in with them. Our +cruise is expected to last only three weeks.</p> + +<p>I hope on our return to receive letters from my friends, in reply to those I +sent by the Lively. I shall thank you, when you see our friends in Walbrook, if +you will mention to them that all my brother officers are extremely incensed at +the opinion given by Sir William Scott on the case of the Kingston; and we hope +he will have found reason to alter it. It is the circumstance, and not the value +of the salvage, that has displeased us so much.</p> + +<p>We are just going over the Bar, so I must conclude <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>with my sincere and best +wishes for health and every happiness to attend you, my dear sister and family,</p> + +<p class="left65">I am ever, my dear Richard,<br /> +<span class="left10">Affectionately yours,</span></p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>This short cruize was, however, an unsuccessful one; and the commodore +had not yet an opportunity of displaying his valour. They returned to +Lisbon, and found that their commander-in-chief had become Earl St. +Vincent, and that Nelson had received the grand cross of the Bath; +while Saumarez was among those on whom was bestowed a gold medal for +their gallant conduct on Valentine's Day.</p> + +<p>A reinforcement had now arrived from England; and the whole fleet, +consisting of twenty-one sail of the line, resumed the blockade of +Cadiz, where they arrived on the 2nd of April, and found there the +whole Spanish fleet of twenty-six sail of the line. Sir Horatio +Nelson, who at first commanded the advanced squadron, was ordered up +to Elba; and Sir James, in the Orion, succeeded in his room; during +which time the two Spanish frigates Nimfa and Elena were captured by +the Irresistible, Captain Martin, who chased them by signal from the +Orion. Sir James on this occasion sent a flag of truce, and entered +into correspondence with the Spanish admiral Mazarredo; which, we need +only add, completely succeeded, and met with the high approbation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> of +the commander-in-chief, as will appear from the following extracts of +letters from Earl St. Vincent to Saumarez.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Ville de Paris, 11th May 1797.</p> + +<p>You approve yourself so able in the diplomatique, that you need no assistance +from me: in truth, a better despatch could not have been penn'd than yours of +yesterday to Don Joseph De Mazarredo.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p class="right">13th May.</p> + +<p>I very much admire your last letter to Mazarredo, as I have done all the former.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p class="right">27th May.</p> + +<p>I like your letter so much better than mine, of which I enclose a copy, that I +desire you will send it on immediately.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p class="right">Ville de Paris, 30th May 1797.</p> + +<p>It is impossible for any man to have acquitted himself with greater ability than +you have done during the time you commanded the blockade; for which I return you +my best thanks. Your last letter to Mazarredo is a masterpiece; and you will +perceive, by the enclosed copy of my letter to him, in answer to his comment on +our suspicion about the seamen from Trinidad, that I profited by your hint +relative to the prisoners landed at Lagos. Your lash on the destruction of the +Spanish ships he bears with Spanish stoicism: <span class="italic">nous verrons</span>.</p></div> + +<p>The following communication from Sir James Saumarez to the +commander-in-chief will elucidate the foregoing extracts:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>(Secret.)</p> +<p class="right">Orion, 27th May, 1797.</p> + +<p>Seeing the cutter on her way to the advanced squadron this morning, I waited to +send the flag of truce till she joined. I had prepared the enclosed for Don +Mazarredo, but was happy to find you had been pleased to take up the business. I +therefore confined my letter solely to the certificates for the seven men taken +in the two Spanish barks.—In a former letter, you were pleased to advert +to a proposed descent when the troops joined from Gibraltar. I hope you will +excuse the zeal that urges me to observe, that if possession was taken of Fort +St. Mary, it would in a great degree leave us masters of the entrance of Cadiz, +and enable us to drive all the outward ships up the harbour, and possibly +destroy some of them. I am extremely obliged to you for permitting the Flora to +remain with the advanced squadron, where she is of the greatest service.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="left65">I am with great respect, &c.</p> +<p class="right smcap">James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The high opinion entertained by Nelson of the great talent and zeal of +Saumarez, is evidenced in the following short, but characteristic +epistle:</p> + +<p class="right">Theseus, June 9th 1797.</p> +<p>My <span class="smcap">dear Sir James</span>,</p> + +<p>Send, I beg, whatever you think fit towards San Lucar: all you do is right, and +can hardly want my sanction. I hope your boats will be rewarded for their +trouble; they take all the prizes for our squadron.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The following letter to his brother in London gives an interesting +account of the proceedings of Sir James Saumarez.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, off Cadiz, 26th May, 1797.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Dear Richard,</p> + +<p>I had the happiness to receive your kind letter of the 2nd yesterday, +with several of nearly the same date, from Bath, and from our friends +in the island. Having been near two months without hearing from you, +and knowing you had been ill, you will readily suppose I was anxious +for your letter. You will have heard from me by various opportunities +since we sailed from the Tagus; my last acquainting you that I was +entrusted with the command of the advanced squadron for effecting the +blockade of Cadiz. We find, from different accounts, that the +inhabitants feel great distress from the interruption of their trade, +and begin to be in great want of provisions and other articles. We +have detained a few neutrals laden with Spanish property, and two or +three Spanish vessels; but as the whole fleet partake of them, they +will not be very productive.</p> + +<p>Sir Horatio, now Rear-admiral Nelson, joined the fleet yesterday, +having left the troops he brought from Elba at Gibraltar. I know not +whether he is to resume the command of the advanced squadron. All the +fleet are anchored about five miles from us, and we lie between them +and the entrance of Cadiz.</p> + +<p>All private accounts from England agree with you in the prospect of +peace; and they are corroborated by those we occasionally receive from +Cadiz. It is certain that the Spaniards are extremely tired with the +war; and they are apprehensive of insurrection amongst themselves. +Mazarredo, who commands their fleet, went off for Madrid a fortnight +ago, and, it is said, to represent the state of the fleet, and its +insufficiency to cope with ours.</p> + +<p>We understand Lord H. Seymour is off Cape St. Vincent, and that +Admiral Frederick is on his way with five <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>sail of the line. It looks +as if ministers meant to back the negociation with all their force.</p> + +<p>The Admiralty order respecting the increase of wages, &c. has been +read to the different ships' companies; and I am happy to observe that +in my ship no part of their conduct has hitherto shown the least +appearance of discontent. It is much to be lamented that the +disturbance which prevailed in the Channel fleet was not timely +prevented, as the same spirit of disaffection may hereafter show +itself when it may not be so easily suppressed.</p> + +<p>We begin to want the luxuries, yet abound in the essentials of +life,—having plenty of beef, mutton, fowls, &c. Seriously, I have not +had above twelve men in the sicklist since I left Lisbon, and most of +them slight complaints.</p> + +<p>I want to hear that my sister has <span class="italic">dreamt</span> of another action,—or, +what is still better, of galleons! It must be soon, or the approaching +peace will oblige us to restore what we may capture. I am happy to +hear from my brother Thomas that things go on prosperously at +Guernsey, and that he does not fear the French, though the two +regiments are taken from him.</p> + +<p class="left65">Adieu, my dear Richard!<br /> +<span class="left10">Affectionately yours,</span></p> +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>No part of the career of Sir James Saumarez is more deserving of +admiration than his conduct on the unfortunate disaffection which took +place in His Majesty's fleet; a calamity gently alluded to in the +above letter. This circumstance, which must ever redound to his +honour, was entirely owing to the high state of discipline of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +crew in his own ship, and to their unalterable attachment to their +commander, under whom the greatest part had served since the +commencement of the war. It was from a perfect knowledge of that +loyalty of spirit in which he justly confided, that he consented to +receive from the Prince George one of the worst of the mutineers in +that ship, who was to have been tried for his life. The seasonable +admonition which this man received from Sir James, and the attention +paid to his situation and feelings, had the desired effect of working +a complete change in his conduct, and from being one of the most +hardened of the mutineers, he soon became one of the most loyal, as he +was one of the bravest of English sailors. It was only three days +after he came on board that the signal was made for a boat from each +ship to attend the execution of three of the mutineers on board the +Prince George; which Earl St. Vincent, by a well-timed decision, had +ordered to take place very soon after the sentence, and while the +in-shore squadron were actually engaged with the enemy. He directed, +moreover, that this duty should be performed entirely by their own +ship's crew.</p> + +<p>Sir James availed himself of this trying occasion to work out the +man's full conversion. Instead of sending him, as it is customary to +send culprits, in the boats to witness the execution of his shipmates, +he ordered him into his cabin, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> having represented in the mildest +and most feeling terms the heinousness of the crime which he was known +to have committed, he assured him that it was his intention to spare +him the anguish he must endure of beholding his late companions +suffering the last penalty of the law for the very crime of which he +had been guilty.</p> + +<p>This well-timed exhortation had the desired effect. The penitent man +fell on his knees, and with tears in his eyes acknowledged the +heinousness of his offence, and expressed the strongest protestations +of future loyalty, and of gratitude as well as attachment to his +humane commander. What followed was most creditable to both. The man +not only kept his word, but highly distinguished himself: at the +battle of the Nile he was captain of a gun, and, after the action, was +very instrumental, from his exertions and ability as carpenter's mate, +in saving the Peuple Souverain, which struck to the Orion. Being one +of those who took possession of the former ship, he was slung over the +side, and successfully employed in stopping the shot-holes under water +as the vessel rolled in the opposite direction;—a dangerous service, +which requires much intrepidity and address.</p> + +<p>It is, indeed, by no means surprising that the spirit of mutiny never +appeared in the Orion, or in any ship Sir James commanded. The proper +degree of discipline which was always maintained—the attention that +was invariably paid to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> wants and the comforts of the crew,—the +excellent regulations of his ship, which were subversive of every kind +of vice and immorality,—his own unaffected piety, and, lastly, the +example he himself set before his officers and men,—established in +his ship a feeling of respect for, and warm attachment to, the captain +which could not be shaken by any artifice of the wicked; for every +officer and man looked up habitually to their commander as their +<span class="italic">best</span> friend and adviser. There may, indeed, have been some ships, +wherein the crews were made up from the metropolitan and other +prisons, that no treatment would have brought under proper discipline; +but we may confidently assert, that had all the ships in His Majesty's +fleets been commanded by such officers as Saumarez, the disgraceful +spirit of insubordination would never have been so seriously and +generally diffused. The Orion's crew treated all attempts to seduce +them with just indignation!</p> + +<p>Earl St. Vincent being well aware of the confidence that could be +placed in the Orion at this critical time, kept her, for the safety of +his fleet, constantly at the post of honour in the advance; and it was +during this period of active and arduous service that a circumstance +occurred which does honour to all concerned, while it particularly +displays the humane character of Captain Saumarez, who was not one of +those that desired or permitted his officers and men to risk their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +lives on any dangerous or desperate enterprise without a mature and +compassionate consideration of the consequences.</p> + +<p>Near the fortifications of Cadiz, as if to guard the entrance of the +harbour, about twenty gun-vessels had been placed, which it appeared +to Earl St. Vincent might be cut out by the boats of the advanced +squadron; and accordingly an order was sent by the commander-in-chief +to Captain Saumarez, directing him to proceed in <span class="italic">person</span> with the +boats of each ship to make the attempt. It was sufficiently evident to +Captain Saumarez, who, from the position of the Orion, had a better +view of the gun-vessels, that they were moored there on purpose to +provoke an attack for which the enemy were well prepared; but, having +received the order to command in <span class="italic">person</span>, he could not make known his +opinions without appearing averse to risk his own life on an +enterprise which the commander-in-chief thought advisable. Having thus +in his own mind no doubt that the affair would be both desperate and +bloody, he selected those officers and men who were unmarried for the +service, a list of whom he sent to the first lieutenant, with the +necessary orders to prepare the boats.</p> + +<p>This list being exhibited in the ward-room, Captain (now +Lieutenant-general Sir John) Savage, of the Marines, had the +mortification to see that his name was omitted, while those of the +two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> subalterns of that distinguished corps were inserted. This +gallant officer, who had been a sharer with his heroic chief in +several actions, felt hurt that he was not chosen on this glorious +occasion; and, having ventured respectfully to express his feelings, +was sent for to the cabin, when he was addressed by his commander in +the following terms:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>"Captain Savage, do not imagine that your name is left out in the list because I +have not a high opinion of your zeal and intrepidity. I well know that you would +be foremost in the assault; but I am also well aware that this is a desperate +enterprise: many will fall; and if <span class="italic">you</span> should be one, who is to support your +wife and family? The case is different with me: I am ordered, and my duty is to +obey. Perhaps if Lord St. Vincent knew what I do, he would not send us; but it +does not become me <span class="italic">now</span> to make any observation. However, aware as I am of the +consequences, I cannot conscientiously order you to accompany me, under the +conviction that your valuable life would thereby be sacrificed."</p></div> + +<p>The entreaties of Captain Savage were in vain. He beheld with mixed +feelings of disappointment, gratitude, and admiration, his humane and +heroic commander leave his ship at the head of the perilous enterprise +with that smile on his manly countenance which denoted a full +determination<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> to face every danger. The boats had not proceeded far +before a storm arose directly off the land, against which no boats +could make way, and it was with some difficulty they regained the +ships. It was afterwards fully ascertained from various sources that +these gun-vessels had been moored in that position with rivetted +chains, having no person on board them, in order to tempt an attack; +and that the plan was, to let the boats take possession, and then open +a destructive fire from the batteries, which were kept several nights +lined with troops for the purpose. Had not a merciful interposition of +Providence prevented the advance of the boats, there can be no doubt +that many, if not all the lives of the assailants, would have been +sacrificed!</p> + +<p>We shall leave the feelings of Earl St. Vincent, when the truth came +out, as well as those of Captain Savage and all concerned, to the +imagination of the reader.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1797—1798.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Sir Horatio Nelson resumes the command of the advanced +squadron.—Bombardment of Cadiz.—Nelson sails for +Teneriffe.—Saumarez resumes the command.—Escorts a convoy to +Gibraltar.—Refits at Lisbon, and returns.—Conducts the negotiation +for exchange of prisoners.—Sir W. Parker relieves Sir James.—He +arrives at Gibraltar.—Is attached to Nelson's squadron.—Proceeds off +Toulon.—A storm.—Vanguard dismasted.—Great exertions of the +Orion and Alexander in refitting the Vanguard at St. Pierre.—Sailing of +the Toulon fleet.—Nelson reinforced by ten sail of the line.—Pursues +the enemy unsuccessfully.—Proceedings of the fleet in a journal addressed +by Sir James to his family.—French fleet discovered in Aboukir +Bay.—Battle of the Nile.—Diagram of ditto.—Conduct of the +Orion.—Saumarez wounded.—Writes to Nelson.—Goes on board the +Vanguard.—Occurrences there.—Remarks on the name of the second in +command being left out in Nelson's despatches.—On the mode of +attack.—Various letters and orders.—Sir James's account of the +battle, in a letter to Lady Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rear-admiral</span> Sir Horatio Nelson having resumed the command of the advanced +squadron, Earl St. Vincent determined to bombard the city of Cadiz, for the +double purpose of inducing the Spanish admiral Mazarredo, who had now +twenty-eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> sail of the line, to put to sea: the Earl wished moreover to +employ the minds of the seamen, which had become unsettled by the baneful +example of those in England. Accordingly the Thunder bomb, covered by the boats +of the squadron, made the first attempt; but her mortar was discovered to have +been injured in retreating: she was assailed by the Spaniards, when after a +desperate struggle she was rescued, and the Spanish commanding-officer, Don +Miguel Tyrason, was eventually made prisoner by Nelson, who also captured a +number of men and two mortar-boats.</p> + +<p>On the 5th July, another bombardment took place by the Thunder, +Terror, and Strombolo, which being judiciously placed, their fire +produced a considerable effect on both the town and shipping, and +obliged the Spanish admirals to remove their fleet out of shell-range. +This attack, like the first, ended in an encounter between the +gun-boats. The third attempt, which was to have taken place on the +8th, was rendered abortive by a strong gale blowing off the shore.</p> + +<p>On the 15th, Nelson having been detached with a squadron of three sail +of the line, a fifty, and three frigates, on the unfortunate +expedition to Teneriffe, the command of the advanced squadron again +devolved on Sir James Saumarez. Nothing could surpass the zeal and +intrepidity with which he performed this arduous duty. On the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> 18th +August he escorted a convoy to Gibraltar, and having refreshed his +crew and refitted his ship, he resumed his duty off Cadiz, sometimes +at anchor off the harbour, and under sail when obliged by the weather. +On the 15th November he was relieved, in order to refit at Lisbon, and +entered the Tagus on the 25th, returning about the same day in the +next month to the blockade of Cadiz, which was almost entirely +intrusted to him. Such indeed were his vigilance and activity, that +nothing escaped during that period. He displayed, moreover, great tact +and address in several communications with the Spanish admiral on the +subject of the exchange of prisoners, to the entire satisfaction of +Earl St. Vincent, the commander-in-chief, who had always reposed the +most implicit confidence in his judgment.</p> + +<p>On the 7th of February 1798, the Spanish fleet were seen coming out of +Cadiz, and, in hopes of decoying them into the open sea, the English +fleet retired to Cape St. Vincent; but it was soon found that on the +14th the enemy had returned into port, being unwilling again to try +the fortune of war with such an opponent. The advanced squadron was at +that time commanded by Sir William Parker, who remained there.</p> + +<p>Sir James Saumarez continued with the fleet until the 28th April, when +he was sent to refit at Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>On the 8th May 1798, the Orion sailed from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> Gibraltar in company with +the Vanguard, Rear-admiral Sir Horatio Nelson,—the Alexander, Captain +Ball,—Emerald and Terpsichore frigates, and Bonne Citoyenne +sloop,—with orders from Earl St. Vincent to watch the enemy's fleet +at Toulon. When they were fairly through the Straits of Gibraltar, the +following order was given:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center"><span class="italic">Most secret rendezvous.</span></p> + +<p>In the direct track between Cape Saint Sebastian's and Toulon, in lat. 42° 20' +N. from twenty to thirty leagues from the Cape; and, not hearing where I may be, +in ten days return to Gibraltar.</p> + +<p class="right">Given on board His Majesty's ship Vanguard,<br /> +at sea, 14th May 1798.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Sir J. Saumarez, Captain of H.M.S. Orion.<br /> +<span class="i2">By command of the Rear-admiral,</span> <span class="i2 smcap">J. Campbell.</span></p></div> + +<p>On the 17th, off Cape Sicie, the Orion being sent in chase, captured +the Pierre, French corvette, which sailed the evening before from +Toulon, and obtained the following information from the prisoners, +which was immediately sent to the Rear-admiral: viz. "That the enemy's +fleet, consisting of twelve sail of the line, besides six Venetian +ships, were in readiness to sail, with a great number of transports, +having on board both cavalry and infantry, on a secret expedition. The +French general Buonaparte arrived at Toulon ten days ago to command +the expedition, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> was to embark in the Sans-culotte, (afterwards +L'Orient,) which ship was said to have three thousand men on board, +including her complement; almost all the line-of-battle ships had +troops on board. Three frigates,—La Juno, La Diane, and La +Justice,—were seen by the corvette this morning, and sailed from +Toulon five days ago."</p> + +<p>On the 19th a strong gale blew from the N.W. which being fair for the +enemy, they sailed from Toulon, and, calling off Genoa, stood across +to Cape Corse. This powerful expedition was found to consist of +thirteen sail of the line, six frigates, and transports amounting to +nearly four hundred sail, having on board, including the crews, +forty-eight thousand men. It appears that, although not many leagues +distant from Nelson's squadron, the fleet did not experience a gale +which blew with uncommon violence on the 21st, and in which, after +losing her three top-masts, the Vanguard lost her fore-mast and sprung +her bowsprit; while the Orion and Alexander lost each a main-top-sail, +and it was with difficulty they reached the Bay of St. Pietro in +Sardinia on the following day. Here the squadron had a narrow escape; +for, besides crossing the track of the enemy on the night of the 20th, +they, by being at anchor in this bay, were not discovered by a +detachment which the enemy sent in quest of them, and to which, in +their disabled state, they must have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> been an easy capture. By the +assistance of the Orion and Alexander the damages of the Vanguard were +repaired in four days!</p> + +<p>It has been justly said by Nelson, that "the exertions of Sir James +Saumarez in the Orion have been wonderful: if the Vanguard had been in +England, months would have been taken to send her to sea; here my +operations will not be delayed four days, and I shall rejoin the rest +of my fleet on the rendezvous." <a name="FNanchor_12" id="FNanchor_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>Accordingly, on the 27th, while +the Orion was taking possession of a Spanish brig, the Vanguard and +Alexander joined her off the port; but the frigates which had parted +never afterwards joined.</p> + +<p>The following journal, written in the shape of a letter by Sir James +to his family, detailing the proceedings of the squadron, and the +events previous to the memorable 1st of August, will be read with much +interest.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">"Orion, St. Peter's Port, <br /> +"Island of Sardinia, 24th May 1798.</p></div> + +<p>"If the letter I sent you the 18th instant arrives safely, it will +apprise you of our being in the neighbourhood of Toulon, with every +prospect of a propitious cruise. The squadron experienced blowing +weather till the Sunday following, when it became more moderate; and +in the afternoon a valuable vessel was captured, from Smyrna, laden +with cotton. This little success<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> appeared the forerunner of our +future good fortune; and we began to make exulting reflections on the +advantages of our situation. A few hours, however, convinced us of the +futility of all our views, and the instability of human projects: at +ten o'clock the wind began to increase with such rapidity as scarcely +to give us time to take in our sails, and prepare to encounter the +gale: at midnight we were reduced to a close-reefed main-topsail; a +tremendous sea, and vivid flashes of lightning, convinced us that the +storm was not at its height: at three o'clock our main-top-sail was +shattered to ribands, and blew overboard.</p> + +<p>"The dawn of day presented to us a sad spectacle: the Vanguard without +a fore-mast, and her main and mizen-top-mast gone; the rest of the +squadron much dispersed, and the prize captured the evening before not +in sight.</p> + +<p>"Providentially the Vanguard was enabled to <span class="italic">wear</span> on the other +<span class="italic">tack</span>, as the sea was setting her fast towards Corsica, from which +island we were not many leagues distant. The gale continued with +unabated violence until the afternoon, when it became rather more +moderate, but still there was a very great sea. This ship, with the +Alexander and Emerald, kept company with the Admiral, and the latter +parted in the night.</p> + +<p>"The next morning the gale had considerably abated, and we were +enabled to set some sail. The Admiral hailed me that he intended to +proceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> for Orestan Bay, in the island of Sardinia, and directed me +to make the land, which we discovered at noon: but the wind would not +enable the Vanguard, in her disabled state, to reach it before night; +and Sir H. Nelson altered his intention for this bay, which we reached +yesterday morning, though not without having passed a most anxious +night: the Alexander having the Vanguard in tow, within three miles of +a most dangerous coast, where there existed no possibility of +anchoring, and with which we were totally unacquainted. This is a very +safe harbour, sheltered from any wind, very happily for us; as the +weather has continued very unsettled since we are here. St. Pietro is +a very small town; and the island, as well as this part of Sardinia, +appears very uncultivated.</p> + +<p>"The governor sent an officer to the Admiral this morning, who very +civilly informed us that by a late alliance with France he was not +permitted to admit us in the port; at the same time observing that, as +he could not prevent it, we might do as we pleased, but that he could +not give us <span class="italic">pratique</span>.</p> + +<p>"We are going on in the equipment of the Vanguard with all expedition; +and we hope the three ships will be ready to sail by next Sunday, Sir +H. Nelson is happily very well, and has not lost his usual spirits.</p> + +<p>"Friday, 25th.—Whilst I was on shore this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> morning to have some +conversation with the governor, a sail was discovered off the island, +and my signal made to prepare to proceed after her, supposing she was +an enemy. We are however disappointed, it being a neutral vessel from +Cagliari, the principal port in Sardinia; and I am now returning to +the anchorage. I have great hopes my having been on shore this morning +will be attended with a good effect; the governor having promised to +supply us with oxen, sheep, and as much poultry as can be procured by +to-morrow.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 27th May.—This morning my signal was made to chase a vessel, +which I came up with and captured: she proved a Spanish brig from +Cagliari, laden with wheat. It was in contemplation to set fire to +her; we, however, finally determined to send the people on shore, and, +if they bring off the value of the corn, we shall restore her to them. +The Vanguard, being repaired of her damages, got under way this +morning with the Alexander. I was happy to find my negotiation with +the governor succeeded; and we have been supplied with the articles I +mentioned, on moderate terms, both for the ships' companies and +officers, which is a seasonable relief, as Gibraltar supplied us with +nothing whatever excepting fowls.</p> + +<p>"I am not free from great anxiety lest the account of the gale we +encountered may reach England before that of our safety shall arrive,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> +and give you some uneasiness; but the experience you have had how +nugatory all such fears are, will, I hope, make you banish them for +ever.</p> + +<p>"Monday, 29th.—The Spaniard not having come off as was expected, the +Admiral determined on sending the prize to Gibraltar. I hazarded a +line by her for Mr. Le Mesurier; but we form no great expectation of +her safety, from the great number of the enemy's gun-boats. A vessel +we spoke yesterday, from Marseilles, informs us that the French fleet +put to sea, the 20th, from Toulon, with all their transports, &c.: as +it was that evening the gale of wind came on, we have no doubt but +they must have suffered severely. By this vessel we have also several +papers from Paris, the latest dated the 16th instant: they contain +extracts from the English papers, which to us are very interesting, +viz. the capture of the Hercule, the defeat at <ins title="Corrected erratum: original reads 'Marcon'">Marcou</ins>, Sir Sidney +Smith's escape, and other important news, which, on the whole, are +favourable to the welfare of the country, particularly as regards the +unanimity which appears to prevail in England.</p> + +<p>"I dined, together with Captain Ball, on board the Vanguard: we all +form great expectations of our future success, which, I trust, will be +realized. Certain it is that no ships could be ordered on a more +promising service.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 3rd June—Nothing particular has occurred these last days. +Yesterday a vessel was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> spoken with, which mentioned having seen +eleven sail of the line, a few days ago, supposed to be English. We +are at a loss what conjectures to put on this intelligence. We are at +present off Toulon: unfortunately, none of our frigates have joined +us, and we are apprehensive they have returned to Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday.—La Mutine brig joined us this morning, with the very +interesting intelligence of the arrival off Cadiz of the reinforcement +under Sir R. Curtis; and that Captain Troubridge, with eleven sail, +was on his way to join us: we look for him with the utmost impatience, +trusting in the Divine Providence to be in time to baffle the designs +of the enemy, who, we understand, are certainly gone to Naples with +their numerous army. I shall now go on with this journal with great +glee, inasmuch as our proceedings are becoming of such very great +import.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 7th.—Nothing can equal our anxiety to fall in with the +reinforcement. Our squadron has been, these two days, detached in all +directions, without falling in with them; and there is strong reason +to fear they think us returned to Gibraltar. This morning the +Alexander and myself chased two vessels, one of which we have just +taken possession of; she proves a Spanish vessel from Genoa, not very +valuable: the other the Alexander is still in chase of.</p> + +<p>"Friday, 8th.—As this is in some degree to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> a faithful account of +our transactions, I must not conceal from you the deep distress I have +been under at finding myself this morning parted from the Vanguard, +and the Alexander almost out of sight; knowing how important and very +material it was, for the good of the service we were upon, that the +squadron should not be separated. It was not till this afternoon I was +relieved from the most acute anxiety I have ever suffered, by the +Leander joining me, with the very satisfactory account that Sir H. +Nelson, while we were in chase, fell in with the expected ships under +Captain Troubridge, and which occasioned our separation. I am now +under full sail to join them; and have not the least doubt of being in +time to add my endeavours to promote the tranquillity of Christendom +by the destruction of the enemy's fleet, which, I firmly believe, +cannot now escape us.</p> + +<p>"Our prize requiring more men than I can at this time conveniently +spare to navigate her, I have consented to her being ransomed for ten +thousand dollars, although, I dare say, worth more than five times +that sum. She had thirty-six ex-Jesuits (Spanish priests), who, after +having been banished from Spain, had resided thirty-one years in +Italy, '<span class="italic">et à présent prévoyans le bannissement menacé des ex-Jesuites +Espagnols des nouvelles républiques Italiennes, retournoient chez +eux</span>.' Thus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> these poor wretches are driven about according to the +prejudices of the times. She had also on board Swiss recruits for the +Spanish army, eight of whom have entered volunteers in Captain +Savage's corps, which I consider an acquisition: but no captured +vessel ever gave so much uneasiness as she has caused me; and I have +often wished we had never seen her, even had she been worth a million +of money.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 10th June.—I had the great satisfaction yesterday to join +Sir H. Nelson with the reinforcement; and this morning the Alexander +joined us, after having captured the prize she chased, which I +understand to be a valuable ship, also from Genoa.</p> + +<p>"We are now fourteen sail of the line, with La Mutine brig only; our +present anxiety is to gain information of the enemy's fleet, and to +find them where we can attack them. I hope to give you soon good +intelligence of them, and speedily be the bearer of the good news in +person, as Sir H. Nelson has orders to send the Orion home, when he +can spare her. What a blessing if our present endeavours should be +crowned with success, and I have the good fortune to proceed to +England immediately after; which at present is really intended, having +seen the order from the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday, June 12th: off Elba.—We have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> reached this distance without +having been enabled to obtain any information of the enemy, who we +have reason to think are not far from our squadron: the winds have +been very favourable to us, as at this time of the year calms are very +prevailing. Although a long period has elapsed since I was on this +station, I derive great advantage, as well as satisfaction, from my +recollection of the different places we have passed. We are at present +between Corsica and Leghorn, about fifteen leagues from the latter: if +we do not hear anything of the French fleet before we get to Naples, +we shall rendezvous at that place; and, we hope, in time to save that +country from the hands of our rapacious enemy.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 14th.—The Admiral has this morning made the signal of his +having gained intelligence of the enemy, and that they were off +Syracuse in the island of Sicily. This information has been +communicated by a Moor that the Leander has spoken with. We are now in +full sail, with a fresh breeze of wind; and to-morrow we hope to get +sight of Naples, in order to obtain more certain accounts of them. The +officers and crews in the several ships are all in the highest +spirits; and I never remember going into action with more certain +hopes of success.</p> + +<p>"Friday, 15th.—I dined with Sir Horatio to-day, and find his +intelligence only extends to the enemy's fleet having been seen off +Sicily. As<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> he has sent Captain Troubridge in La Mutine to Naples, we +may expect to-morrow more certain accounts of them; but we have reason +to suppose them gone for Alexandria, the distance from which to the +Red Sea is only three days' journey. They may soon be transported +thence by water to the East Indies, with the assistance of their ally +and our inveterate enemy, Tippoo Saib; and with their numerous army +they expect to drive us out of our possessions in India. This profound +scheme, which is thought very feasible, we hope to frustrate by coming +up with them before they reach the place of their destination; and, as +we know them to have great numbers of troops embarked in their +men-of-war, they will become an easier prey to us.</p> + +<p>"Saturday, 16th.—Calms and baffling winds since yesterday have +prevented our getting within sight of Naples, although all the time +within a few miles of that beautiful place; which you must suppose has +been mortifying to an extreme. We are looking out for the Mutine. As +soon as she joins us we expect to proceed in search of the enemy. Our +route lies through a passage often celebrated by the ancients, "the +famous Scylla and Charybdis." We shall have sight of Mount Ætna and +other volcanoes, particularly Mount Strombolo, and other small islands +formed by subterranean eruptions. We are at present in sight of +Vesuvius, at the foot of which Naples is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> situated; but we are at too +great a distance to observe its fiery eruptions.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, June 17th. The wind has favoured us this morning, and given +us a good sight of the Bay of Naples; but at too great a distance to +see much of the city. The country around it, as well as several of the +islands that form the bay, are beautifully interspersed with towns and +villages; the whole presenting a most delightful scene. At 6 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> La +Mutine joined us; and, from what I can understand from Sir H. Nelson, +brings him some information of the enemy's fleet. He has just hailed +me to say they were seen eight days ago, but I could not distinguish +at what place. We are again making all possible sail after them.</p> + +<p>"I regret much not having been able to send a letter I had written to +you, and carried on board the Admiral this morning; <span class="italic">mais tu sais bien +qu'il ne se met guère en peine d'écrire lui-même</span>, and he is so full +of mystery at this time that he seems unwilling any letter should be +sent but those he writes to Government. It shall go some other +opportunity.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday, 19th.—This morning has presented to us a delightful view of +Mount Strombolo, from the top of which we plainly discern constant +columns of smoke; and, although at the distance of at least six +leagues from it, I can assure you, without assuming the privilege of +travellers in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> general, that I am very sensible of the sulphureous +vapour produced by the volcano: at the same time, it may be necessary +to observe, that the wind blows directly towards the ship. Strombolo +is a remarkably high island, of a regular conical form, and may be +seen at the distance of twenty leagues. It is about ten miles in +circumference, and, I understand, is inhabited by a few fishermen. +Unluckily, the weather is too hazy to admit our seeing much of the +beautiful coast of Calabria, which is at no great distance from us.</p> + +<p>"Wednesday, 20th.—We have now a pleasant breeze, which will soon waft +us through the Straits of Messina, so famous for being the terror of +the ancients. An old pilot is just come on board, who reminds me more +of the poet's description of old Charon than of a modern human being. +I hope he is not come to ferry us across the Styx. The whole of his +crew have the same grotesque appearance. We can now discern the famous +Ætna disgorging columns of smoke. Some distance below its summit it +appears covered with snow, whilst we are here melting with heat. It +has indeed a most stately appearance; and the whole country of Sicily +answers everything that has been reported of it for its fertility, as +well as for the varied beauty of its scene: but I must recommend you +to read Brydone's travels through Sicily and Malta, a writer who, I +recollect, gives a lively description of these different places. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We have this day been regaled with a most enchanting prospect in +passing through the Faro of Messina. It is not more than three miles +distant, and on each side lies the most picturesque and lovely country +that can be described. The ship was within a mile of the beautiful +city of Messina, where I distinctly observed some of the ruins +occasioned by the earthquake in the year 1783.</p> + +<p>"From what I have been able to learn from old Charon (who has just +left us in perfect safety), the French fleet are still off Malta; and +it appears their formidable armament is directed against that island. +As it is a place of great strength, and as we are within two days' +sail of it, with a favourable wind, I hope we shall be in time for its +relief, and add still more important exploits to many that have +formerly been achieved in fighting for its defence.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 21st.—The wind has proved rather contrary for the squadron +since yesterday. We are still in sight of Mount Ætna, and only a few +leagues from the nearest part of Sicily: the ancient city of Syracuse +is discernible from the ship. To-morrow I think will bring us in view +of the enemy's fleet, which will be a far more desirable sight.</p> + +<p>"June 22nd.—I am just returned from on board the Admiral, where I had +the mortification to learn that a vessel, which sailed yesterday from +Malta, gives the very unpleasing account that the island<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> had +surrendered to the French, and that their fleet left it six days ago. +This intelligence has more than ever left us in perplexity as to their +further destination. On the supposition that Alexandria, as we first +conjectured, was what they had in view, we are crowding sail for that +place; but the contrast to what we experienced yesterday is great +indeed, having made sure of attacking them this morning. At present it +is very doubtful whether we shall fall in with them at all, as we are +proceeding upon the merest conjecture only, and not on any positive +information. Some days must now elapse before we can be relieved from +our cruel suspense; and if, at the end of our journey, we find we are +upon a wrong scent, our embarrassment will be great indeed. +Fortunately, I only act here <span class="italic">en second</span>; but did the chief +responsibility rest with me, I fear it would be more than my too +irritable nerves would bear. They have already been put to the trial +in two or three instances this voyage.</p> + +<p>"I should observe that we saw three French frigates this morning, but +they were not considered of sufficient importance to run the risk of +separating the squadron in chasing them. The island of Malta will +prove a great acquisition to the French; as well for its excellent +harbour as for the immense wealth it contains: they will also get a +few ships of war and a considerable quantity of naval stores. +<span class="italic">D'ailleurs</span>, the suppression<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> of a useless order that encouraged +idleness will be no real detriment to the cause of Christianity.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, June 24th.—The last two days we have not gone less than a +hundred leagues; and, as the wind continues favourable, we hope to +arrive at Alexandria before the French, should their destination be +for that place, which continues very doubtful. At the same time, if it +should prove that our possessions in India is the object of their +armament, our having followed them so immediately appears the only +means of saving that country from falling into their hands. I +therefore hope that credit will be given us for our intentions at +least. We have hitherto been certainly unfortunate, which has chiefly +arisen from the reinforcement not joining sooner; the French armament +sailed from Toulon five days before Captain Troubridge left Lord St. +Vincent: another circumstance has been the separation of all our +frigates, which deprived us of the means of obtaining information. The +day we were off Naples the French fleet left Malta, and it was not +until we arrived off that island, six days after, that we heard of its +being taken, and that the French fleet had left it; and then without +the least intimation which way they were going.</p> + +<p>"Sir H. Nelson consulted with some of the senior captains, who agreed +with his opinion, that, in the uncertainty where the enemy were gone, +the preservation of our possessions should be the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> first +consideration. It may be worth remarking that our squadron was sent, +on the application of the King of Naples, for the protection of his +dominions. On our arrival there, and requiring the co-operation of his +ships, the reply was, that, as the French had not declared war against +him, he could not commence hostilities; that if the Emperor declared +war, he would also join against France. Should his territories be +attacked, he has to thank himself for the event.</p> + +<p>"We must hope that in England affairs prosper better than in this +country; they are certainly <span class="italic">en fort mauvais train</span> in this part of +the world.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday, 26th.—We are now within one day's sail of Alexandria, so +that we hope soon to know whether the French fleet are in this +direction; but having seen no appearance of any of their numerous +convoy, we begin to fear they are gone some other way. I was this +morning on board the Admiral; he has detached La Mutine for +information. I hope she will not find the plague there, to which that +country is very subject.</p> + +<p>"Friday, 29th.—The weather did not permit us to get near Alexandria +before yesterday. La Mutine's boat went on shore; and I find this +morning from the Admiral that they took us for the French fleet, +having had some intimation of their coming this way. We have now to +use all despatch in getting back towards Naples; it is probable we +shall learn something of them on our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> passage. The squadron has +captured a French ship this afternoon, which we suppose to be from +Alexandria. I have passed the day on board the Vanguard, having +breakfasted and staid to dinner with the Admiral.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 1st July.—The wind continues to the westward, and I am sorry +to find it is almost as prevailing as the trade-winds. The vessel +captured the day before yesterday was set on fire, after taking out +what could be useful for firewood.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 29th July: off Candia.—A small vessel, captured yesterday by +the Culloden, gave some information of the enemy's fleet. The Admiral +having made the signal that he had gained intelligence of them, we are +proceeding with a brisk gale for Alexandria. If at the end of our +voyage we find the enemy in a situation where we can attack them, we +shall think ourselves amply repaid for our various disappointments. +The Alexander also spoke a vessel which gave information; but, having +had no communication with the Admiral, we have not been able to learn +the different accounts: we are however satisfied with the purport of +the signal he made yesterday.</p> + +<p>"Monday.—I find from Captain Ball that the enemy were seen steering +towards Alexandria <span class="italic">thirty</span> days ago, and we are once more making the +best of our way for that place. I also understand that two of our +frigates were seen a few days since<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> at Candia; it seems decreed we +shall never meet with them. I am rather surprised the Admiral did not +endeavour to fall in with them, as they probably have certain +information where the enemy's fleet are, from vessels they may have +spoken with, and they otherwise would be a great acquisition to our +squadron."</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p>It may now be stated, that in the mean time the French expedition had +landed the troops and taken possession, not only of Alexandria, but +Cairo; and that their fleet, consisting of thirteen sail of the line, +four frigates, two brigs, and several bombs and armed vessels, had +taken up a position in the Bay of Aboukir, in which, according to the +opinion of their admiral, they could "defy the British navy."</p> + +<p>As a particular list of both fleets will be given in a subsequent +place, I need now only mention that the force of the British fleet was +fourteen ships of seventy-four guns, one of fifty, and the Mutine +brig. The fleet was manned with 7,000 men; but as the Culloden, which +was not in the action, must not be included, the actual force may be +estimated 6,300 men and 872 guns, while the enemy's force, actually +opposed, may be reckoned 8,000 men, and 1,208 guns throwing a +broadside of one-half more weight than the British.</p> + +<p>On the junction of the squadron, the following orders were given by +the Admiral:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">General Order.</p> +<p class="right">Vanguard, at sea, 8th June 1798.</p> + +<p>As it is very probable the enemy may not be formed in regular order on the +approach of the squadron under my command, I may in that case deem it most +expedient to attack them by separate divisions; in which case, the commanders of +divisions are strictly enjoined to keep their ships in the closest order +possible, and on no account whatever to risk the separation of one of their +ships. The captains of the ships will see the necessity of strictly attending to +close order: and, should they compel any of the enemy's ships to strike their +colours, they are at liberty to judge and act accordingly, whether or not it may +be most advisable to cut away their masts and bowsprits; with this special +observance, namely, that the destruction of the enemy's armament is the sole +object. The ships of the enemy are, therefore, to be taken possession of by an +officer and one boat's crew only, in order that the British ships may be enabled +to continue the attack, and preserve their stations.</p> + +<p>The commanders of divisions are to observe that no consideration is to induce +them to separate in pursuing the enemy, unless by signal from me, so as to be +unable to form a speedy junction with me; and the ships are to be kept in that +order that the whole squadron may act as a single ship. When I make the signal +No. 16, the commanders of divisions are to lead their separate squadrons, and +they are to accompany the signal they may think proper to make with the +appropriate triangular flag, viz. Sir James Saumarez will hoist the triangular +flag, white with a red stripe, significant of the van squadron under the +commander in the second post; Captain Troubridge will hoist the triangular blue +flag, significant of the rear squadron under the commander in the third post; +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>whenever I mean to address the centre squadron only, I shall accompany the +signal with the triangular red flag, significant of the centre squadron under +the commander-in-chief.</p> + +<table cellspacing="10" summary ="Battle order"> +<colgroup span="3" +align="left"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td rowspan="2" valign="bottom">1st. Div. red.</td> +<td align="center">2d. Div.</td> +<td rowspan="2" valign="bottom">3d. Div. blue.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>white with red stripe.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Vanguard.</td> +<td align="center">Orion.</td> +<td>Culloden.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Minotaur. </td> +<td align="center">Goliath.</td> +<td>Theseus.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Leander.</td> +<td align="center">Majestic.</td> +<td>Alexander.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Audacious.</td> +<td align="center">Bellerophon.</td> +<td>Swiftsure.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Defence.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Zealous.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="smcap">Gen. Mem.</p> +<p class="right">Vanguard, at sea, 8th June 1798.</p> + +<p>As the wind may probably blow along shore when it is deemed necessary to anchor +and engage the enemy at their anchorage, it is recommended to each +line-of-battle ship of the squadron to prepare to anchor with the sheet-cable in +abaft and springs, &c.—Vide Signal 54, and Instructions thereon, page +56, &c. Article 37 of the Instructions.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains, &c.</p> + +<p>Mem. P.S.—To be inserted in pencil in the Signal-Book, at No. 182. Being +to windward of the enemy, to denote that I mean to attack the enemy's line from +the rear towards the van, as far as thirteen ships, or whatever number of the +British ships of the line may be present, that each ship may know his opponent +in the enemy's line.</p> + +<p>No. 183. I mean to press hard with the whole force on the enemy's rear.</p></div> + +<p>The proceedings of Sir Horatio Nelson's squadron are now brought down +to the moment when their united, ardent, and anxious wishes were to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +be realized. The disappointments they had met with during their +hitherto fruitless pursuit,—the state of anxiety, of alternate hope +and despair, in which they had been kept, had raised their feelings of +emulation to a pitch far beyond description; this was soon to be +manifested by the endeavours of each to close with the enemy.</p> + +<p>Never could there have been selected a set of officers better +calculated for such a service; Nelson was fortunate in commanding +them, and they in being commanded by him. It is true, indeed, that his +particular favourite, Captain Troubridge, was intended for his +second-in-command, instead of Sir James Saumarez; and the latter would +no doubt have been sent home, according to the orders he had received: +but, with the chance of such an engagement as that which they +anticipated, the well-tried captain of the Orion and his highly +disciplined crew could not be spared; and, although Nelson carefully +concealed his feelings towards Saumarez, they were but too manifest by +the chary manner in which he expressed himself on this and on former +occasions.</p> + +<p>In consequence of the before-mentioned information, the fleet bore up +for Alexandria; and on the morning of the 1st of August the towers of +that celebrated city, and Pompey's Pillar made their appearance. Soon +after was discerned a forest of masts in the harbour, which they had +previously seen empty; and, lastly, the French flag<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> waving over its +walls. A general disappointment was caused for a short time by a +signal from the look-out ships that the enemy's men-of-war did not +form a part of the vessels at anchor there; but this was soon +dispelled by a signal from the Zealous that the enemy's fleet occupied +the Bay of Aboukir in a line of battle, thirteen ships, four frigates, +and two brigs, in sight on the larboard bow. At half-past two <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> the +British fleet hauled up, and steered directly for them with a fine +N.N.W. breeze, carrying top-gallant sails.<a name="FNanchor_13" id="FNanchor_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> + +<p>When the Admiral made the signal to prepare for battle, at half-past +three, the signal to haul the wind on the starboard tack, and for the +<ins title="Corrected erratum: original reads 'Colossus'">Culloden</ins> to cast off her prize, the Swiftsure and Alexander, which had +been recalled from looking out off Alexandria, were carrying all sail +to join. At five,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> the Admiral made the signal that it was his +intention to attack the van and centre of the enemy as they lay at +anchor, which was repeated by the Orion. At forty-five minutes past +five, he made the signal to form the line as most convenient. The +fleet then formed in the following order:—Goliath, Zealous, Vanguard, +Minotaur, Theseus, Bellerophon, Defence, Orion, Audacious, Majestic, +and Leander. The Culloden was then astern the Swiftsure, and the +Alexander to leeward, tacking to clear the reef. The Admiral hove to, +to pick up a boat, and also the four next ships astern of the +Vanguard, which gave the Orion an opportunity, by standing on and +passing them, to get up with the Zealous at about half-past six.</p> + +<p>In ten minutes afterwards the signal for close action was made, and +repeated by most of the fleet; at the same time, the Goliath, having +passed round the enemy's headmost ship, anchored on the quarter of the +second; while the Zealous took her position on the bow of the former +ship; both anchoring by the stern. The batteries on the island of +Bequir or Aboukir, and the headmost ships, opened their fire as the +leading ship approached; and they in return opened theirs on rounding +the advanced ship of the enemy's line.</p> + +<p>The Orion, after giving that ship her broadside, passed round the +Zealous and Goliath; and, as she was passing the third ship of the +enemy, the French frigate Sérieuse approached, began to fire<span class='pagenum'> +<a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> on her, +and wounded two men. In reply to an observation of one of the +officers, who proposed to return her fire immediately, Sir James said, +"Let her alone, she will get courage and come nearer. Shorten sail." +As the Orion lost way by shortening sail, the frigate came up; and, +when judged to be sufficiently advanced, orders were given to yaw the +Orion, and stand by the starboard guns, which were double-shotted. The +moment having arrived when every gun was brought to bear, the fatal +order to fire was given; when, by this single but well-directed +broadside, the unfortunate Sérieuse was not only totally dismasted, +but shortly afterwards sunk, and was discovered next morning with only +her quarter above water.</p> + +<p>On discharging this fatal broadside the helm was put hard a-starboard; +but it was found that the ship would not fetch sufficiently to +windward, and near to the Goliath, if she anchored by the stern. She +stood on, and, having given the fourth ship her starboard broadside, +let go her bower anchor, and brought up on the quarter of Le Peuple +Souverain, which was the fifth ship, and on the bow of Le Franklin, +the sixth ship of the enemy's line. The third and fourth ships were +occupied by the Theseus and Audacious on the inside, by passing +through; while they were attacked on the outside by the Minotaur, +Vanguard, and Defence. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p> + +<p>By the log of the Orion it was forty-five minutes past six o'clock +when that ship let go her anchor, and, in "tending," poured her +starboard broadside into the Franklin and L'Orient. The fire was then +directed on Le Peuple Souverain, until she cut and dropped out of the +line, totally dismasted and silenced.</p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/218-t.jpg" width="300" height="437" +alt="diagram3" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/218-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">EXPLANATION.</p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Explanation"> +<colgroup span="2" align="left"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td><span class="smcap">British.</span></td> +<td><span class="smcap">French.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A—Audacious.</td> +<td>1—Guerrier.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>B—Bellerophon. </td> +<td>2—Conquérant.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>C—Culloden (aground).</td> +<td>3—Spartiate.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>D—Defence.</td> +<td>4—Aquilon.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>E—Majestic.</td> +<td>5—Peuple Souverain.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>F—Alexander.</td> +<td>6—Franklin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>G—Goliath.</td> +<td>7—L'Orient.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>L—Leander.</td> +<td>8—Tonnant.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>M—Minotaur.</td> +<td>9—Heureux.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>O—Orion.</td> +<td>10—Mercure.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>S—Swiftsure.</td> +<td>11—Guillaume Tell.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>T—Theseus.</td> +<td>12—Généreux.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>V—Vanguard.</td> +<td>13—Timoléon.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Z—Zealous.</td> +<td>14—Sérieuse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>†*—Sérieuse, dismasted by</td> +<td>15—Artemise.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> the Orion, and sunk at 14.</td> +<td>16—Justice.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>I—Island of Aboukir.</td> +<td>17—Diane.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Y—Shallow water.</td> +</tr> +</table></div> + +<p>At seven o'clock the headmost ships were dismasted; a fire-raft was +observed dropping down from them on the Orion. Her stern-boat having +been shot through, and the others being on the booms, it was +impossible to have recourse to the usual method of towing it clear: +booms were then prepared to keep it off. As it approached, however, +the current carried it about twenty-five yards clear of the ship. +About half-past eight, just as the Peuple Souverain, which had been +the Orion's opponent, had dropped to leeward, a suspicious ship was +seen approaching the Orion in the vacant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> space which the vanquished +one had occupied. Many on board were convinced of her being a +fire-ship of the enemy, and Sir James was urged to allow the guns to +be turned upon her. Happily he himself had stronger doubts of her +being such than those who pressed the reverse. He ordered a vigilant +watch to be kept on her movements; and when the darkness dispersed, +she was discovered to be the Leander. Distinguishing lights were +hoisted, and the Orion continued to engage Le Franklin from fifty +minutes past six o'clock to a quarter before ten. The action was +general, and kept up on both sides with perseverance and vigour, when +the enemy's fire began to slacken, and the three-decker was discovered +to be on fire. At ten the firing ceased; the ship opposed to the Orion +having surrendered, as also all the van of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Preparations were now made to secure the ships from the effects of the +expected explosion.—The ports were lowered down, the magazine +secured, the sails handed, and water placed in various parts to +extinguish whatever flames might be communicated. The unfortunate ship +was now in a blaze; at half-past eleven she blew up, and the +tremendous concussion was felt at the very kelsons of all the ships +near her. The combatants on both sides seemed equally to feel the +solemnity of this destructive scene. A pause of at least ten minutes +ensued, each engaged in contemplating a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> sight so grand and terrible. +The Orion was not far off; but, being happily placed to windward, the +few fiery fragments that fell in her were soon extinguished. Her +vicinity to the L'Orient was the happy means of saving the lives of +fourteen of her crew, who, in trying to escape the flames, sought +refuge in another element, and swam to the Orion, where they met a +reception worthy the humanity of the conquerors. The generous, +warm-hearted sailors stripped off their jackets to cover these +unfortunate men, and treated them with kindness, proving that humanity +is compatible with bravery.</p> + +<p>About the middle of the action Sir James received a wound from a +splinter, or rather the sheave from the heel of the spare top-mast on +the booms, which, after killing Mr. Baird, the clerk, and wounding Mr. +Miells, a midshipman, mortally, struck him on the thigh and side, when +he fell into the arms of Captain Savage, who conducted him under the +half-deck, where he soon recovered from the shock it gave him: but +although he acknowledged it was painful, and might in the end be +serious, he could not be persuaded to leave the deck even to have the +wound examined; and the part was so much swelled and inflamed on the +next day, that he was not able to leave the ship.</p> + +<p>After the pause occasioned by the dreadful explosion, the action +continued in the rear by the ships dropping down which were not too +much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> disabled; and Sir James had given orders to slip and run down to +the rear, when the master declared that the fore-mast and mizen-mast +were so badly wounded, that the moment the ship came broadside to the +wind, they would go over the side, particularly the fore-mast, which +was cut more than half through in three places. It was therefore +determined to secure the disabled masts and repair other damages, +while the action was renewed by those that were not so much disabled.</p> + +<p>As soon as the battle ceased in the van, by the capture of the enemy's +ships, Sir James, who was the senior captain of the fleet, ordered +Lieutenant Barker on board the Admiral for the purpose of inquiring +after his safety, and of receiving his further instructions. He +shortly returned with the melancholy detail that Sir Horatio was +severely wounded in the head. At this period, several of the ships of +the squadron were still warmly engaged with the centre and part of the +rear of the enemy's fleet. Sir James therefore sent a boat to such +ships as appeared to be in condition, with directions to slip their +cables and assist their gallant companions. These orders were +immediately put in execution by that distinguished officer Captain +Miller, of the Theseus, and by the other ships that were in a state to +renew the action. It has been already stated that the masts of the +Orion were too much damaged to admit of that ship getting under way. +In the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> course of the day the whole of the enemy's fleet had +surrendered, excepting two ships of the line and two frigates, which +escaped from the rear.</p> + +<p>Sir James being unable, from the effects of his wound, to wait on the +Admiral and offer his congratulations personally, sent him the +following letter:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, 2nd August 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> +<p>I regret exceedingly being prevented from congratulating you in person on the +most complete and glorious victory ever yet obtained,—the just recompense +of the zeal and great anxiety so long experienced by you before it pleased +Providence to give you sight of those miscreants who have now received the just +punishment of their past crimes. You have been made the happy instrument of +inflicting on them their just chastisement; and may you, my dear Admiral, long +live to enjoy, in the approbation of the whole world, the greatest of earthly +blessings!</p> + +<p class="left50">I am ever your most faithful and obedient servant,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir Horatio Nelson, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>From the character which has already been portrayed of Sir James, the +reader will not be surprised to find that the Orion was the first to +hoist the pendant at the mizen-peak, and thereby to show an example to +the fleet worthy of imitation, in returning thanks to the great +Disposer of events and Giver of all victory for that which they had +just obtained over their enemies. A discourse on this occasion was +delivered by the clergyman of the Orion, which must have made a great +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> +and lasting impression on the hearers; but the circumstance, which is +much easier to be imagined than described, of a ship's company on +their knees at prayers, and offering up a most solemn thanksgiving for +the Divine mercy and favour which had been so fully manifested towards +them, must have excited feelings in the minds of the prisoners,—the +demoralised citizens of the French republic,—which had never before +been known to them; and we understand that they did not fail to +express their astonishment and admiration at a scene of that kind +under such circumstances.</p> + +<p>At ten o'clock, when the action had entirely ceased, and the Admiral +had received the congratulations of most of the captains of the fleet, +the following general memorandums were issued:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Vanguard, 2nd of August 1798, off the mouth of the Nile.</p> + +<p>The Admiral most heartily congratulates the captains, officers, seamen, and +marines of the squadron he has the honour to command, on the events of the late +action; and he desires they will accept his sincere and cordial thanks for their +very gallant behaviour in the glorious battle. It must strike forcibly every +British seaman how superior their conduct is when in discipline and good order, +to the notorious behaviour of lawless Frenchmen.</p> + +<p>The squadron may be assured that the Admiral will not fail, in his despatches, +to represent their truly meritorious conduct in the strongest terms to the +commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains of the ships of the squadron. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p>Almighty God having blessed his Majesty's arms with victory, the +Admiral intends returning thanksgiving for the same at two o'clock +this day; and he recommends every ship doing the same as soon as +convenient.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains, &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>Captain Ball, in pursuance of orders from the Rear-admiral, directed +the negociation for landing the prisoners on parole. Such as were not +Frenchmen were permitted to enter into the English service, for the +purpose of conducting the prizes home.</p> + +<p>We must refer our readers to the different accounts of this splendid +action, which have been published by James, Brenton, Willyams, &c. for +the particulars which do not concern the Orion. But we cannot forbear +to mention the gallant conduct of Vice-admiral De Brueys, who, +according to James and others, "had received two wounds, one in the +face, the other in the hand; towards eight <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> as he was descending +to the quarter-deck, a shot cut him almost in two. This brave officer +then desired not to be carried below, but to be left to die on deck; +exclaiming in a firm tone, 'Un amiral Français doit mourir sur son +banc de quart.' He survived only a quarter of an hour." Commodore +Casa-Bianca fell mortally wounded soon after the admiral had breathed +his last. Captain Du-Petit-Thouars, of the Tonnant, had first both his +arms, and then one of his legs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> shot away; and his dying commands were +"Never to surrender!"</p> + +<p>Neither must we leave unrecorded the heroic death of young Miells, the +midshipman, who we mentioned had been mortally wounded by the same +splinter which struck his gallant commander. His shoulder having been +nearly carried off, and his life being despaired of, the surgeons were +unwilling to put him to needless pain by amputation; but after some +hours, finding he still lived, it was determined to give him a chance +of recovery by removing the shattered limb. The operation was ably +performed by Mr. Nepecker, the surgeon of the Orion, assisted by the +surgeon of the Vanguard. The sufferer never uttered a moan, but as +soon as it was over, quietly said—"Have I not borne it well?" The +tidings were instantly conveyed to his captain, whose feelings may be +better imagined than described, and who could only fervently exclaim +"thank God!" But his joy soon received a check. Many minutes had not +elapsed before he learnt that this amiable and promising youth had +been seized with a fit of coughing and expired!</p> + +<p>The captains of the Mercure and Heureux, who participated but slightly +in the action, were both wounded; Captain Trullet, of the Guerrier, +the ship most shattered, was unhurt,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> and Gantheaume escaped in a boat +from the L'Orient.</p> + +<p>By great care Sir James kept off the fever which threatened to be the +consequence of his wound.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 3rd, Sir James, finding himself sufficiently +recovered from the effects of his wounds to leave the ship, went on +board the Vanguard to congratulate the Admiral in person on the +glorious result of the battle. He found several of his brother +officers on the quarter deck, discussing the merits of the action. +Some regret having been expressed at the escape of the two sternmost +ships of the French line, Sir James said to the Admiral, "It was +unfortunate we did not——" and was proceeding to say, "all anchor on +the same side." But, before he could finish the sentence, Nelson +hastily interrupted him, exclaiming, "Thank God there was no order!" +thus turning the conversation, he entered his cabin, and sent for +Captain Ball.</p> + +<p>While Sir James was receiving the congratulations of his brother +captains on being the second in command, no doubt being entertained +among them that the Admiral would make most honourable mention of his +name as such,—<span class="italic">an honour which he so highly deserved</span>, and which is +usual in similar cases,—Captain Ball came on deck, and interrupted +the conversation by observing, "Nelson<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> says there is to be no second +in command; <span class="italic">we are all to be alike in his despatches</span>!"<a name="FNanchor_14" id="FNanchor_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> + +<p>We need scarcely say that this was eventually the case; but we may +relate the circumstances which induced Saumarez, without the least +intention to offend, to make the observation at which offence was +taken. It was the custom of Nelson, when in communication or in +company with the captains under his command, to converse with them on +the various modes of attacking the enemy under different +circumstances; and, on one of these occasions, Sir James Saumarez, who +had seen the evil consequences of <span class="italic">doubling</span> on the enemy, especially +in a night action, had differed with the Admiral in that plan of +attack, saying that "it never required two English ships to <span class="italic">capture</span> +one French, and that the damage which they must necessarily do to each +other might render<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> them both unable to fight an enemy's ship that had +not been engaged; and as in this case two ships could be spared to the +three-decker, every one might have his own opponent."</p> + +<p>It would perhaps be deemed invidious to mention the individual cases +of English ships which fired on each other in this action; but that +this did actually happen, and that many of our brave men fell by our +own shot is a fact too notorious to be disputed. Moreover, had the +four sternmost ships of the enemy's line done their duty as they +ought, by slipping their cables soon after the action commenced, and +making sail to windward, they would have made an easy capture of the +Culloden as she lay aground; and afterwards, by doubling on the +Vanguard, they would probably have given a different turn to the +affair. The enemy's ships being moored 160 yards apart, left space +enough for the British ships to pass between them, and rake the ship +on each side, as the Theseus did; whereas, by anchoring outside, our +squadron had equally to suffer the raking fire of the enemy as they +approached, without being able to retaliate in the same way, thereby +losing the important effect of two double-shotted broadsides, besides +the advantage of being anchored in shore, to prevent the possibility +of the enemy <span class="italic">doubling</span> on a disabled ship, or of their running on +shore and destroying those that were vanquished.</p> + +<p>It has been insisted on that Nelson, in omitting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> to mention the name +of his second in command, only followed the example of Earl St. +Vincent; and this may have been the case; but it cannot justify his +evident reluctance to acknowledge the position in which Sir James +really stood. Every officer in the service must know that, if Nelson +had lost his life, the command would have devolved on Sir James +Saumarez: yet, in his public letter, he not only avoids mentioning +him, but he endeavours to represent the captain of the Vanguard as his +successor in that responsible situation. His great friendship for Sir +Thomas Troubridge was, no doubt, the motive that occasioned the +substitution, and led to this injustice, which he carried so far as to +remonstrate, in his private letters to Earl St. Vincent and Earl +Spencer, against any honours being conferred on Sir James Saumarez +which were not equally bestowed on Sir Thomas Troubridge. <a name="FNanchor_15" id="FNanchor_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>When +Nelson's great popularity, at this period, is considered, it may +appear less extraordinary that this request should have had weight. +Yet it cannot but surprise an impartial reader, in after-ages, that no +honours or distinctions, except on the commander-in-chief, should have +followed a victory, which Mr. Pitt in the House of Commons pronounced +to be the greatest on record.</p> + +<p>On the 3rd of August, when Sir James returned from the Vanguard, the +captains were assembled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> on board the Orion. He proposed the following +resolution, which was agreed to unanimously:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>The captains of the squadron under the orders of Rear-admiral Sir Horatio +Nelson, K.B. desirous of testifying the high sense they entertain of his prompt +decision and intrepid conduct in the attack of the French fleet in Bequir Road, +off the Nile, August 1st, 1798, request his acceptance of a sword; and, as a +further proof of their esteem and regard, hope that he will permit his portrait +to be taken, and hung up in the room belonging to the Egyptian club now +established, in commemoration of that glorious day.</p></div> + +<p>To which Sir Horatio returned the following answer:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">Gentlemen,</p> + +<p>I feel most sensibly the very distinguished honour you have conferred upon me by +your address this day. My prompt decision was the natural consequence of having +such captains under my command; and I thank God I can say that in the battle the +conduct of every officer was equal.</p> + +<p>I accept as a particular mark of your esteem the sword you have done me the +honour to offer; and I will direct my picture to be painted the first +opportunity for the purpose you mention.</p> + +<p class="left60">I have the honour to be, gentlemen,<br /> +<span class="left5">with the highest respect,</span><br /> +<span class="left10">Your most obliged,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p></div> + +<p>We shall conclude this chapter with the extract of a letter written to +Lady Saumarez by Sir<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> James, which we have no doubt will be perused +with much interest:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Thursday, 2nd August 1798.</p> + +<p>Happy am I in being enabled, through the mercy of Divine Providence, to acquaint +you with our having obtained the most glorious and complete victory ever yet +recorded in the annals of the world.</p> + +<p>Yesterday afternoon we discovered the enemy's fleet at anchor a short distance +from Alexandria. Although our squadron was not collected,—the Alexander +and Swiftsure being at a considerable distance from having been detached to +reconnoitre the port, and the Culloden a great way off from having had a prize +in tow,—Sir Horatio deemed it of such importance to make an immediate +attack on the enemy, that he made sail for them without waiting for those ships.</p> + +<p>At sunset the action began upon the van and centre of the enemy's line, and in +rather more than two hours six of their ships were completely dismasted, and the +L'Orient, of 120 guns, blown up. The action was continued all night with the +enemy's rear by the Alexander and Majestic; and this evening the whole, except +three, have fallen into our hands, and a frigate, which they dastardly set fire +to, and escaped on shore.</p> + +<p>The loss sustained has been considerable in some of the ships. I have to regret +the loss of poor Miells, and of Mr. Baird, my clerk, and of several good men. I +received a contusion in the side, which, though at first painful, is doing as +well as possible, and does not even prevent my going on with the usual duty of +the ship. Poor Captain Westcott is killed, and several other officers.</p> + +<p>The enemy have now obtained the just chastisement of their past crimes, and Sir +Horatio Nelson has the happiness <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>of being the fortunate instrument of +inflicting their just punishment; in which happiness all his squadron partakes. +Fourteen of the Frenchmen, who had the good fortune to swim on board the Orion +from the L'Orient after she was on fire, report that their army were all landed +three weeks since, and are at present in possession of Grand Cairo; and that +they have frequent severe skirmishes with the Turks.</p> + +<p>Our worthy friend Mr. Le Cras will lament with me the loss of Mr. Miells. A +better young man I think never existed. He lived until this evening, and was the +whole time perfectly resigned to his fate, saying, "he died in a good cause." +Mr. Richardson is also badly wounded, and my servant John Lewis, who you +recollect waited on us at Portsmouth; but I hope they will both recover.</p> + +<p>I should observe that the Culloden, not having been able to get to us before +night, unfortunately ran aground; by which accident we were deprived of the +assistance of so fine a ship, and of the exertions of Captain Troubridge.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1798.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Fleet repair damages.—Sir James receives orders to take a detachment of +six ships of the line, and five prizes, under his command.—Sails for +Gibraltar.—Journal of his tedious voyage.—Arrives off +Candia.—Decides to pass through a perilous passage, and escapes the +dangers.—Falls in with the Marquis of Nisa, and summons the French +garrison at Malta.—Puts into Port Auguste, in Sicily.—Sails from +thence.—Tedious passage.—Letters from Earl St. Vincent and +Nelson.—Arrives at Gibraltar.—Reception there from the Admiral, +Governor, &c.—Sails thence.—Arrives at Lisbon.—Sails +thence.—Arrives at Spithead.—Paid off at Plymouth.—Remarks on +his treatment, and explanation of it.</p></div> + +<p>The fleet was employed in repairing the damages it had received, and +in fitting the prizes that were deemed worthy of being sent to +England. This occupied the whole week after the battle. On the 5th, +the Leander, having on board Captain Berry with the Rear-admiral's +despatches, sailed for England; and, on the 12th, the Emerald, +Alcmene, and Bonne Citoyenne arrived. On the same day Sir James +received the following order:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>(1st Order.)</p> +<p class="right"> By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<p>You are hereby required and directed to take the ships named on the +margin <a name="FNanchor_16" id="FNanchor_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>under your command, their captains having orders for that +purpose; and to proceed with them with all possible despatch down the +Mediterranean. On your arrival near Europa Point, you will send a boat +on shore to the Commissioners' office to receive any orders that may +be lodged there for your further proceedings. In case you find no +orders at Gibraltar, and learn that the commander-in-chief is off +Cadiz, or at Lisbon, you will join him at either place with all +possible expedition.</p> + +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p>(2nd Order.)</p> +<p class="right">By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<p>You are hereby required and directed to take charge of the prize ships; putting +a sufficient number of men on board each to navigate the said prize, with six +weeks' provisions. You are never to separate from her without orders in writing +from the officer under whose command you are for the time being; and you are +hereby required and directed to put yourself and the prize under the command of +Captain Sir James Saumarez; and follow all such orders <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>and instructions as you +may receive from him from time to time for his Majesty' service.</p> + +<p class="right">Given on board H.M.S. Vanguard,<br /> +Mouth of the Nile, 12th August 1798.</p></div> + +<p>Thus were Sir James's wishes and anticipations, mentioned in his +journal of the 10th June, completely realized. After a distinguished +share in effecting the destruction of the enemy's fleet, he is +returning home triumphant with the hard-earned fruits of his labours; +which were, however, not yet at an end, as will be seen by the +following journal of his tedious and hazardous voyage:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="right">"Orion, at sea, 18th August 1798.</p></div> + +<p>"After having so well completed the journal I sent by Captain Berry, you will +not doubt the great pleasure I must feel in beginning the present, particularly +when situation and many other circumstances combine to render it so interesting. +But I have more to relate than you are aware of; and in which I have been most +particularly favoured, as you will see, when it comes in its proper place to be +mentioned.</p> + +<p>First, I sailed from Bequir Road last Tuesday morning, with seven sail of the +line and six of our prizes; leaving the Admiral with the Culloden, Alexander, +Zealous, Goliath, and Swiftsure, and the three remaining French ships, which it +was intended to destroy after taking out their stores and landing the prisoners. +The Alcmene, Emerald, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>and Bonne Citoyenne had at last joined us. As, however, +they had not been with the fleet, but had remained all the time in search of us, +we were disappointed of our letters, and <span class="italic">they</span> at finding themselves 'the day +after the fair.'</p> + +<p>In falling light winds, we came again to an anchor, Tuesday noon, about five +miles from the squadron; which gave the ships an opportunity to get completed +for sea, and afforded a night's repose to the men. At eleven I was waked from a +sound sleep with the account that a brig which joined the Admiral in the +afternoon was from Tunis, and had on board a hundred men belonging to L'Aigle, +which had been lost some time before on her way to join the squadron; and it was +added, 'there is a large packet of letters for the different ships.' I soon had +them sorted, and out of about twenty for myself I selected four from you, which +were read with an avidity you will better conceive than I can describe; before I +had finished a page of one I flew to another, and so for near an hour, till at +last I found their date, and endeavoured to read them regularly; but it was not +till daylight that I could bring myself to a sufficient degree of composure. +Never were letters more welcome—never did any yield greater joy and comfort; +they have since formed my chief happiness, and will continue so to do until the +end of our voyage. Had we unfortunately sailed one day sooner, I should have +lost these precious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>letters: judge then how fortunate I think myself, +particularly so at their having been preserved from the wreck of the poor +L'Aigle; as I find that several packages, &c. for this squadron, with the +good things you sent me, shared the fate of the poor ship; Captain Hay having +written to me from Gibraltar that they were put on board her.</p> + +<p>Sir Horatio Nelson wrote to me that he had not heard from his family; but, as +Captain Nisbet came in the brig, he will give him accounts from Lady Nelson.</p> + +<p>I now come to the sequel of our voyage, having accounted for my being so +<span class="italic">unseasonably</span> disturbed from a sound sleep."</p> + +<p>Sir James now received the following letters.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">August 15th, 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir James,</p> + +<p>I am not very anxious to receive any persons of the description you mention; +they will all eat our meat, and drink. As they choose to serve the French, there +let them remain. I have not a line from home, all lost in L'Aigle. You will get +off in good time, I dare say. I am sure you will not lose a moment off Cape +Bronte; the shoal extends six miles. If you favour me with a line, direct it for +Naples, where I am going to join the Portuguese squadron. Zealous, Swiftsure, +and the two frigates, I have kept here as long as possible. Nisbet thanks you +for your inquiries. I send you a copy of my letter intended to be sent to Mr. +Nepean; keep it quiet till you get off. Wishing you health, and good passage,</p> + +<p class="left75">Believe me ever,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your obliged,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p> +<p>I hope Lady S. and all the little ones are well.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> +<p>(Copy.)</p> +<p class="right">Secret, for Sir James.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Six of the prizes sailed yesterday with Sir James Saumarez; three +others, viz. Guerrier, Heureux, and Mercure are in the act of +repairing. In this state I received last evening Earl St. Vincent's +most secret orders, and most secret and confidential letters. Thus +situated, it became an important part of my duty to do justice between +my King and country, and the brave officers and men who captured those +ships at the Battle of the Nile. It would have taken one month at +least to fit those ships for a passage to Gibraltar, and not at a +great expense to government, but with the loss to the service of at +least two sail of the line. I therefore feel confident that the Lords +Commissioners of the Admiralty will, under the present circumstances, +direct that a fair value shall be paid for those ships. I have farther +thought it my duty to tell the squadron the necessity I am under, for +the benefit of the King's service, to order their property to be +destroyed; but that I had no doubt but that government would make a +liberal allowance. I have therefore directed such stores as could, +without taking too much time, be saved from them, and ordered the +hulls to be burned.</p> + +<p class="left65">I have the honour to be, &c.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq.</p></div> + +<p>The journal of Sir James is thus resumed: "We again weighed anchor, +Wednesday noon; and although with a contrary wind, and ships in a +crippled state, we had the good fortune to clear the land in the night +without accident, and next day lost sight of our ships in the Nile. +Since that period we have not made any great progress; but we have no +reason to complain, and I trust a favourable wind will in due time +waft us down the Mediterranean.</p> + +<p>"<span class="italic">A présent, un petit mot sur ma santé.</span> In the first place, too great +exertion for two or three<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> days after being under sail, certainly +retarded my perfect recovery, and, added to the excessive heat of the +weather, threw me into a sort of languor that required the three last +days' rest and composure to shake off. I am now, thank God! as well as +ever; and when I consider that every day shortens my distance from +you, my happiness is daily increasing. I have much more to say, <span class="italic">mais +en voilà assez pour le présent</span>; and as there is abundance of time +before this can be despatched, <span class="italic">il faut le remettre pour un autre +jour: ainsi adieu</span>!</p> + +<p>"Sunday, August 19th.—I was indeed surprised to find Lyme the place +fixed for your residence; and, on reflection, approve of it highly, as +I believe it is a very healthy place; but more particularly as I hope +to send you a line in going up Channel, and possibly take you to +Spithead. Judge, therefore, the <span class="italic">selfish</span> motives by which I am +actuated, and scold me if you can.</p> + +<p>"I was happy our dear boy had reached home before the close of your +last letter, and am charmed with your account of him. Having +understood that there is a good school in Dorsetshire,—I think at +Sherborne,—I shall not be surprised if you have placed him there for +the summer, and shall not think it a bad plan to have him nearer to +you. I am glad to find my letters from Gibraltar reached you, and hope +that one or two stragglers will also have come to hand before those +from the Nile arrive. These last will induce<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> you to believe our +cruise less unpleasant than you seemed to apprehend,—more +particularly when you find it the means of bringing the Orion to +England.</p> + +<p>"Your <span class="italic">P.S.</span> of the 11th of June is considerably later than any +accounts received in the squadron; indeed, I find very few letters +have been received by any of the captains. The Lion, I understand, is +on her way to join the squadron; but I have reason to believe she has +nothing for me, as she sailed before L'Aigle.</p> + +<p>"The accounts from Ireland are truly distressing; but I hope +tranquillity has long since been restored in that distracted country. +We have heard of the dreadful business off Cadiz; but as news from the +fleet must reach home before we can be acquainted with them, I shall +not enlarge on the subject. Captain Grey, I find, is gone to England, +which will have been an agreeable surprise to his amiable lady.</p> + +<p>"Now for some account of the Orion and her crew:—In the first place, +Mr. Barker is on board Le Peuple Souverain, happier than a prince. Mr. +Wells becomes first, in his room; and, as I found it necessary to send +away Mr. —— at Syracuse, I should remain with only three lieutenants, +but that, in virtue of my present command, I appointed, the day I left +Admiral Nelson, our kinsman Dumaresq to that station, who acquits +himself with great zeal and assiduity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> He will receive pay for the +time; but cannot be confirmed, from not having served the six required +years.</p> + +<p>"All the officers are in rapture at the share the ship had in the +action, except her captain, who is never satisfied. The ship's company +all healthy, and the wounded daily recovering. Sheep and poultry in +abundance; but the fear of a long passage down the Mediterranean +obliges us to be frugal, wishing, if possible, to avoid putting into +any place before we reach the fleet off Cadiz,—a thing scarcely +possible, and rendered still more improbable from our little progress +the last five days: however,—<span class="italic">patience</span>!</p> + +<p>"I have only two French officers on board; one was second captain of +the Tonnant; they are both in the ward-room, and I occasionally invite +them to my table. Of the six prizes four are fine ships, particularly +the Franklin and Spartiate: the Souverain and Conquérant are both very +old ships; Le Tonnant and L'Aquilon were built within these few years +only. Both the former are quite new. But it is not what we have taken, +but what we have destroyed. We have left France only two sail of the +line in the Mediterranean, except a few bad Venetian ships and some +frigates. A squadron of five sail leaves us masters of these seas, +equal to protect our commerce, and with a few frigates destroy that of +the enemy: these are the real fruits of our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> victory; and as to +anything personal to ourselves, the approbation of our country, and +possibly an additional medal, will be ample recompence to us. At +present my chief solicitude is to find things go on well in England; +and I think, when the account of our action arrives, it will set the +minds of people at ease for some time at least.</p> + +<p>"I shall have a great deal to say to you, in which you will +acknowledge with me that the Almighty has been kind and bountiful +indeed, beyond my merits or pretensions. You will infer from my late +journal what I particularly allude to, wherein I mention the Orion +having been intended to return to the fleet on the junction of the +reinforcement; which was merely to favour Captain Troubridge, with +whom I clashed from seniority. Very, very fortunately for me, the +enemy's force would not permit Sir H. Nelson to part with me; and the +sequel has shown the partiality of the Earl's proceeding: but of this +'<span class="italic">ci-après</span>;' only, for the present, judge what must have been my +feelings had I been thus deprived of my share in this action!</p> + +<p>"My situation at this moment is exactly what I could wish,—the +command of a respectable squadron escorting the trophies of our +victory; and I am induced to hope that I shall proceed with them to +England without considerable delay. We have just gained sight of +Cyprus, nearly the track we followed six weeks ago; so invariably +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> do +the westerly winds prevail at this season; but I hope we shall not be +subject to the tedious calms we experienced under Candia. Hitherto we +have always had a good breeze, which has prevented any intercourse +between the ships of the squadron, one day only excepted.</p> + +<p>"I have not told you that we all voted a sword to the Admiral before +we parted from the squadron; the captains having agreed to subscribe +fifty pounds each to defray the expense, and to have his picture, +which is to be put up in the room intended to hold the <span class="italic">Egyptian +Club</span>, when we all meet in England. The overplus, which will come to +about thirty pounds each, is to be applied for the relief of the +widows and orphans of those who have nobly fallen in the action. All +this shows unanimity at least, and I believe greater never existed in +any squadron.</p> + +<p>"Wednesday, 22nd.—This morning the wind has set in very favourably +for us; but it is to the southward, and produces such a close, sultry, +and damp air, that it is scarcely bearable; and, with all this, we +have to encounter so strong a western swell, that the prizes and +crippled ships, for want of more sail, can scarcely contend against +it. What if we should have the good fortune to fall in with the four +French ships! They are certainly on their way to Toulon; and, from the +want of water and provisions, must have put into some of the ports in +these seas. I <span class="italic">dreamt</span> so much of them last +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> night that I really form +great hopes of our falling in with them. This leads me to mention that +all the captains agreed to share together in whatever may be captured +till the 1st of October.</p> + +<p>"It is now exactly three weeks since the Battle of the Nile; it +appears almost an age; but when once we get in the fair track down the +Mediterranean, every day will, I hope, shorten our distance. We have +seen but one strange sail since we left Bequir, and that at too great +a distance to speak with. I think it probable Sir Horatio may be on +his way to Naples, as he proposed to sail soon to join the Portuguese +squadron, taking with him the Culloden, Alexander, and Goliath. The +Zealous, with Swiftsure, and the frigates, were to be left to block up +Alexandria, and distress the enemy. What barbarous people we must be, +after having done them so much mischief, still to add to their +disasters!</p> + +<p>"August 24th.—I have been right in my conjectures this morning, +having fallen in with Sir Horatio, who obligingly sent the Bonne +Citoyenne with letters, &c. for the ships with me, brought by the +Seahorse, which joined him at Bequir. He has only the Culloden and +Alexander with him, having left the rest of the ships for the good +purposes before mentioned. This meeting has afforded me an opportunity +of sending you a few hurried lines, which I have requested the Admiral +to forward from Naples. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> have no doubt that the letter will reach +you some time before any other I can have an opportunity of sending +you.</p> + +<p>"I think the few last lines will not be the less acceptable for having +been anticipated. I can assure you their purport is highly acceptable, +as I now have the Earl's own assertion for the Orion being ordered to +England upon his own terms, 'when I join him with the prizes.' Alas! +they get on very slowly; but I am endowed with unparalleled patience, +having scarcely uttered a murmur on their tardiness, so perfectly +satisfied am I with the prospect before me.</p> + +<p>"I understand the Seahorse has taken La Sensible, and the Lion a +Spanish frigate: <span class="italic">à propos</span>, we have received intimation that a +Spanish squadron is on its way to Leghorn, to convey his holiness Pope +Pius the Sixth to some part of Spain; and, in case of our falling in +with them, we are to treat him with all the ceremony and respect due +to the sovereign pontiff.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 26th.—I went yesterday on board the Admiral, for +half-an-hour; and was happy at finding him in perfect health. He will +ever retain the mark on his forehead which he has so honourably +acquired; mine is not quite in so <span class="italic">distinguished a place</span>, but I also +expect to have a scar on my left side, or rather on the hip-bone, +which was slightly grazed; but it is now perfectly healed, and I +reflect with great gratitude on the very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> narrow escape I had: my only +fear is, that it will give you great uneasiness when the account +reaches you. I did not intend to have my name inserted in the return +of wounded, but the Admiral desired it should; so that he must share +the blame if it should have alarmed you.</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell you all the fine projects I form for some months at +least after my arrival in England. This last business has so shattered +the poor Orion, that she will not, without considerable repair, be in +a state for more service; and if I can be so fortunate as to obtain Le +Franklin with my officers and men, she will be getting forward during +the winter months, and I shall have the enjoyment of your society all +that time: and I think, if it pleases God to bless our arms in England +with success, the enemy will be brought to sue for a peace before the +spring of next year. Their great inducement for carrying on the war +was their hopes of success from this expedition, which is considered +as entirely frustrated, as their army will be too much reduced to +attempt to go to India without being reinforced from France; and they +never will be able to prevail on more troops to embark for Egypt, even +if they had the means of conveyance for them.</p> + +<p>"The winds prove all this time very variable, <span class="italic">et nous avançons fort +lentement</span>.</p> + +<p>"The Admiral is still in sight, though we are not in company together. +Had I not been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> certain of going to England, I should regret losing +the opportunity of seeing Naples, particularly on this occasion; but +everything is absorbed in that first consideration. The newspapers are +at all times acceptable, and I was happy when you found opportunities +to send them from Ryde; but as many of the squadron receive them, and +they are always circulated to the different ships, I would not trouble +you to send them. <span class="italic">D'ailleurs, pour le présent, j'espère que ce serait +inutile.</span></p> + +<p>"Monday.—We get on very slowly indeed, not having yet got sight of +Candia; we must however have <span class="italic">patience</span>. Three days' fair wind will +bring us the distance of Sicily. I have invited Captains Miller, +Louis, and Gould to dine with me to-day. To the former I said that +your ladyship had the pleasure of having made acquaintance with Mrs. +Miller. Miller is an excellent man. Another day I shall have the other +captains, Derby, Peyton, and Cuthbert, late first lieutenant of the +Majestic.</p> + +<p>"Whilst I am writing, a fine breeze has sprung up, which will get us +as far as Rhodes at least. We have entirely lost sight of the Admiral; +and I think, from the wind having favoured us, that we shall have +considerably the start of his little squadron.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday.—Nothing so uncertain and variable as the winds in this +country. We are still off the island of Rhodes, which appears fertile +and well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> cultivated. We have also sight of Candia at the distance of +above thirty leagues. Our present route is different from any of the +former, as we go to the northward of Candia, amidst the innumerable +islands that form the archipelago. It is thought by many a dangerous +navigation with our disabled ships, but I always consider <span class="italic">que le bon +Dieu nous guide</span>.</p> + +<p>"The Admiral has again joined us, but too far off for any personal +communication. This evening we have effected a great object in +doubling Rhodes, and we are now proceeding with a fine breeze. I hope +in three days to congratulate you on our being in the fair track down +the Mediterranean.</p> + +<p>"Friday, 31st.—Events multiply and increase upon us, but not so +favourably as they promised when I last took up my pen. After +contending for three days against the baffling winds we had so often +experienced, and by our perseverance gained a considerable distance, +the wind increased so much against us yesterday morning, that I was +compelled, from the disabled state of several of the ships, to abandon +my intention of going to the northward of Candia; and, not without +great risk, we ran through a passage imperfectly explored, and never +known to ships of war till we found it practicable: at the same time, +I almost shudder at the danger we escaped; nothing but a case of +extreme necessity could have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> justified the attempt, and Providence +was our guide;<a name="FNanchor_17" id="FNanchor_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> at the same time warning us of the danger we ran, +having actually seen the breakers, and escaped them by a trifling +distance; and this was performed late at night, all the ships +following and guided by our lights.</p> + +<p>"We are at present close to Candia, and the Admiral in sight; rather +in advance of us, owing to the circumstance I have related. I now fear +our voyage will prove very tedious, and that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> the want of provisions +and other circumstances will compel us to put into some port; this may +occasion great delay, which the approach of the equinox makes me very +desirous to avoid. I really believe no ships in so bad a condition as +those with me ever attempted so intricate a navigation.</p> + +<p>"September 1st.—You are certainly unapprised of the Orion being on +her way to England. Here have we been occupied for three weeks in +effecting what might be accomplished in two days. Your wishes, I +think, would prove more availing were you acquainted with the real +state of things. This extraordinary delay makes me more fractious than +can be imagined, and I begin to lose the character for patience which +I had given myself by so tiresome a situation; besides which, I have +Le Peuple Souverain to drag after me, that causes me more trouble than +even the Spanish <span class="italic">saints</span> did after the 14th of February.</p> + +<p>"Sunday.—I had almost determined not to resume my pen till we were +entirely clear of this same island of Candia; but we have made such +great progress since yesterday, and the prospect continues so +favourable, that I cannot refuse myself the satisfaction of +congratulating you thereon.</p> + +<p>"I received last evening a letter from the Admiral, brought me by La Bonne +Citoyenne.<a name="FNanchor_18" id="FNanchor_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> He +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>is desirous of having the Minotaur and Audacious detached to +Naples after accompanying us as far on our way as Minorca. A vessel was +yesterday<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> spoken with that saw one of the French line-of-battle ships, with the +loss of her main-mast, and towed by a frigate towards Corfu, only eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> days +since; so that, had the winds favoured us, we should have been at no great +distance from them. I dined to-day in the ward-room; but I am sorry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> to say we +had no church this morning; this is so very necessary a duty, that I am always +grieved when it is omitted."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thursday, 6th September.—The last four days we have got on +remarkably well; and, what is still better, the wind seems now set in +very favourably. Late last night the Thalia joined me, after cruising +in all directions to fall in with Sir Horatio. I was not disappointed +at receiving no letters by her: but this morning, having been joined +by the Flora cutter, that left England the 26th July, and the fleet +off Cadiz so late as the 12th August, I own it gave me concern to +receive no tidings from you; but, on recollection that all the letters +for this ship have been kept back, from our being expected down the +Mediterranean, my disappointment ceases.</p> + +<p>"I have seen nothing of Admiral Nelson since I last wrote; and, as our +route now lies in a different direction, I do not expect to meet with +him again. The information obtained by the above vessels is of a very +satisfactory nature; and I trust things will soon, very soon, draw to +a favourable crisis.</p> + +<p>"The Thalia brought me from Bequir several intercepted letters from +France, taken in a corvette going to Alexandria. I have read several +of them, and find that their chief reliance was placed in the +expedition to Egypt; which having failed so completely, must +disconcert all their future projects. One bad piece of news I have +learnt,—'that a Spanish vessel we took off St.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> Pierre, laden with +wheat, has been recaptured by a French privateer.'</p> + +<p>"I have been occupied for some days past in putting my cabin in good +repair, which I hope to have fit for your ladyship's reception, so +that, on my arrival in the Channel, I may have only to despatch the +first vessel I fall in with to Lyme, with an invitation for you to +partake of it, accompanied by one or more of the children, and any +servants you may please to require to attend upon you. This has for +some time past engaged my attention, and I trust nothing will +intervene to thwart my expectations. Alas! they have been but too much +disappointed already by the adverse winds, which still continue to +weary our patience.</p> + +<p>"I dined to-day on board the Minotaur, the weather having proved +nearly calm; it is the first time since we left Bequir that I have +consented to leave the ship. I hope to fall in with the Colossus and +some victuallers, which I find, by the Flora, were on their way to our +squadron, supposing us to have been off Malta, blockading the French +fleet. Strange that at so late a period Earl St. Vincent had not +obtained information of their having sailed from that island!</p> + +<p>"Sunday.—The wind always continues contrary; but we get on, +notwithstanding, by slow degrees. I made up for last Sunday, and had +Divine service performed, and dined in the ward-room. We obtained a +small supply of stock from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> the Thalia when she joined us; I should +have told you that I despatched her and the cutter towards Naples, to +meet Sir Horatio.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday evening.—The wind has at last favoured us for a few hours, +and to-morrow I hope to be in sight of Syracuse. A vessel was +yesterday spoken with, that had an ambassador on board from +Constantinople, going to the different states in Barbary, to direct +them to arm against the French. An English frigate had arrived at the +Sublime Porte with the news of the defeat of their fleet at +Alexandria; but I am at a loss to conjecture what the frigate was. The +French officers "<span class="italic">sont indignés de cette insulte offerte à la grande +nation</span>."</p> + +<p>"Thursday.—We at last gained sight of Mount Ætna yesterday evening; +but the winds still prove very contrary, and I fear we shall be +obliged, much against my inclination, to put into either Syracuse or +Messina: we are at present off the former place. By a boat that has +joined one of the ships, I find they only heard of the battle four +days ago. They are disposed to give us a hearty welcome, but I hope we +shall have no occasion for their well-meant intentions.</p> + +<p>"Friday.—We last night fell in with the Marquis de Niza's squadron, +on their return from the mouth of the Nile. The Marquis hailed me that +he was <span class="italic">very sorry</span> he had not arrived a few days sooner. We were much +better without him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> + +<p>Sir James sent, by the Thalia, the following letters to Sir Horatio:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, Port of Augusta, 16th September 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>I fear you will be disappointed at finding that we are no further on our voyage +than this place. We were three days in sight of Sicily, endeavouring to beat +round Cape Pesaro; and, Friday afternoon, the wind set in so strong to the +westward, that I was obliged to endeavour to get into Syracuse, but I found the +wind directly out of the harbour, and stood again to the southward. It blew a +gale all night; and in the morning, seeing no possibility of getting into +Syracuse, I bore up for this place, where the squadron anchored yesterday +afternoon. We are completing the water with all expedition, but I am +disappointed that there is no wine to be had but at a very high price. We are +supplied with bullocks and other articles the same as at Syracuse; and, as at +that place, the people are exorbitant in their demands. Every possible attention +has been shown by the governor. I paid him a visit of ceremony this morning with +the other captains of the squadron. He appears a man of the first +respectability.</p> + +<p>I thought it proper to mention to him that I had seen Mr. Acton's letter, which +stated that his Majesty's ships were to be received in the ports of this island; +and I should do him great injustice, did I not observe to you, sir, his earnest +endeavours that we should be supplied with everything we require on the most +reasonable terms.</p> + +<p>A vessel, which left Malta six days ago, reports that the inhabitants have +revolted against the French, who are driven to the greatest stress by the want +of provisions. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>They seem very anxious for the appearance of an English squadron +off that island.</p> + +<p>I hope to have the squadron completed in water by Wednesday next, and to put to +sea the same evening. The Spartiate has caused us considerable uneasiness, +having unfortunately got aground by bordering too near the light-house. She was +however got off without sustaining any damage. All your friends, with me, desire +their best compliments.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am, my dear Admiral,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your ever faithful and obedient servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir Horatio Nelson.</p> + +<p class="right">Orion, Augusta, 20th September 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>I feel great satisfaction in acquainting you that the squadron and all the +prizes are completed with water, and will be ready to proceed to sea at daylight +to-morrow morning. The westerly winds have prevailed ever since our arrival, and +I fear still continue in the channel of Malta; but it is of such importance to +get from this place before easterly winds set in, that not a moment has been +lost in getting the ships forward, which must be evident to you when you +consider our great demands for water, and that we have only four boats in the +squadron to supply the ships. We have been abundantly supplied with fresh +provisions, and each ship takes twelve or fourteen bullocks to sea; but wine was +not to be had at any reasonable rate. We have found difficulty in obtaining cash +for the articles purchased on account of Government in a place where there +scarcely exists any trade, and where the inhabitants are extremely poor. The +governor has offered us every possible assistance; and I must entreat you will +represent to Mr. Acton <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>the zeal and earnest endeavours he has shown to forward +the King's service. I have the honour to be, &c.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir Horatio Nelson.</p></div> + +<p>"Saturday, 22nd September.—A whole week has elapsed since I closed +the account of our voyage; having the following day been under the +necessity, from the state of the weather, to put into Augusta, a port +a few leagues from Syracuse. We sailed thence yesterday, after +completing the squadron with water. We found abundance of provisions, +and each ship has sailed with a dozen or fourteen oxen, besides sheep, +fowls, &c. Augusta is a more modern town than Syracuse, having been +rebuilt after an earthquake thirty years ago. It has no trade, and the +inhabitants are extremely poor; the ships were visited by them daily, +but we went to very few parties on shore. A few leagues from Augusta +there is a considerable town called Catania. I regretted much it was +not in my power to visit it, as there we might have had many things +that would have been very acceptable in England.</p> + +<p>"In passing Syracuse yesterday, several of the principal inhabitants +came on board; and I was happy in sending a letter to you, enclosed to +Admiral Nelson at Naples. I hope to be with you as soon as it arrives, +having still every expectation of being in England in the month of +October.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> My mind is much more at ease since we have obtained the last +supplies, as a small quantity of salt provisions, which we can have +from the fleet, will enable the ships to proceed for England without +stopping at Gibraltar, or any other place; and if the Orion is not of +the number, great will be my disappointment.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 27th of September.—I have been very much engaged on public +business of great importance the last three days, which, I am sorry to +say, has not turned out quite equal to my wishes. On Monday I fell in +with the Marquis de Niza's squadron, which had been ordered off Malta +by Admiral Nelson. On Tuesday a deputation of the principal +inhabitants came on board the Orion, to solicit a supply of arms and +ammunition; at the same time informing me that the French garrison +were in the greatest distress, and that, if the town was summoned, +they had good grounds to believe they would be induced to surrender. I +waited on the Marquis de Niza, who readily concurred in sending a flag +of truce with proposals to the French garrison. After three hours' +deliberation they returned a very concise answer,<a name="FNanchor_19" id="FNanchor_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> which although +not satisfactory at this time, leaves little doubt that they will be +compelled to surrender very shortly. Before I came away, I supplied +the inhabitants, from the prizes, with twelve hundred muskets,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> and a +great quantity of ammunition, of which they were in great want. I only +regretted it was not in my power to stay a few days off the island. +The Guillaume Tell and two frigates are in the harbour, and must fall +with the garrison. A report prevailed that Le Généreux was lost; these +ships form the remaining force that escaped us from the mouth of the +Nile.</p> + +<p>"We are now pursuing our voyage with slow steps; but, as the light +winds lead us in the fair track, we must not complain. I was glad to +learn from the Marquis de Niza that the Colossus was seen going to +Naples, with four victuallers and a store-ship. A frigate is now in +sight, joining me, by which I hope to receive good accounts.</p> + +<p>"Friday morning.—The frigate proved to be the Terpsichore, from the +Admiral, whom she left ten days ago going to Naples. The Terpsichore +was going off Malta for intelligence, and to look out for the +Colossus, with the victuallers. As I could satisfy the Admiral on both +those points, I despatched her immediately for Naples. We have now a +fine Siroc wind, attended with all its usual close dampness; but, as +it wafts us down the Mediterranean, we readily put up with its +disagreeable attendants, without the risk of hanging ourselves. I +intend to part with the Minotaur and Audacious to-day, agreeably to my +orders. Fortunately, I exchanged their men from the prizes two days +ago, as it would have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> attended with danger to do it in the +present weather. We have taken our final leave of Sicily this morning.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 30th Sept. The weather has proved very unfavourable the last +three days. Le Souverain has sustained some disasters, and causes me +great uneasiness. I hope, in another week, to get the distance of +Gibraltar, where we may all be better refitted. I cannot be too +thankful for the supplies we obtained at Augusta; the squadron would +otherwise have been much distressed for want of water and provisions. +We are in sight of Sardinia, with every appearance of a favourable +breeze. To-morrow we enter the ever propitious month. I still hope my +expectations will be fulfilled; although I own that probability is +against their accomplishment.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 4th October.—This month began most auspiciously with a +fine breeze of wind, which continued all the following day; but +yesterday morning we experienced a tremendous gale to the northward, +with a very heavy sea, which still continues: the wind has again +shifted favourably, and I hope this time will carry us through the +Straits; but we have had so many disappointments that we must not +trust to appearances.</p> + +<p>"Saturday, 6th.—The winds prove again contrary for us. We have the +Souverain in tow, and in so bad a condition that I almost fear it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> +will not be possible to get her as far as Gibraltar. There has been a +great deal of blowing weather, with heavy seas, since we left Malta, +and the prizes have suffered considerably from it. I have had an +addition to my stock since I left Augusta, having three fine little +lambs; and I understand more are expected: it is fortunate I was well +provided, as this increase would have proved ruinous to my table.</p> + +<p>"Monday, 8th October.—We have had variable winds these last two days, +which have brought the squadron a considerable distance. We are at +present off Algiers, a very unfriendly coast, which I hope soon to +lose sight of with our present breeze. The anchorage off Cadiz having +broken up about this time last year, I depend on finding Lord St. +Vincent at anchor at Gibraltar, or there to find orders to join him at +Lisbon, and from thence to proceed to England.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday, 9th.—I congratulate you on our darling's birth-day; and +join my prayers to yours that Heaven may bestow on him its choicest +blessings.</p> + +<p>"We have a continuance of fine wind, which, I trust, will carry us to +Gibraltar in two days. I have been treated with the perusal of several +French papers, which I intercepted on board a Danish vessel from +Marseilles, bound to Algiers. They are dated so late as the 27th +Fructidor, which answers to the 13th September; and I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> happy to +see, by the English news they contain, that things were going on +favourably. I hope soon to have it under your hand more particularly: +in the mean time it is very satisfactory to receive these news, which +are near three months of later date from England than we before +possessed; your dear letter of the 10th June being the latest I have +seen.</p> + +<p>"Wednesday, 10th.—I fell in with L'Espoir this morning. She left +Gibraltar ten days ago. She has surprised me with the account that the +Leander had not at that time reached Earl St. Vincent; and that the +news of our victory was only received two days before by the Mutine, +which had arrived from Naples. This account has created amongst us +great uneasiness for the fate of the Leander. I have despatched +L'Espoir with a letter to Earl St. Vincent, apprising him of the +approach of the prizes, with the ships under my command; and I hope to +receive his lordship's orders for our proceedings when we appear off +Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>"Saturday, 13th.—The wind has again set against us the last two days, +and continues to exercise our patience. What adds to my uneasiness is, +the small quantity of provisions in the squadron. We have been at +short allowance these six weeks; and should it unfortunately continue +to the westward a few days longer, we shall be very badly off. I now +very reluctantly give<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> up all hope of being in England during this +month.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 14th.—The wind has again sprung up to the eastward, and I +hope will this time carry us to Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>"Monday, 15th.—The wind still continues favourable, and to-morrow I +hope to anchor in Gibraltar Bay; and, as an opportunity may offer to +send you this tedious journal, I hold it in readiness accordingly. It +will give you some faint idea of the trial our patience has been put +to; and although our progress has not been attended with the same +anxiety as I described in my former journal, when we were in pursuit +of the enemy, still I have not been exempt from great uneasiness on +various accounts, particularly from the crippled state of most of the +ships, in a navigation some part of which is very hazardous, and where +contrary winds so invariably prevail. I now hope in a short time to be +released from so heavy a charge, and that I shall be permitted to +proceed, as I have been given to expect, <span class="italic">immediately for England</span>.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday, 16th.—We have gained sight of Gibraltar this morning; but +westerly winds and the current prevent our approach to it. I hope, +however, to have communication with the Rock to-morrow.</p> + +<p>"Thursday, 18th.—I received late last evening a very flattering +letter from Earl St. Vincent, in answer to mine of the 10th, which, he +says, diffused<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> universal joy to the garrison, and the little squadron +with him: and his lordship has rejoiced my heart by informing me that +so soon as the wounded and sick are landed from the squadron, and the +wants of the ships are supplied, I shall proceed to Lisbon with them. +He adds that, in his judgment, our action stands foremost in the page +of naval history, having, beyond all dispute, achieved more than was +ever done before, &c.</p> + +<p>"We are still struggling against adverse winds, not without hope of +gaining the anchorage to-morrow. I most sincerely wish it, on every +account; and, although my next rendezvous is not what I exactly +expected, it always brings me nearer England.</p> + +<p>"Great is our uneasiness for the fate of the Leander. In the letter +above alluded to, Lord St. Vincent thinks it probable she may have +been dismasted, and have put into one of the islands of the +Archipelago. I own my fears for her are great." The following is Lord +St. Vincent's letter, with Sir James's answer.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Gibraltar, 16th October 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir, </p> + +<p>Your letter of the 10th instant, received yesterday, has diffused universal joy +through the garrison and little squadron now here. I highly applaud and admire +the measures taken by you and Rear-admiral the Marquis de Niza to induce the +French to surrender their stronghold in Malta; and the supply of arms and +ammunition you furnished the islanders with was very judicious. Two very +respectable Moorish merchants, natives of the eastern <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>coast of Barbary, who +arrived at Gibraltar from Genoa yesterday, report that advices had been received +at the latter place before they left it, that the Maltese had succeeded, and put +the French garrison to the sword. I have been so long accustomed to the fallacy +of <span class="italic">pratique</span> reports, that I do not give entire credit to this.</p> + +<p>Of the Leander we know nothing; and I am rather inclined to believe that the +story Sir Horatio Nelson learned from a Candia boat, is true; and that she has +either been dismasted in the action, or so crippled as to be obliged to take +refuge in one of the islands of the Archipelago. I never despair, and I have +great confidence that she will yet turn up.</p> + +<p>The account you give from Captain Retallick, of the near approach to Naples of +the Colossus and her precious charge,—for the Alliance is full of naval +stores, with all the top-masts and top-sail yards we had, and the four +victuallers loaded with new provisions of every species except bread,—is a +communication of the utmost consequence.</p> + +<p>It is my anxious wish that the six prize ships of war should be safe moored in +the Tagus as soon as possible; and my intention that the Orion, Defence, and +Theseus shall accompany them: the Bellerophon and Majestic to enter Gibraltar +Mole in order to be remasted, for all the lower masts are there; and their men, +after assisting in the navigation of the prizes to Lisbon, may return hither in +the Santa Dorothea.</p> + +<p>I am fitting out an expedition of great importance,—I believe, <span class="italic">entre nous</span>, +against Monte Video, or Lima,—which swallows up all the transports and +frigates I have, or I would send you some salt provisions and wine. Should the +Levanters fail you, by working close to the Barbary shore you will soon reach +Tetuan Bay, and find no difficulty in working round Europa with a flood-tide. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> + +<p>I request you will convey to your brave companions in arms, that, in my +judgment, they stand foremost in the page of naval history; having, beyond all +dispute, achieved more than was ever done before, and, under the critical +circumstances of the times, have certainly rendered the greatest benefit to the +human race at large, and to their King and country in particular, that ever was +performed.</p> + +<p class="left50">I have the honour to be, with great esteem and regard,<br /> +<span class="i2">Sir,</span><br /> +<span class="i4">Your most obedient, humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span> </p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p> +<p> P.S. Doctor Harness has prepared the naval hospital for the reception of the +wounded and sick of your squadron in the best manner our means will admit; the +wards have been whitewashed, and every exertion made to purify them. The moment +the invalids are landed, and the wants of the ships that go to Lisbon supplied, +you shall proceed thither with them. <span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p class="right">Orion, off Gibraltar, 18th Oct. 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I received late last evening the honour of your letter by L'Espoir, and shall +not fail to communicate to the squadron the very handsome terms in which your +lordship is pleased to express yourself of the action of the Nile. I am +particularly happy the measures taken off Malta meet with your lordship's +approbation; but I fear the account from Genoa is premature respecting the +French garrison, as there has scarcely been time since we left the island, the +26th Sept. for the news to reach Genoa, and arrive at Gibraltar, if such an +event had taken place.</p> + +<p>Fearing that, with the ship I have in tow, it will not be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>possible to reach +Rozia Bay till a late hour, I send an officer on shore with the despatches for +your lordship, and the letters for the garrison.</p> + +<p class="left45">I have the honour to be, my lord,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To the Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent.</p></div> + +<p>The squadron arrived at Gibraltar on the evening of the 18th, amidst +the universal and unbounded acclamations of the assembled population.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, 21st Oct.—Last Thursday, my dear love, we all anchored in +safety in this bay, and met with a reception we want words to express +from the governor, admiral, officers, soldiers, seamen, and +inhabitants. We can never do justice to the warmth of their applause, +and the praises they all bestowed on our squadron.</p> + +<p>"A ball was given last night by the governor, in honour of our +victory; and we have a round of dinner invitations from the heads of +the garrison. I am, however, happy to tell you that to-morrow I expect +to put to sea for Lisbon, with the Theseus and prizes, which I am to +leave in safety in the Tagus, and then proceed to England. I am to +give a passage to the Duc d'Havré and his suite: he is a nobleman of +distinction, who has resided some time in Spain, but has been expelled +from that country with other <span class="italic">emigrés</span>. I had an opportunity of +sending you, by a cutter for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> Lagos, a short letter, with the above +pleasing accounts, which I am persuaded will yield no less happiness +to you than it has to me."</p> + +<p>We have already mentioned the honours, the titles, the decorations, +and the favours conferred on the victorious Nelson, as also the +praises he had himself bestowed on some of the captains of the fleet; +but we cannot refrain from reverting to the extraordinary circumstance +that the second in command in that battle, which both Earl St. Vincent +and Mr. Pitt declared "stands foremost in the page of naval history," +and which (as before stated), was most highly extolled, had not that +mark of distinction conferred upon him, which is usually granted on +such occasions. In common, indeed, with the other captains, he +received a gold medal; being only the second given to him, although he +commanded a ship of the line in four great general actions, and served +in two others.<a name="FNanchor_20" id="FNanchor_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> We mention this, because Sir James was not aware of +the extent of this neglect until many years after, when, meeting with +Clarke and Mac Arthur's Life of Nelson, he discovered that Nelson's +letters had influenced the Admiralty to regard him as having held no +higher station in the action than any other captain in the squadron, +and represented Sir Thomas Troubridge, who unfortunately had no part +in the battle, as equally entitled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> to reward as himself: therefore he +felt this deviation from the common usage less severely at the time +than he would otherwise have done.</p> + +<p>We admit that it would be difficult to point out a situation of +extraordinary hardship more peculiarly calculated, than that of +Troubridge, to excite the feelings of sympathy expressed so strongly +by Nelson.</p> + +<p>But what would have been the situation,—what would have been the +feelings of Sir James Saumarez, had he been sent away to make room for +Sir Thomas Troubridge? We leave the reader to judge. Suffice it to +say, that as soon as the Admiral had ascertained the real force of the +enemy, he found the Orion could not be spared, by which fortunate +circumstance Sir James was saved a mortification which would have +weighed on his heart the remainder of his days.</p> + +<p>Every admiral, captain, and officer, with whom we have conversed on +the subject, has been decidedly of opinion that the name of Saumarez +ought to have been honourably mentioned; and that, as second in +command, some mark of distinction should have been conferred upon him. +We dwell on this subject particularly, because we know, that when a +brave and meritorious officer does not obtain the reward due to his +merit, it is extremely injurious to the service, as it damps that +ardour after fame, and weakens that emulation, which lead to valour +and enterprise.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> May every succeeding Nelson regard, and be able to +look up to, that motto which was conferred on the hero of the +Nile,—<span class="italic">Palmam qui meruit, ferat!</span></p> + +<p>On Sir James's arrival at Gibraltar he received the following letters +from Sir Horatio Nelson, approving of his proceedings:—</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Vanguard, Naples, 29th Sept. 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have received your letter of the 17th from Augusta, as well as your despatch +of the 27th, by Captain Gage.</p> + +<p>I very much approve of your putting into Augusta to get water, and very highly +so of your officer-like behaviour and conduct relative to Malta, as also of your +supplying the Maltese with arms and ammunition.</p> + +<p class="left65">I am, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">September 29th, 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir James,</p> + +<p>Captain Gage is just arrived with your letters and papers relative to Malta. I +can say with truth there is no action of your life, as far as relates to me, but +what must be entirely to my approbation: your summons to Malta is highly proper; +and you have done as I wished in sending the arms, &c. The wind here is +strong at S.E. I hope you have it, and that it will carry you through the +Straits. This is a sad place for refitting, the swell sets in so heavy; never +again do we come to Naples: besides the rest, we are killed with kindness. +Wishing you, my dear Sir James, every felicity in this world, believe me ever,</p> + +<p class="left60">Your obliged and affectionate,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez.</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> + +<p>At Gibraltar Sir James also received a letter from his gallant friend +and brother-in-arms, Captain Ball, which gives so vivid a description +of some of the events of this most eventful period of the war, that we +are persuaded the reader will thank us for inserting it.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Alexander, at sea, 11th Oct. 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir James,</p> + +<p>I have the satisfaction of sending you, by the Colossus, a case containing six +fan-mounts, two boxes of perfumery, four large and two small of Naples soap, +amounting to eighteen Spanish dollars and a half. I hope to collect from Sicily +some ornamental figures for a table, which I will forward to you, by the first +safe conveyance, with some Neapolitan shawls. I shall not draw upon your agent, +as I expect, when I return to Naples, to receive nearly forty pounds as your +share of the cotton and articles taken out of the Spanish polacre we captured. +Pray let me know to whom I shall remit the balance. I sincerely hope that you +had a good passage down, and have not suffered from the fatigue and anxiety you +must have experienced. I make no doubt but you will have the pleasure of +convoying the ships to England, where you will be amply recompensed by a joyful +meeting with Lady Saumarez and your family. When you get your second medal, +beware of the ladies, if they hear such a story of you as of our friend +Collingwood. I shall feel very much flattered whenever you will favour me with a +line; and you may be assured that I shall never lose an occasion of testifying +to you my great esteem, and how very much I value your friendship. I enclose +herewith a translation of Admiral Blanquet's account of the battle of the Nile, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>with his plans, which he is to present to the French Minister of the Marine. +One of my officers copied them unknown to him, but his aide-de-camp allowed +everybody to read them.</p> + +<p>It would be difficult to describe to you the very flattering reception we met +with at Naples. Our gallant Admiral was hailed as the saviour of Italy. He daily +receives from all parts congratulatory addresses and verses, celebrating his +fame. The King visited him before he anchored, and he gave him and all the +captains a very elegant dinner on board one of his ships of the line. We dined +on the poop; the party very select, consisting of the hereditary Prince and one +of his brothers, the Minister of Marine, three of the Lords in waiting, Sir +William and Lady Hamilton, and the captain of the Neapolitan ship. After dinner, +the King gave as a toast, "Sir Horatio Nelson and the brave English nation," +with a salute from his lower deck guns. Sir William Hamilton gave a fête that +cost more than a thousand pounds. It was much admired for its taste and +magnificence. There was nothing to be seen or heard of but "Viva Nelson!" The +English nation never stood so high in the estimation of the Italians as at this +present moment: and I believe the French were never so universally execrated and +despised as they now are. The Emperor and King of Naples will make an effort to +drive them out of Italy. General Mack was daily expected at Naples to arrange +the plans.</p> + +<p>We have to regret the capture of the Leander by the Généreux. She is carried +into Corfu. Of course all our letters by her are destroyed, and our friends will +suffer much anxiety until the arrival of Capel, who could not get there before +the 20th of last month. The grand Seignior declared war against the French the +1st of last month. He did not receive the Admiral's official account <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>of the +action until the 6th ult. He has ordered a costly diamond to be presented to him +for the important victory.</p> + +<p>Buonaparte's career is nearly finished. He will soon be surrounded by sixty +thousand men. One of his colonels, whom Foley took very lately, says that the +whole army will soon perish. He sent to Alexandria for all the troops in +garrison to join him without loss of time, which they refused doing. The seamen +marched to retrieve their character, but I do not think many will return to tell +of their exploits. A Turkish fleet is gone for Alexandria. Our Envoy at +Constantinople, Sir Sidney Smith's brother, has gained great credit by his +ability and judicious conduct. I had great satisfaction in reading some of his +correspondence. We expect very soon to be in possession of Malta, Corfu, Zante, +and Cerigo. I shall then hope to go to England, Sir H. Nelson having given me +reason to expect the pleasure of carrying home Sir William and Lady Hamilton.</p> + +<p>I am now in company with the Colossus, going off Malta, which we are in sight +of. Captain Murray talks of staying to ascertain the state of the island. He is +then to proceed to join Lord St. Vincent. He has this moment made the signal for +Gibraltar; I must therefore refer you to him for the state of Malta. The French +must surrender in a few days. Their ships mean to slip out and trust to their +sailing. Believe me,</p> + +<p class="left55">With true esteem and regard,<br /> +<span class="i2">My dear Sir James, very sincerely yours,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Alex. M. Ball.</span></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>To return to Sir James's journal:</p> + +<p>"19th October.—Your valued letters of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> 21st July and 29th August +I received the morning of my arrival, and they gave me real comfort +after so long a privation. I now trust that, in a few weeks, we shall +be re-united, no more to part! It is my firm intention to remain, for +some time at least, entirely abstracted from active service. If I can +do so, and retain the command of the ship, well and good; if not, I +shall apply to be superseded.</p> + +<p>"An expedition under Sir John Duckworth is now sailing from this bay; +various are the conjectures on its destination. I need not tell you, +after what I have noticed respecting the Earl, that we are on a very +good footing. Indeed, the solicitous attention he shows to me almost +overwhelms me, as I wish to keep clear of laying myself under +obligation, except as far as concerns the promotion of my officers.</p> + +<p>"24th October, Orion, off Cadiz.—Yesterday I got clear of Gibraltar +Bay with the Theseus and five of the prizes, it having been decided, +the morning before we sailed, to leave the Souverain for a hulk at +Gibraltar, which I had strongly recommended before.</p> + +<p>"I was fortunate in the arrival of the Transfer brig, in ten days from +Naples, a few hours previous to our sailing. She brought the sad news +of the capture of the Leander, with the despatches; but having long +before given her over for lost, and being apprehensive for the safety +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> all on board, the account rather gave me satisfaction, especially +as she is said to have well supported the fame of the Nile squadron, +though the details of the action are not known.</p> + +<p>"Earl St. Vincent afforded me the perusal of several interesting +letters that came by the Transfer from Naples, particularly from the +envoy and our gallant Admiral: he was on the point of sailing for +Malta, which, there is scarcely a doubt, is by this time, entirely in +possession of the inhabitants.</p> + +<p>"We are going on with a fine breeze for Lisbon, which I hope to reach +before Saturday. This morning I gained sight of our squadron off +Cadiz; and, although within a few miles of one of the ships, (the +Hector,) they had not the curiosity to join us, and I was unwilling to +be delayed by going to them, although I should have been happy to have +had communication with some of the ships. I hope my stay at Lisbon +will be but short; as, after I embark the Duc d'Havré, and have seen +the prizes taken care of, I proceed immediately for Portsmouth. Judge +then of my feelings. My only regret is, being unable to impart them to +you!</p> + +<p>"Thursday.—Early this morning I fell in with the Barfleur and +Northumberland. Although not without great difficulty, I persevered in +my endeavours to join them; but, to my great concern, I found no +letters for me on board either ship.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> Captain Dacres tells me he wrote +to Ryde, thinking you were there, but in vain. Lady Parker, however, +assured him that she had a letter from you very lately.</p> + +<p>"I was glad to hear Captain Capel had reached England with the +accounts of our action, the news of which were received at Portsmouth +the day before the Barfleur sailed.</p> + +<p>"Fortune has, as usual, proved propitious this month. What think you +of two vessels, with valuable cargoes from Genoa, which promise to +give, at the most moderate computation, at least £10,000 between +Captain Miller and myself!<a name="FNanchor_21" id="FNanchor_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> The Theseus joined me with one +yesterday noon, and we brought the other to, some time after; both +under Greek colours, but unquestionably laden with the property of +Genoese merchants. More are on their way, which we expect to fall in +with. But indeed, my dearest love, we require not riches to add to our +happiness. Let us but have peace and tranquillity, and we have enough +for every earthly enjoyment whilst it pleases Heaven to bless us with +good health. Alas, poor Lady W.! how sensibly I feel for the +misfortune that has deprived her excellent husband of all prospect of +ever again enjoying comfort in this life. She was, indeed, all you +have said of her.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow I depend on arriving at Lisbon,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> with the hope of being +detained a few days only, and where I rely on being cheered with +letters from you. <span class="italic">A propos</span>: Miss R. is there, and will not be sorry +to hear the Leander is at last heard of, although in possession of the +enemy. She is going to England with General and Mrs. Trigge.</p> + +<p>"27th October.—I had hoped before the arrival of this <span class="italic">blessed</span> day +to acquaint you with our being safe in the Tagus; but the light winds +prevented our getting round Cape St. Vincent before yesterday evening, +and it now blows so strong from the westward that there is no +possibility of getting over the bar. To-morrow, I trust, we shall be +more fortunate; or, what would prove still better, that it will blow +so strong as to compel me to bear up for the Channel, which I +certainly would do in case of a south-west gale.</p> + +<p>"Sunday, two o'clock.—I now congratulate you on our safe arrival in +the Tagus, in the midst of very boisterous weather; but, thanks to +Divine Providence! without an accident to any of the ships; I have but +once more to weigh anchor, and then I trust in its mercy to bring me +to the haven where I would be, and to find all my precious treasures +in complete possession of health and happiness.</p> + +<p>"A packet arrived this morning with Commissioner Coffin. The only +letter I have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> so fortunate as to receive is one from Mr. Le M. +dated the day Captain Capel arrived. What would I not give for one of +as late date from you! Another is soon expected, this packet having +had nearly three weeks' passage."</p> + +<p>The extract of the following letter from Sir James to the +commander-in-chief continues this narrative:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Orion, Tagus, 1st November, 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acquaint your lordship of the safe arrival in the Tagus of +this ship and the Theseus, with five of the prize-ships lately taken in his +Majesty's service.</p> + +<p>His grace the Duc d'Havré embarks on board this ship on Monday next; and the +Marquis de Mortemart having solicited a passage to England, I have consented to +receive him on condition of his being considered in the suite of the duke. +Captain Tyler also takes his passage in the Orion. I should have been happy to +have made the like offer to General Trigge, but it was not possible to +accommodate him and the ladies of his family without considerable inconvenience +to the Duc d'Havré. His grace is a nobleman of the first distinction and +consideration, and he expresses himself very sensible of your lordship's +attention in providing for him so good a conveyance.</p> + +<p>I beg to offer my most sincere and fervent wishes for health and every happiness +to attend your lordship; and, with my unfeigned thanks for all your lordship's +favour,</p> + +<p class="left75">I remain, &c.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James, having now fulfilled the anxious charge entrusted to him, +and, with great professional skill and unremitting vigilance, brought +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> +the prizes in safety to Lisbon, is at length setting sail for England: +and who will not share the feelings of the husband and the father, on +approaching his home after so long an absence! The following extracts +from his letters will convey some impression of what those feelings +were.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Lisbon, Nov. 3rd, 1798.</p> + +<p>I am now rejoicing in the hope of being in England nearly as soon as this letter +can reach you. I propose to sail from this place the beginning of next week, and +I trust my arrival will shortly follow. Let me find a letter from you at +Portsmouth. I depend on your being ready to set off as soon as you hear the +Orion is there. The post will arrive sufficiently early to allow of your leaving +Bath the same day. I may possibly be able to meet you on the road, as I shall +have had time to despatch Monsieur le Duc d'Havré (who is a very polite +Frenchman) and to make arrangements against our return. I think it right to +mention that unless the wind admits the ships getting over the Bar of Lisbon, I +may be detained. But I hope for a quick passage.</p></div> + +<p>"Sunday, November 25th, Spithead.—I wrote to you, this morning, from +St. Helens. The happy moment is at length arrived when I can despatch +a letter from Spithead. Yours of yesterday is in my hand. To-morrow +you will be setting off; but I fear the service will prevent our +meeting till the day after.</p> + +<p>"I have despatched Dumaresq to Newport for our dear boy; and I depend +on seeing him to-night.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> <span class="italic">Le Duc est empressé de le voir.</span> I hope to +get the party on shore, <span class="italic">de bonne heure</span>, to-morrow: but we are still +in quarantine whilst I am making these arrangements.</p> + +<p>"Tuesday morning.—Great is my disappointment at being kept thus long +in quarantine: it is a cruel <span class="italic">contre temps</span>, and the more so from its +being unforeseen. What adds to my disappointment is, that I am at a +loss to know if our <span class="italic">pratique</span> has been received by this day's post, +the weather having prevented all communication with the shore. It will +rejoice you to learn that our beloved boy has been with me since ten, +yesterday morning, and that I find him all you have described. I +expect to hear every moment of your arrival at the Fountain. Mr. +Maxwell writes there is no doubt of our being released to-morrow.</p> + +<p>"One o'clock.—If our <span class="italic">pratique</span> is not received by this post, request +Sir Peter to set the telegraph at work, now that the weather has +cleared up. 8 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> Your letter has this instant reached me. The +tidings of your arrival have relieved my mind from great inquietude. +The messenger has orders to wait your commands until after the post +hour to-morrow; and if we are not then admitted to the privileges of +<span class="italic">Christian charity</span> after our <span class="italic">Egyptian bondage</span>, we must <span class="italic">endeavour</span> +to submit to our fate. James is by my side, and glows with +thankfulness at being so soon likely to embrace his beloved mamma. He +has indeed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> been a real comfort to me under this sad contrariety of +events. I have placed Monsieur Le Duc, and the rest of the party, at +cards, to send these lines in time <span class="italic">pour ton réveil demain. Encore +adieu, ma très chère</span>! Write every hour of the day, and send your +letters to Mr. Maxwell.</p> + +<p>"Wednesday morning.—Grieved as I am to be a prisoner still another +day, there is consolation in the <span class="italic">certainty</span> of our being released +to-morrow. Ardently as I aspire for the moment of our meeting, I must +delay going on shore until after the performance of divine service in +this ship:<a name="FNanchor_22" id="FNanchor_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> and I know this arrangement will have your full +concurrence. Your note is just received: how well have you anticipated +my thoughts, and met my wishes even before they were expressed. Please +God, to-morrow we shall be compensated for a separation of two long +years; and on a day in which none can have greater mercies to +commemorate than ourselves.</p> + +<p>"Wednesday evening.—I have just ascertained that the Duke and the Marquis +do not proceed to town before Friday; therefore expect to receive them at +dinner, and desire Mrs. Fielding to prepare for eighteen or twenty guests."</p> + +<p>Sir James remained at Portsmouth, until the 15th December, when he +sailed for Plymouth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> at which place he arrived on the 22nd: and on +the 6th of January 1799 the Orion was paid off, when Sir James went to +Bath, where he was once more free and happy in the bosom of his +family.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1800.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Sir James writes to Earl Spencer.—Is appointed to the Cæsar, of 84 +guns.—Joins the Channel fleet.—The Brest fleet having escaped, +proceeds to the Mediterranean.—English fleet at Bantry Bay.—Return +of the French fleet.—Cæsar at Lisbon.—Sir James returns to +Spithead.—Rejoins the Channel fleet.—Earl St. Vincent takes the +command.—Appoints Sir James to command the advanced squadron.—Black +Rocks.—Earl St. Vincent's letter of approbation.—Douvernenez +Bay.—Various letters.—Complete success of the blockade—Enemy's +fleet laid up Sir James returns to Spithead.—Conclusion of 1800.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James had cherished the hope that he was to be permitted to enjoy +the blessings of domestic life, at least for a few months; but even in +the most perfect state of happiness which can be well imagined, he +always held his duty to his King and country, (next to the duty he +owed to his Creator,) to be paramount to every other consideration; +and, feeling himself bound, after a short period of relaxation, to +offer his services, he wrote the following letter:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Bath, 15th January 1799.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>As you were pleased to intimate your intention of being at Bath when I last had +the honour of seeing you, I delayed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>writing until this time. I am extremely +happy to find that Lady Spencer's improved state of health has rendered the +journey unnecessary.</p> + +<p>Two days after my arrival I received a letter from Admiral Young, proposing to +me (in the absence of your lordship) a large seventy-four, which I declined +accepting, as you had done me the honour to offer me the Cæsar, on a certain +expected event taking place. I hope you will forgive me for entreating that as +many of the Orion's ship's company may be reserved for me as the service will +admit. Having experienced their uniform good conduct for so many years, I am +most solicitous to have them with me in another ship.</p> + +<p class="left45">I have the honour to be,<br /> +<span class="i2">With the highest respect,</span><br /> +<span class="i4">Your lordship's most obedient and humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To the Right Honourable Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>To the above, Sir James received the following answer:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 18th January 1799.</p> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>Lady Spencer's journey to Bath is only deferred, I fear; as it will probably be +necessary for her to go there soon.</p> + +<p>The proposal made to you by Admiral Young was only intended as a temporary +measure, in case you had no objection to be employed in the interval before you +could have a permanent appointment. Whenever the period shall come at which I +can propose such an appointment to you, I shall avail myself of it with +pleasure. With respect to reserving your ship's company, that practice is +attended with so much inconvenience to the public service, that it has of late +been necessarily discontinued. Although there is no one in whose favour I should +be more disposed to relax <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>than to you, I fear it will be impossible for me to +do so in this particular. I am, dear sir,</p> + +<p class="left60">Your very obedient and humble servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Spencer.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>The 14th of February, being the anniversary of the glorious victory +obtained over the Spanish fleet, was selected for a promotion of +flag-officers; and on this occasion his Majesty was pleased to confer +on Sir James Saumarez one of the colonelcies of Marines as a reward +for his many and meritorious services. Earl Spencer availed himself of +the opportunity to appoint him to the Cæsar, of 84 guns, one of the +finest, but hitherto most unfortunate, ships in the British navy. Sir +James hoisted his pendant on the 26th of February, and had the +satisfaction to have several of his officers and crew removed from the +Orion to the Cæsar, in Hamoaze, where her fitting out went on with +considerable rapidity. On the 19th of March she proceeded to Cawsand +Bay, where, on the 30th, she rode out a heavy gale of wind from the +S.E.</p> + +<p>On the following day, in company with the Magnificent and Impetueux, +she sailed for the Channel fleet, commanded by Admiral Berkeley, which +she joined off Brest the 3rd April. On the 16th, Lord Bridport arrived +from Portsmouth with five sail more, increasing the fleet to fifteen +sail of the line. Another heavy gale was experienced on the 20th, but +no damage was sustained.</p> + +<p>On the 25th, looking into Brest Harbour, they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> were surprised to see +the French fleet, consisting of twenty-five sail, partly in Camaret +Bay, and under way in Brest Water. The fleet stood off Ushant; the +wind came to the S.E. with hazy weather, and on the same night they +escaped.</p> + +<p>Sir James writes:—</p> + +<p>"April 27th.—Yesterday at noon, it blowing very strong from the +northward, with foggy weather, the signal was made that the enemy was +under sail. A general chase soon followed; but, I am sorry to say, +they eluded our pursuit under cover of the thick weather, keeping +close to their shore, by the passage du Raz. The cruise has now taken +quite a different turn to what I expected; and it gives me great +spirits to find we are likely to render to our country some service.</p> + +<p>"1st of May.—My fervent vows were very early offered, my best love, +for Heaven's choicest blessings to attend you, with many, many returns +of your natal day. The fatted calf was intended to have been killed +for the fête; but the bustle caused by the French fleet occasioned its +being neglected. Your health, however, will be drunk in a bumper of my +best wine. I have a letter from the Duc d'Havré, dated Edinburgh, +where he was on a visit to Monsieur.<a name="FNanchor_23" id="FNanchor_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> He was going to embark for +the continent. <span class="italic">Mille complimens de sa part pour miladi</span>, &c. &c.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p> +<p>"May 5th.—We have had, the last three days, a strong S.E. gale, +which has brought us off Ireland. I hope to-morrow we shall fall in +with ships from Plymouth, and that I shall have the satisfaction of +receiving letters from you,—the greatest I can possibly enjoy at this +time, except that of beating the French fleet.</p> + +<p>"May 8th.—Off Cape Clear.—Captain Durham hailed me: he says the +French fleet were seen a week ago, steering to the southward. These +are trying times for those who feel as we do the importance of events, +which involve and may decide the fate of nations.</p> + +<p>"May 17th.—Sir Alan Gardner has joined us this morning with a +reinforcement. We are still without any certain intelligence of the +enemy; a few days must determine. I only wish we could soon, very soon +meet them, to put a stop to our perplexity and impatience.</p> + +<p>"Friday evening, 24th May.—We are just anchored in Bantry Bay. I fear +my conjectures of the enemy being gone to Portugal, or the +Mediterranean, and not being destined for this country, are too surely +founded.</p> + +<p>"I have this instant received your letter of the 4th, by which, +though, as yet, very hastily perused, I learn you are at Teignmouth. I +am sorry to see that you have already taken alarm at the reports which +are circulated respecting us: follow the example of Lady Howe, who +neither reads<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> newspapers, nor listens to rumours. I know not who are +most to blame, those who invent them, or you who believe them.</p> + +<p>"26th.—We continue without any certain accounts respecting the +destination of the French armament. Admiral Collingwood arrived this +morning, and hoists his flag in the Triumph. He will take a strong +detachment with him for the Mediterranean. It is not yet known what +ships are to go: but I have been on board Lord Bridport; and I do not +hear the Cæsar is to be one of them; which, I suppose, will <span class="italic">please</span> +you: <span class="italic">in other respects</span>, there is no doubt that the Mediterranean +station is far preferable to the Channel service. Your wish that we +should carry away a mast was nearly gratified, the Achille and the +Cæsar having been on board each other in coming into this bay; the +principal damage was, however, sustained by the former; +notwithstanding which, she will not be obliged to return into port; +therefore, form no such wishes, but show yourself a true patriot, and +let the good of the country be the principal wish of your heart. The +escape of the French fleet, was, I dare say, consonant to these +feminine feelings, and see what a dilemma it has thrown us into.</p> + +<p>"31st May.—Off Cape Clear.—I see Lord Bridport very frequently, who +always inquires most kindly after you. His lordship, it may be +believed, is not very well satisfied with the present<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> state of +affairs. We must hope that future good will result from apparent evil; +but it must ever be regretted that the French fleet escaped from +Brest, without being brought to action. I think it probable Sir Alan +Gardner will have the command of a strong detachment, and proceed off +Cape Finisterre; but what ships are to be attached to him will not be +known until the separation takes place. Should the French fleet be +gone up the Mediterranean, they will proceed on that station; in which +case I hope the Cæsar will be one of Sir Alan's squadron. I am well +provided for a long cruise. When I shall hear from you, Heaven alone +knows! but I am endued with patience, after all our trials. The +<span class="italic">éloge</span> of Mr. Morgan, on our dear boy, is a great satisfaction to me, +and no less so at knowing him to be where his morals will be attended +to, equally with the other branches of his education.</p> + +<p>"June 9th.—My last will have led you to expect my being detached with +Sir A. Gardner. We separated from Lord Bridport, Saturday, with +sixteen sail of the line; and we are already the distance of Lisbon, +with a fine breeze, steering for the Mediterranean. I almost fear we +shall be too late, notwithstanding the expedition we are using. I fell +in with a Dane, from whom I learned the French fleet had passed the +Straits, and Lord St. Vincent after them.</p> + +<p>"Sunday 10th.—In going down with the information<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> to the Admiral, we +had the misfortune to carry away our fore-top-mast. I was not a little +surprised to find Sir Alan with only the Magnificent and Russell, Sir +Charles Cotton having been detached to the Mediterranean; thus I fear +we shall be deprived sharing in the victory we hoped to obtain over +the enemy's fleet. Our small squadron is returning towards Lisbon, +instead of gaining the medals we made sure of.</p> + +<p>"14th.—Off Lisbon. We are anxiously waiting here for intelligence. +The Admiral surprised me with the information that the object of our +coming to Lisbon was to take away our prizes. He has ordered me in to +accelerate their joining him."</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p>Sir Alexander Ball, in a letter to Sir James, dated off Malta, 27th +April 1799, writes: "Be assured that your appointment to the Marines +and the command of the Cæsar, which are given to you as a mark of the +high estimation in which you are regarded by the Admiralty and the +public, has given me more joy than I should have received from the +appointment of any other person on the list, because I have had the +satisfaction of witnessing your bravery, zeal, and ardour in the +service. I am much pleased with your plan of the sword."</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> + +<p>The Commander-in-chief, supposing the destination of the French +expedition to be Ireland,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> proceeded at once to Bantry Bay, where the +fleet remained until the end of May; while the enemy passed the +Straits of Gibraltar unmolested, having been on that occasion favoured +by a gale of wind, which prevented the fleet under Lord Keith (though +certainly very inferior) from bringing them to action. The French and +Spanish fleets returned to Brest, unobserved, on the 21st of June.</p> + +<p>In the mean time a part of Lord Bridport's fleet, in which was the +Cæsar, proceeded under command of Sir Alan Gardner to the Tagus, which +it left on the 18th; and, cruising back, returned to Cawsand Bay on +the 13th July. As the enemy showed no disposition to put to sea again, +the Cæsar, and the rest of the fleet, remained quietly at Cawsand Bay, +and subsequently at Torbay till the 2nd September, when they again +sailed. In the course of the three ensuing months it put back three +times; and finally, on the 8th of December 1799, when the Admiralty, +being desirous of ascertaining whether Torbay was a safe anchorage for +the fleet during the winter months, ordered the Cæsar to continue on +that station for the trial, and at the same time placed the London, of +98 guns, under the orders of Sir James. The tempestuous weather which +prevailed during the rest of the month, and throughout January, +afforded several occasions to determine the point. The London, during +a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> heavy gale, parted her cables, and was with great difficulty +preserved from going on shore, which left no doubt that it was an +insecure and unfit post to shelter a fleet.</p> + +<p>On the 17th March 1800, Lord Bridport took command of the fleet, which +was soon after increased to twenty-five sail of the line; but nothing +remarkable occurred till the 18th of May, when a dreadful gale +occasioned much damage to many of the ships. The wind was at first +S.W. and blew with great violence, when it suddenly checked to the +N.W., before the S.W. sea had time to subside: most of the fleet wore. +The Lady Jane, Trompeuse, and Railleur foundered: the Montague lost +all her masts, and several others met with damage. It appears by the +log of the Cæsar that she continued for some time on the same tack, +which may account for her having sustained little injury, although it +mentions that she shipped several heavy seas. So tremendous was the +rolling of the ship, that her lower yard-arms were at one time under +water, while the carpenters stood by with their axes, to cut the masts +away, if she had not righted. She did not bear up for Torbay with the +rest of the fleet, but followed two days after, and, having +replenished her water and provisions, resumed her station, from whence +Sir James wrote a letter to Lady Saumarez, of which the following is +an extract:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">"Cæsar, 26th June, 1800.</p></div> + +<p>"Of the enemy in this neighbourhood we know nothing, except of their +inactivity. I hope they do not mean to leave so fine a fleet, as we +have here, useless all the summer. Fear not my complying with your +injunctions. I shall more than ever strive against <span class="italic">ennui</span>,—my +greatest enemy, I believe, whilst in this inactive state. I read when +I can, but anxiety to hear from you, and to have accounts of our +darling children, has its share in withdrawing my attention and fixing +it on more interesting subjects. Of one thing, however, be assured, +that with respect to the ship and all thereto belonging, I am as well +situated as possible. I enjoy the satisfaction of having a very quiet +and well-disposed ship's company, who are kept orderly, and, I flatter +myself, well regulated, without exercising severity or rigour. The +officers continue as I wish them. Captain Maxwell, who joined some +time ago, is an active, diligent officer in his corps; and Mr. +Packwood, as well as Mr. Holliday, our new chaplain, are very good men +in their respective stations.</p> + +<p>"Although I find amusement in books, believe me your letters form my +sole delight, and tend more to lighten the time than all the volumes +in Hoxland's library."</p> + +<p>Sir James, after another cruise, returned on the 24th of July, to +prepare for a service of more responsibility and importance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p> + +<p>The French had now a large fleet at Brest, which appeared to be in a +state of great forwardness; and, as they had before eluded the +vigilance of the blockading ships, it was necessary to place a strong +squadron near the Black Rocks to watch their motions, and to give the +command of this advanced detachment to an officer of skill, +experience, and intrepidity. Earl St. Vincent, who was now +commander-in-chief of the Channel fleet, knowing how highly Sir James +Saumarez was qualified for such an important trust, gave him the +following order to take command of the in-shore squadron:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>You are hereby required and directed to proceed without a moment's loss of time, +in his Majesty's ship under your command, off the Black Rocks, where you may +expect to find his Majesty's ships named in the margin, <a name="FNanchor_24" id="FNanchor_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a>which you are to take under your command; their +respective captains being instructed to obey your orders: and having received +from Captain Knight, of his Majesty's ship Montague, authenticated copies of all +orders and papers in his possession relative to the command of the advanced +squadron, carry the same into execution until you receive further orders.</p> + +<p>You will also receive from Captain Knight a sealed secret instruction, +addressed to the officer commanding the advanced squadron off the +Black Rocks for the time being, which is on no account to be opened, +but under the circumstances thereon directed.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, &c.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">Copy of Instructions to the Senior Officer of the advanced squadron +off the Black Rocks.</p> + +<p>You are hereby required and directed to take under your command the +advanced squadron, composed of his Majesty's ships named on the other +side hereof, (whose captains are instructed to obey your orders,) +stationed off the Black Rocks and in the Bay of Brest, for the purpose +of watching the combined fleets in that port; adopting such measures +as you shall judge necessary for gaining every possible information of +their force, condition, and movements.</p> + +<p>In the execution of this most important service, the line-of-battle +ships (composing the advanced squadron) are to be anchored during an +easterly wind in the Iroise Passage, as well to support the look-out +frigates, as to intercept a squadron of the enemy which is held in +constant readiness to slip out the very first opportunity that shall +offer; and during a westerly wind, you are not to fail in making Brest +every day, if possible, but at all events to take such precautions as +will enable you to resume your former position in the Iroise, on the +first appearance of easterly wind.</p> + +<p>You are to communicate to me from time to time every intelligence you +may obtain respecting the enemy; and in case he should come out in +great force, while the squadron under my command is in this +rendezvous, you are to give me immediate notice thereof, and also the +officers commanding the detachments off the Passage Du Raz, Isle +Grois, and in Quiberon Bay; but, in the event of my being compelled by +tempestuous weather to take shelter in Torbay, and of the enemy +seizing that opportunity of putting to sea, you are to give me +information thereof by every means in your power: taking under your +command <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>the detachments off the Passage Du Raz, Isle Grois, and in +Quiberon Bay, together with the ships named in the margin,<a name="FNanchor_25" id="FNanchor_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> which +are directed to keep as near the Black Rocks as possible, under the +orders of Captain Sutton, for the support of your ships; and to hang +upon and use your utmost endeavours to harass the enemy's rear until +the approach of this squadron, which, you may be assured, will be in +pursuit.</p> + +<p class="right">Given on board the Royal George,<br /> +off Ushant, 7th August 1800.<br /> +<span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To Sir John Borlase Warren,<br /> +Bart. K.B. Rear-admiral of<br /> +the Blue, &c. &c. &c.<br /> +<span class="left5">By command of the Admiral.</span> <span class="smcap">Ben. Tucker.</span></p> +<p class="right">An exact copy. Given the 8th August 1800<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Borlase Warren.</span></p></div> + +<p>Sir James now proceeded, in the Cæsar, to assume the important command +off the Black Rocks, which had deservedly obtained the name of New +Siberia, as being the least desirable of stations for a ship-of-war. +It is, indeed, scarcely possible to describe any situation more +miserable; for, besides being at the very entrance of a port +containing twenty-five sail of the line ready for sea, which might +slip out and attack the squadron of six, the ships are two-thirds +surrounded with rocks and dangers, which afford no shelter; while they +are open to the S.W. winds. They have often great difficulty in +working out, sometimes against the tide as well as against the wind; +and,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> in reconnoitring, they are exposed to the fire of the enemy on +each side of Brest Water.</p> + +<p>The following extracts of private letters written by Sir James to Lady +Saumarez, will be found interesting, as they convey the best idea of +his situation.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, Sunday evening, 2d Sept. 1800.</p> + +<p><span class="italic">On dit</span>, but I do not believe it, that the French fleet is to be ordered out by +the First Consul, at all risks. We may therefore expect to make <span class="italic">minced meat</span> of +them with our seventeen three-deckers. We remain in sight of the enemy +unmolested by them. To-day I had the colours hoisted, to show them Sunday was +not expunged from <span class="italic">our</span> calendar; and divine service was performed on board.</p> + +<p>Our boats have occasionally landed on some small islands near this. Captain +Buller purchased two nice little cows, one of which he has spared me: it is so +tame, the children could play with it. It supplies me with milk, and cost me +only three guineas.</p> + +<p>The Guernsey traders continue with the squadron; but, on account of the spirits +they sell to the ships, I wish them further off. I have been obliged to be harsh +with them, from this circumstance; and I expect they will give a very bad report +of their countryman when they return to the island.</p> +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, Sept. 12th 1800.</p> + +<p> Sir Henry Harvey has joined the fleet, which makes up the complement of flags; +and it remains to be proved if the Earl has influence to effect what he so +strenuously aims at respecting the promotion. I form very sanguine hopes +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>that +peace will shortly extend its blessed influence over these countries; and that I +shall have the satisfaction to enjoy, without interruption, the sweets of +domestic comfort. I certainly shall avail myself of the earliest respite the +service will enable me to pass in the island; and I think I may have that +opportunity this winter; for if the war should be continued, there is no doubt +that a promotion would give me, at least, six weeks interval from duty; at any +rate, I see no reason for the future affording you anxiety, as whether there, or +in England, I depend on our passing a considerable portion of the winter +together. I hope Master Saumarez knows his alpha, beta, &c. by heart. When +convenient to the young gentleman, I shall be glad that he will take the trouble +to transcribe it for me to Omega, as I have no Greek grammar by me. I can +readily believe the difficulty that attends fixing the little ladies to the +French grammar, whose particularly quick and lively temper is not much suited to +so tedious a process. I think, notwithstanding, it is the best method, +especially as the same grammatical rules are adapted to any language, which they +will find useful hereafter. Dancing, no doubt, has more attractions. I trust +they have quite got rid of their colds: their papa has also had a very severe +one, and kept his cabin for two days; but he is now perfectly recovered.</p> + +<p>September 18th. I admire N., with his comments on Colchester. When you next +write, recommend him to try the Black Rocks in a thick fog, and no chance of +letters from England: he will find even Norman Cross preferable. I, however, +believe I have done with that anchorage for some time, as the wind is set in to +the westward; and I shall now cruise to prevent vessels going into Brest.</p> + +<p>I am happy to say I am perfectly well. I trust my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>nerves will prove equal to +the task; as I have before often told you, they generally strengthen with +difficulties.</p> + +<p>I mean to make this cruise long enough to entitle me to a relief, therefore do +not expect me in port as long as I can keep the sea.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James immediately gave such orders and regulations as would best +guard against, or overcome, the difficulties inseparable from such a +service; and, with the prospect of a long winter before him, he sent +these regulations, and a list of the rendezvous appointed by him, to +the commander-in-chief, whose letter to Sir James, in answer, is +expressive of the high opinion he entertained of him.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 15th Sept. 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Nothing can be more appropriate than the different rendezvous you have sent me a +copy of; your change of position must fluctuate according to the sudden changes +of the weather, which are to be looked for soon. I repose such unbounded +confidence in your zeal and judgment that <span class="italic">I sleep as soundly as if I had the key +of Brest in my possession</span>.</p> + +<p>Sir Richard Strachan and Captain Buller, in the Captain and Edgar, will relieve +two of the ships which last joined you as soon as they return to this +rendezvous, and the Canada will relieve the third. As I have applied for Captain +Foley's leave of absence on very important private business, I wish the Elephant +to be the first sent to me. I am, sir,</p> + +<p class="left60">Your most obedient humble servant,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>It was supposed that the Brest fleet would take advantage of the +equinoctial gales, which were now approaching, and slip out as before, +when the in-shore squadron was blown off, or compelled to bear up for +Torbay; but Sir James had determined on frustrating their attempt. On +the 23rd a heavy gale came on, which, in former instances, would have +obliged the in-shore squadron to abandon the post; but, instead of +bearing up for Torbay when no longer able to maintain his position, +Sir James steered for Douvarnenez Bay, where he anchored with the +whole squadron, just out of range of the enemy's mortar batteries, +which soon tried their shells, but without effect.</p> + +<p>Here his squadron struck top-masts and lower yards, and rode out all +the equinoctial gales, actually in the enemy's harbour, within a few +miles of their whole fleet of four times his force, and in perfect +safety! The gale had been very severe; and although Earl St. Vincent, +who was obliged to run with his fleet for Torbay, had no fears for the +safety of the in-shore squadron, relying as he did on the experience +and skill of Sir James, yet the Admiralty were in a considerable state +of alarm until the following account of his proceedings was received:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCER.</p> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th Sept. 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>On the supposition that the fleet may have been driven from their station by the +late tempestuous weather, and as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>some anxiety may be excited for the safety of +this squadron, I take the opportunity by the Marlborough to inform your lordship +of my having anchored in this bay last Tuesday evening, with the ships under my +command, where we have ridden the gale out in perfect safety, together with the +Montague and Naiad, which ships anchored here on Wednesday.</p> + +<p>This is a most spacious bay, and may be considered safe anchorage in any +weather: it lies about four leagues to the southward of Brest; from which port +it is only separated about five miles by land, over a mountainous and hilly +country. As the same winds that enable the enemy's fleet to put to sea, also +lead out of this bay, we can always be in time for them; and this appears the +most favourable position to prevent their coasting convoys coming from the +southern ports. The enemy has endeavoured to annoy the squadron with shells, but +at too great a distance to reach any of the ships, and the whole fleet may lie +in perfect safety from any of the batteries.</p> + +<p>I purpose to remain here until the weather becomes more moderate, to enable me +to resume the station off the Black Rocks. In the mean time, ships will +occasionally be detached to watch the motions of the enemy in Brest Water. I +have the honour to be, &c.</p> + +<p class="right smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>In answer to this, Sir James received the following letter from Earl +Spencer, then First Lord of the Admiralty.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 30th Sept. 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 26th, dated from Douvarnenez +Bay, and was much pleased to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>find that you had got hold of that anchorage, as I +felt very uneasy at your absence during the late gales. I should rather doubt +whether that bay could be capacious enough for a large fleet to anchor in +without danger from the batteries; but I have always hoped that some of our +small squadron might avail themselves of that resource on such an occasion as +that which has presented itself to you; and I have no doubt that the doing so +will much assist the occupation of our fleet off Brest.</p> + +<p class="left60">Believe me, dear sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your very faithful humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Spencer.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James, at the same time, wrote to Earl St. Vincent by the +Marlborough, giving his lordship an account of his proceedings, which +could not but be highly satisfactory.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th September 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>The weather not having admitted the stores and provisions to be taken out of the +Marlborough whilst under sail, I bore up for this anchorage with the squadron; +and early Wednesday morning the boats were all employed in conveying the water +and provisions to the squadron: but it having continued to blow excessively hard +from that time, it was not until this morning we have been enabled to accomplish +this service.</p> + +<p>The Montague and Naiad anchored in the bay Wednesday morning, and are now under +sail. It has blown a very severe gale of wind at north-west the last two days, +and we have saved considerable wear and tear to all the ships by having taken +this anchorage in good time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p> + +<p>I propose to remain here during the continuation of westerly winds, or until the +weather enables me to resume the station off the Black Rocks; detaching ships +occasionally to watch the enemy's motions.</p> + +<p class="left45">I have the honour to be<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>The following is an extract of a letter which Sir James wrote to Lady +Saumarez, and sent by the same opportunity. It will be found to give +an accurate description of the important anchorage of which he was the +first who was so daring as to take advantage in stormy weather, with +the squadron under his command.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, Sept. 24th, 1800.</p> + +<p>We anchored at eleven last night, and this morning found ourselves in one of the +finest bays I have ever seen. It is far more spacious than Torbay, and much more +enclosed; consequently more secure against all winds. It is the same distance +from Brest by sea as Dartmouth is from Torbay; and by land the same as from +Brixham, not being more than five miles across, over a hilly country; +substituting the Bec de Chèvre for the Berry Head, and it exactly forms the +counter part to Torbay. It abounds with the finest fish, of which we shall +profit.</p> + +<p>As it is not possible for the ships to sail from Brest but with an easterly +wind, which blows directly out of this bay, we can always be beforehand with +them.</p> + +<p>25th.—It has continued to blow hard since we entered this bay, and it has +now risen to a severe storm. I wish <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>you knew how well sheltered we are in this +famous anchorage. Captain Pierrepont has been with me since yesterday: he has +been near fourteen weeks at sea, and, as you may suppose, very tired. I am +better satisfied with my situation than since I have been in the Channel fleet, +and find it far preferable to being attached to it.</p> + +<p class="right">Monday, 29th Sept.</p> + +<p>I trust my letter by the Marlborough has reached you this morning, which will +have set your mind at ease as to our safety after the gales we encountered last +week. I wrote to you yesterday, but too hastily to express, as I wished, the +happiness I derived from having just received your letters of the 15th and 19th. +They had been too long and too anxiously looked for not to receive the most +cordial and heartfelt welcome. I am in hourly expectation of seeing the fleet, +the letters from the Earl acquainting me with his intention of putting to sea +the moment the weather moderated. The Superb, with Centaur and Warrior, hove in +sight this afternoon,—the only ships I have seen since last Tuesday, when +I went into Douvarnenez Bay; and I have the satisfaction to reflect that, +notwithstanding the tempestuous weather, this squadron has been enabled to keep +its station, although all the other detachments have been driven from theirs. +Now that your letter gives me reason to believe you entertain serious thoughts +of going to Guernsey, like your father I lose my courage at the prospect of it. +I sincerely wish I had never suggested the idea, which I was induced to do from +the hope of the war being over, and that you would pass the winter more +comfortably than in England during the dreary months. I am now become a very +coward on the subject, and leave it to you to determine as you think best; at +the same time assuring you that I shall endeavour <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>to be reconciled to whatever +plan is adopted which is most likely to conduce to your comfort. Your account of +our dear girls gives me the most heartfelt satisfaction, and of the increasing +strength of the sweet dove in particular, whom I truly long to behold,—a +happiness I still hope to enjoy ere many weeks are elapsed. I shall expect a +letter from the dear boy by the next opportunity from Plymouth.</p></div> + +<p>The next letter to the Earl of St. Vincent gives an account of the +further proceedings of his squadron, and the situation of the enemy's +fleet in Brest, which proves how successful his endeavours had been in +preventing its meditated escape.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, 28th September 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>Soon after I despatched my letter by the Marlborough, dated from Douvarnenez +Bay, the wind having shifted to the northward, I got under sail with the +squadron; but in the evening it came to the south-west, with thick weather: I +returned to the anchorage, as did Captain Knight, with the Montague and Naiad.</p> + +<p>It continued to blow very strong till yesterday noon, when the wind suddenly +shifted to N. and N. by E. I immediately got under sail, and stood out of the +bay; the Pompée leaving a bower-anchor, her cable having parted in endeavouring +to weigh it. From the report of several signal-guns fired in Brest soon after +the sudden change of wind, I have no doubt of the preparatory movements of the +enemy to put to sea, had the wind continued favourable for them; and I carried a +press of sail during the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>night, in order to be off St. Matthew's Point early +this morning to watch their motions.</p> + +<p>I had a full view of the enemy's fleet, and counted twenty-two sail with their +top-gallant-masts struck, but apparently ready for sea. Having made the signal +to the Megæra to reconnoitre, I beg to refer your lordship to Captain Hill for a +more particular report of their state and numbers.</p> + +<p class="left50">I have the honour to be, my lord,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<p>His Majesty's ship Montague, with the Naiad, and Suwarrow schooner, went through +the bay yesterday evening.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">Ville de Paris, Torbay, 4th October, 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters of the 25th, 26th, +28th ultimo, and 1st instant, detailing your proceedings with his Majesty's +ships under your orders; the whole of which I very much approve, particularly +the taking under your command Captains Sutton and King, with the ships and +vessels attached to them: and you will herewith receive orders to their +respective captains and commanders to put themselves under your command, and +obey your orders for their future proceedings in the important duty of watching +the combined fleets.</p> + +<p class="left60">I am, sir, your most obedient servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>By this bold and unexpected step, (which the French have since +characterised as a piece of <span class="italic">impudence</span>,) Sir James completely +frustrated the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> meditated escape of the combined fleets, which were +now thirty-two in number, seven of which were three-deckers. He had, +moreover, the honour of being the first to defy the enemy in his own +anchorage, proving at the same time that it would not be so easy as +formerly to elude the vigilance of the advanced squadron.</p> + +<p>The weather having moderated after the second return to Douvarnenez +Bay, the squadron resumed the anchorage near the Black Rocks, daily +reconnoitring the enemy, destroying several small vessels which +attempted to get in, and keeping under sail when the wind was +westerly. In continuation to Lady Saumarez he writes:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Oct. 4th 1800.</p> + +<p>The anxiety inseparable from this cruise is very considerably alleviated from +knowing the fleet is in port, which must prove of the greatest benefit both to +officers and men, and to the service in general. I find the rumours of peace are +vanished, and that war is determined upon. I trust events will be favourable to +this country. There is no doubt the French are much distressed for provisions in +the neighbourhood of Brest, and that discontent prevails among their troops, who +are ill-paid, ill-fed, and badly clothed. It is horrid to see the leading men of +all nations so infatuated for war, at a time peace is so much to be desired for +the sake of humanity.</p> + +<p class="right">Cæsar, Bay of Brest, 18th Oct.</p> + +<p>The delightful weather we have enjoyed this last week has enabled me to remain +at anchor off the Black Rocks. They have lost their gloom from the serene +atmosphere, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>but more particularly from having had such frequent tidings from +you, as scarce a day has passed (I believe not one) without being joined by +something from the fleet. Yesterday, the Earl sent me a message that he expected +my flag to be hoisted in a very few days; and Troubridge writes to me the +promotion was to extend to Sir Edward Pellew; and,—what think +you!—that Lord St. Vincent has actually written for Captain Brenton to be +appointed my flag-captain. His lordship, in his letter, tells me that Capt. +Thornbrough is to remain in the Mars, and will relieve me here, if the measure +he has proposed is acceded to: so you may perceive I have some grounds on which +to form my hopes; but I do not wish <span class="italic">you</span> to dwell too much upon it.</p> + +<p>21st.—I am now <span class="italic">solus</span>. Captain Brenton, who I mentioned had been staying +with me, is gone to the Ville de Paris. I know no one I should prefer as captain +under my flag. He is a steady, sensible, good officer, and of great experience, +having served several years with admirals as a lieutenant. Captain Cook dined +with me to-day on a <span class="italic">Black Rock</span> dinner, viz. a fine piece of salmon and a nice +little <span class="italic">cochon-de-lait</span>, with <span class="italic">entremêts</span>, removes, &c. The salmon was sent me +with a basket of vegetables from Plymouth, I suspect from Captain Markham; the +roaster was a present from Captain Hood, who, being under sail, could not dine +with me. I mention these trifles because I know they please you. The boats +occasionally go to the small islands and procure bullocks, &c.; and, as fast +as the stock is purchased, they contrive to replenish it from the +mainland,—a proof they are well satisfied with the price we pay for it, +which is fixed by themselves.</p> + +<p>26th Oct.—After near a fortnight passed at what the Earl now calls the +Elysian Lake (instead of Siberia), a westerly wind compelled me to get under +sail yesterday <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span>afternoon; and it was fortunate that I did so, as it has blown a +gale since that time. By the Megæra, which has joined me this evening, I find +the fleet is to go to Torbay; and, from what Sir Thomas Troubridge writes, I +conjecture the Earl intends to go on shore part of the winter.... While we +remained at an anchor the boats of the squadron were occasionally detached in +pursuit of the enemy's vessels. Last Monday they chased one close under the +batteries at the entrance of Brest, which has afforded me an opportunity of +making favourable mention of Mr. Lamborn and Mr. Wood, who were employed on that +service. The Earl has desired me to send the latter to him to be promoted. The +Canada, which was ordered to cover the boats, took possession of three Spaniards +belonging to the Principe de Asturias, Don Gravina's flag-ship, who were fishing +in a small boat. They are to be returned without being exchanged, agreeably to +what I suggested, and I shall send in a flag of truce the first favourable +weather. We were so comfortably anchored the last fortnight, and so agreeably +employed, that it has nearly spoilt me for the remainder of the cruise. Of the +promotion nothing further is said, and I have not heard when I am to be +released. If I am kept out much longer, and have the duty of an admiral without +my flag, I fear I shall grow <span class="italic">sulky</span> and impatient. It is not improbable Captain +Sutton may relieve me in the charge of this squadron, as I doubt Sir Edward +Pellew being yet ready. I fear the second return of the fleet will have again +set your heart palpitating, and caused you another disappointment at the Cæsar +not being with it.</p> + +<p>October 30th.—Yesterday I received a very civil reply to the letter I +wrote to Don Gravina, who wishes that I may live many thousand years. The French +received the officer from the Canada who was entrusted with the flag of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span>truce +with great politeness. I sent Maingy from this ship as interpreter. They +remained at Camaret till the following morning. You will not be displeased to +hear that the Cæsar must go into port <span class="italic">from necessity</span>, having sprung her +main-yard; but, if possible, I shall delay it three or four weeks longer, +notwithstanding my <span class="italic">threat</span> of losing patience. I shall depend on finding you at +Dartmouth.</p> + +<p class="right">Cæsar, Nov. 1st.</p> + +<p>I remain without any of your letters since the 20th, which I feel a grievous +circumstance, particularly at this time, when I am left in doubt whether you are +still at Dartmouth, or gone to Bath. This morning I experienced a severe +disappointment. The Nile cutter, whose tardy approach for four hours was +anxiously waited for, at last joined without any letters, having left Plymouth +with sealed orders. We have such blessed weather at present that it is almost +impious to be discontented; yet I cannot enjoy it while I remain so long without +hearing from you. I accuse the Earl of indifference to the comfort of those whom +it is incumbent on him to attend to. Since he has left this station there has +been scarcely a day that the wind has not been favourable for vessels to join +us. A fortnight or three weeks more and I hope my turn will come, when, if +things do not meet my expectations, I shall be tempted to take leave of the good +ship, and look out for a snug cottage to pass some time in the enjoyment of your +society. I am serious, <span class="italic">je t'assure</span>. I understand Sir Hyde Parker is to command +in the absence of the chief. <span class="italic">Cela ne me plait pas aucunement</span>; for, after having +been employed upon this important and arduous service with acknowledged credit, +I shall certainly very ill brook being hurried out of port in the usual manner +to serve with him: I therefore <span class="italic">go on shore</span> unless my views are complied with. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span>I +hope to-morrow to have letters from you to acknowledge the receipt of. At +present I am much out of humour, and with too much cause to be easily reconciled +on any other terms but of hearing from you.</p> + +<p>2nd.—Another disappointment this morning, having been joined by a lugger +which we hoped had letters, but which proves to be from another quarter. I look +for the Nimrod: if she joins us to-morrow I shall be satisfied. It has blown +strong all day, with very thick weather. I hope for better success, but I still +continue out of temper.</p> + +<p>3rd.—The Superb, which has been in sight since daylight, is at last +joining. Imagine my impatience after a whole fortnight since the date of your +last letter. Captain Sutton, who is now with me, has not brought a single +letter. I send this by the Courageux, and have only time to say that the Edgar +is hourly expected, and possibly we may be more fortunate. A ship is in sight: I +hope it is her.</p></div> + +<p>On the 9th of November the fleet experienced one of the severest gales +ever known, which did immense damage to the shipping; but, except the +loss of some storm-sails, the Cæsar sustained no injury; while several +of the others lost masts and yards, obliging them to return to port. +But Sir James kept his station; indeed, during the whole fifteen weeks +he had the command, not a vessel either sailed from, or entered, the +harbour of Brest.</p> + +<p>At last, seeing their escape impossible, they began to dismantle the +ships; and Sir James received the following letter from Earl St. +Vincent:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir,</p> + +<p>The Impetueux took in her guns this day, and Sir Edward Pellew will receive his +orders to-morrow morning; and, if the wind favours his getting out of Hamoaze, +he will be with you in the course of the week. You will receive by him orders to +proceed to Spithead; but I shall be very glad to see you here <span class="italic">en route</span>, and I +will inform Lady Saumarez by to-morrow's post of your probable approach.</p> + +<p>Lord Spencer has been fully impressed by me of the long and arduous service you +have undergone, and seems well disposed to give you the respite so justly due to +the cheerfulness with which you have conducted the most important employment of +this war. I am not in the secret when the promotion is to take effect. Private +letters from town and the newspapers are full of it, and I am morally certain it +will be out soon; for one of the ninety-gun ships, commanded by an officer very +near the head of the list of captains, is nominated for Sir Erasmus Gower's +flag, which appears conclusive.</p> + +<p>Sir Hyde Parker has asked leave of absence; and, as the size of the fleet of +observation is much reduced, I conceive it will be granted.</p> + +<p class="left60">Yours, most truly,<br /> +<span class="i2">Torr Abbey, 2nd December, 1800.</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The following extract, which alludes to the preceding, was written by +Sir James to Lady Saumarez on the</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>29th Dec.—The Earl informs me of his intention to write to you. I perceive +he is resolved to become a favourite <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>of yours by his attention. The order for +the Cæsar to anchor in Torbay for twenty-four hours, on her way to Portsmouth, +will not lessen his favour with you. After this, I suppose I cannot do less than +invite you to take a passage in the ship with your two dear little companions; +but it must be on condition that the weather is propitious to my views.</p></div> + +<p>The station off the Black Rocks had hitherto been considered tenable +only by frigates during the winter; on which service three or four +were annually employed; but which, like the Channel fleet, +occasionally took refuge in Torbay. It had been, however, resolved +upon by Earl St. Vincent to form an advanced squadron of six sail of +the line; and Sir James, as we have before stated, was the officer +selected to proceed on this arduous and important undertaking. None +but professional men who have been in that anxious and perilous +service can have any idea of its difficulties. In such a situation the +commanding-officer must consider himself constantly in the scene of +action, surrounded by dangers of every description, exposed to the +violence of storms, and sailing amidst a multitude of rocks and +variable currents, in the longest and darkest nights, and often on a +lee-shore on the enemy's coast, while the whole of their fleet is +near, and ready to take advantage of any disaster, or change of wind +or circumstance that might arise in their favour.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> + +<p>It has already been shown that Sir James performed this duty to the +entire satisfaction of the noble Earl, and to the country. No storm +ever obliged him to leave his station, which has justly been +denominated <span class="italic">the post of honour</span>.</p> + +<p>We cannot conclude this chapter with more satisfaction than by +subjoining the following interesting correspondence between Sir James +and Earl Spencer, which no longer need be characterised as "secret."</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center"><span class="italic">Secret and confidential.</span></p> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Ushant, 20th June 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>At this time, when a proper example should be set to the seamen of his Majesty's +fleet, and a due sense of religion and the practice of it kept up in the royal +navy, permit me to suggest to your lordship the propriety of a strong +recommendation from the Board of Admiralty to the commanders-in-chief on the +different stations (more particularly the Channel fleet) that they will cause +the public worship of Almighty God to be duly and regularly performed on board +the ships under their command, and that nothing but the most pressing exigency +shall prevent Divine service from being publicly read every Sunday on board the +respective ships.</p> + +<p>It is from the too flagrant neglect of this most essential part of our duty that +I have been impelled to write <span class="italic">in confidence</span> to your lordship on the subject, +with the hope that proper means will be adopted to rectify it.</p> + +<p>We have signals to denote that the ship's companies will have time for dinner or +breakfast; why should there not be one to signify that they will have time for +the performance <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span>of Divine service? Were such a signal to be made from the ship +of the commander-in-chief on Sunday morning, it would be generally followed by +all the fleet, as they would then know the Admiral's intention to give time for +that purpose.</p> + +<p>I trust that your lordship will do justice to the motives that have induced me +to write on the present subject, which I have long had in contemplation, and +which I have now decided upon from the apprehensions that seem to be entertained +of disturbances among the seamen of this fleet, as I know nothing that will +contribute more to keep them in the right line of their duty than a proper +attention to religious principles, the example to which should be set them by +their officers.</p> + +<p class="left50">I have the honour to be, with the greatest regard,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most faithful</span><br /> +<span class="i4">and obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>The Right Hon. Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="smcap">Dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I have to acknowledge your letter of the 20th instant, and am much obliged to +you for the hint contained in it. You must be aware how delicate a matter it is +for me to interfere in a detail of this description. I shall not, however, fail +to make such use of the suggestion as may appear to me to come within the bounds +of propriety, and may very probably produce the desired effect.</p> + +<p>I trust that the present alarm, which has been excited by several circumstances +of a suspicious nature, may prove groundless; and I feel very strongly that +nothing can more probably contribute to make it so than every precaution being +taken in time to prevent an evil, which experience<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> has already proved to us, if +suffered once to begin, is so very difficult to remedy.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am, dear sir,<br /></p> +<span class="i2">Your very obedient humble servant,</span><br /> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Spencer.</span></p> +<p>Admiralty, June 1800.</p></div> + +<p>The Cæsar arrived at Torbay on the 14th December, and on the 21st +reached Spithead, where she remained during the rest of the year +1800.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1801.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Sir James Saumarez is promoted to the rank of Rear-admiral.—Appointed to +command the advanced squadron.—Proceedings at the Black +Rocks.—Douvarnenez Bay.—Returns to England.—Appointed to +command a squadron on a very particular service.—His secret orders, +&c. and letter of approbation.—Ready for sea.—Is created a +Baronet of the United Kingdom.</p></div> + +<p>On the 1st of January 1801, a promotion of flag-officers took place, +in order, it was said, to include the name of Sir James Saumarez; and +this flattering compliment was immediately followed by a further +honour, in his being ordered forthwith to hoist his flag on board his +old ship, the Cæsar; while Lieutenant Henryson, who was senior in that +ship, was promoted to the rank of commander. Sir James being ordered +to fit for the same service in which he had lately been so +successfully employed, Captain Jahleel Brenton, who had been +recommended by Earl St. Vincent, and who had been a volunteer during +the last cruise, was appointed to the Cæsar as his captain. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p> + +<p>On the 6th of January the ship came out of harbour, and having +received her guns, and her stores and provisions for six months, the +flag of Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez was hoisted on the 24th; and +on the 25th of February he sailed to resume the command of the +in-shore squadron off Brest, but joined the Channel fleet at Torbay on +the way thither. On the 7th March he arrived off the Black Rocks, +where he relieved Admiral Thornbrough, and soon afterwards +reconnoitred the harbour of Brest. On the 20th, the severe equinoctial +gale forced the squadron into Douvarnenez Bay, where the ships +anchored in eighteen fathoms, just out of reach of the enemy's shot. +Here they remained, as much at their ease in the enemy's harbour as +they would have been at Spithead, and were never molested. On the 25th +March, after two attempts to work out of the bay, the squadron resumed +their station at the Black Rocks.</p> + +<p>The following is extracted from a letter from one of the officers of +the Cæsar, dated 26th March:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Our advanced squadron of the Channel fleet, commanded by Sir James Saumarez, +never quitted the French coast during the late stormy weather. We anchored +during the late violent gales in Douvarnenez Bay, which is, in my opinion, one +of the finest in the universe. It is sheltered from every wind but those from W. +1/2 N. to W. 1/2 S.; and even that opening is protected by a reef of rocks. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span>Although the height of the gale was in the worst direction it could have been, +yet, having no very considerable sea, we rode it out remarkably well. We lay, +much to the disappointment of the enemy, just out of gun-shot of the forts. They +favoured us, however, with some shells. We found, upon our re-appearance off +Brest, that six Spaniards had equiped themselves, in addition to six Frenchmen, +probably with a design to attack us.</p></div> + +<p>The Government having been relieved from their anxiety for the safety +of the in-shore squadron by a despatch from Sir James, Earl St. +Vincent, who was now First Lord of the Admiralty, wrote to him the +following letter of approbation:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 1st April 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>The manner in which you have conducted the advanced squadron calls upon me to +repeat my admiration of it. Your taking the anchorage in Douvarnenez Bay during +the late equinoctial gales has been of the utmost importance, and prevented the +crippling of one or more of your squadron. I heartily hope you continue in good +health, for which and every other blessing you have the fervent wishes of</p> + +<p class="left55">Your very sincere and obedient servant,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To R. A. Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>During the whole of this month, Sir James kept his squadron generally +within three or four miles of the entrance of Brest, from which it was +never further than as many leagues. In this situation, and by +frequently reconnoitring in his own ship, he was enabled to watch the +preparations of the enemy, and to frustrate their designs to attack +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> +his squadron with a superior force; while he so completely blockaded +their port that, as when he formerly commanded, no square-rigged +vessel ever entered it, thereby preventing the necessary supplies of +stores and provisions from reaching the depôt of their navy. Nor did a +single vessel escape the unwearied vigilance and perseverance of the +advanced squadron during the whole time it was under his command.</p> + +<p>Early in May, letters reached him from Guernsey, intimating the great +apprehension his countrymen were under of invasion by the enemy; when +he wrote to Sir Thomas Troubridge, then one of the Lords of the +Admiralty, who sent the following answer:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 17th May 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir James,</p> + +<p>Many thanks for your kind letter of the 6th instant. I am sorry our <span class="italic">French +friends</span> do not come out, that you may teach them <span class="italic">English</span>. The Gazette <a name="FNanchor_26" id="FNanchor_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> +will show you that our soldiers are getting into the habits of +fighting.</p> + +<p>We heard of the miscreants' intentions on the islands; and I have sent +over several gun-brigs, gun-barges, frigates, sloops, &c. and a few +additional troops. There are 5,000 regulars at Jersey, and some more +going soon, so that I think they have little chance of success if they +make the attempt; but it appears to me that the different powers +cannot look on without interfering, and stopping the progress of the +villains. In short, I hope to see them soon weighed down in a +congress.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p> + +<p>Lord St. Vincent's cough is better, and the warm weather will +re-establish him. I beg you to give my best compliments to Brenton. +Believe me</p> + +<p class="left70">Yours most faithfully,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Thomas Troubridge.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez. </p></div> + +<p>Thus released from the painful anxiety for the safety of the Channel +islands, where so many of his dearest connexions resided, he wrote the +following letter to his brother, Sir Thomas Saumarez, who was at that +time in command of the local force in Guernsey:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Ushant, 30th May 1801.</p> + +<p>I have received your kind letter of the 17th, and am happy to hear that a +considerable force has been sent for the protection of Guernsey and the other +islands. They cannot be too well taken care of, when we consider the infinite +mischief they would do to Great Britain, should they fall into the enemy's +hands.</p> + +<p>I am in daily expectation of being relieved by Admiral Thornbrough, after a +fourteen weeks' cruise, which is rather a longer period than the Earl intended +when I sailed from Spithead. Brenton is everything that can be desired. I have +found in him a most excellent officer and a most agreeable companion.</p></div> + +<p>It appears by his journal, that on the following day he received the +welcome orders which put an end to his long and harassing cruise; also +a private letter of importance from Earl Spencer: and, being relieved +by Admiral Thornbrough on the 1st of June, he arrived on the 2nd at +Cawsand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> Bay. Having reported the return of the Cæsar, he received in +answer the following letters from Earl St. Vincent and Mr. Nepean:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Admiralty, 4th June 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir,</p> + +<p>I am glad the Cæsar is in Cawsand Bay, because you will be the sooner informed +of his Majesty's most gracious intentions towards you, in which I have greater +pleasure than I can express, as you are to be placed at the head of a detached +squadron destined for a very important service, at no great distance from home. +I hope the Cæsar will not be long in fitting up.</p> + +<p class="left70">Yours most truly,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez.</p> + +<hr class="c15" /> +<p class="right">Admiralty Office, 4th June 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have received, and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, +your letter to me of the 2nd instant, acquainting me, for their lordships' +information, of your arrival in H.M.S. Cæsar, in Cawsand Bay, in pursuance of +orders from Admiral Cornwallis, a copy of which you have enclosed: and I have +their lordships' commands to signify their directions to you to use every +exertion in completing the stores and provisions of the said ship, as also of +the Spencer; and, having so done, remain with the said ships in Cawsand Bay, in +constant readiness to proceed on service, when you shall receive their +lordships' orders for that purpose.</p> + +<p class="left65">I am, sir, your obedient servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Evan Nepean.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>The following is the reply to Earl St. Vincent's letter of the 4th +June, dated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Cawsand Bay, 6th June.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>Previously to receiving the honour of your lordship's letter, I had been +informed by Earl Spencer of his Majesty's gracious intentions; and I beg to +express my sincere acknowledgments for the part your lordship has taken in +obtaining for me this mark of the royal favour.</p> + +<p>I am much flattered by the communication your lordship has the goodness to make +of having nominated me for the command of a squadron to be employed on a very +particular service; and I beg your lordship will be assured of my most zealous +exertions for the promotion of every part of it. I have the honour to be, +&c.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> + +<p>On the 7th of June, Sir James received the following communication +from the Lords of the Admiralty, which could not fail to afford him +the highest gratification.</p> + +<p>Most secret.</p> + +<p class="center">By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of the United +Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.</p> + +<p>Whereas we have received information that a squadron consisting of five Spanish +ships of the line, which lately sailed from Ferrol, have arrived at Cadiz; and +that great exertions are now making at the last-mentioned place for the +equipment of a further naval force, for the purpose (it is alleged) of an attack +upon Portugal; we send you herewith copies of the several letters containing the +information mentioned: and do hereby direct you, on the arrival of the Hannibal, +Audacious, and Thames, at Plymouth, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>to take them under your command, (their +captains being directed to follow your orders,) as also the Spencer, and either +the Juste, Pompée, or Courageux, now in Cawsand Bay, whichever may first be +ready, and proceed with them and the Cæsar, with as little delay as possible, +off Cadiz, where you may expect to be joined by the Venerable and Superb, which +ships you are also to take under your command; and use your best endeavours to +prevent the enemy's ships at that port from putting to sea, or to take or +destroy them should they sail from thence.</p> + +<p>In the event of the enemy's squadron getting out of Cadiz undiscovered, either +before or after your arrival off that place, you are to follow it, according to +any well-grounded intelligence you may be able to obtain of it; but you are not +to proceed in quest of it to any distant station, unless you should receive such +information as shall leave no doubt of the certainty of the enemy's destination. +If you should not be able to obtain any information of the enemy's squadron so +as to enable you to follow it, you are in that case to repair with the ships +under your command off the Straits, and send into Tangier and Gibraltar, and, +finding that it has proceeded up the Mediterranean, to follow it; but, not +gaining any intelligence of it, you are to resume your station off Cadiz, and +remain there until you shall receive some information whereby your proceedings +may be regulated.</p> + +<p>And whereas it has been represented to us that three Portuguese ships of the +line are now fitting out in the Tagus for the purpose of joining you and serving +under your orders, you are, on the arrival of the said ships, to take them under +your command, and employ them in such manner as you may judge most advisable in +carrying these, or any other orders you may receive from us or from Admiral Lord +Keith, (under whose command you are to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span>consider yourself,) into execution. And +whereas we have directed Admiral Sir Thomas Pasley to order one of the hired +brigs, and either a cutter or lugger, to follow your orders; you are to take the +commanders of these vessels under your command, and, on your repairing to your +station, you are to send one of them into the Tagus for the purpose of apprizing +his Majesty's minister there of your situation, and for obtaining from him such +intelligence as he may have to give you.</p> + +<p>Whilst you remain on this service, you are to send occasionally to Lisbon for +intelligence, and to keep a good look-out for any French squadron which may +attempt either to join the Spanish ships at Cadiz, or to pass through the +Straits; and to use your best endeavours to intercept, and to take or destroy +it, if the force you may have with you should be sufficient to enable you to do +so; taking care to avoid it in time, if the enemy's force should be so superior +to that under your command as to render it improper for you to attack it; in +which case it is left to your discretion to act as circumstances shall require: +using, however, every possible exertion to join the commander-in-chief of his +Majesty's ships in the Mediterranean, or to fall in with the same detachment of +his Majesty's ships; and, so soon as you shall have collected such a force as +may be sufficient to enable you to attack the enemy's squadron, you are to +proceed in quest of it, and, upon falling in with it, to bring it to action.</p> + +<p>In case you should get sight of a French squadron, or should obtain certain +information that such squadron has passed the Straits, you are no longer to +attend to the Spanish ships in Cadiz, but to consider the capture or destruction +of the French squadron as the principal object to which your exertions are to be +directed; and, in the event of your following any squadron into the +Mediterranean, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>you are to send an account thereof to our secretary, as well as +to Admiral Lord Keith, with as little delay as possible; and you are also to +transmit to him and the said admiral, by every proper opportunity that may +offer, accounts of your proceedings, and of every information you may be able to +obtain of the movements and intentions of the enemy.</p> + +<p class="right">Given under our hands, 6th day of June 1801.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span> <br /> +<span class="smcap">J. Markham.</span></p> + +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, Bart.<br /> +Rear-admiral of the Blue,<br /> +Plymouth.</p> +<p class="right">By command of their Lordships,<br /></p> +<span class="smcap">Evan Nepean.</span></div> + +<p>The following is the copy of information transmitted to Sir James with +the above letter:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">No. 1.</p> +<p class="right">Dated Lisbon, 15th May 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>It appears, from the report of an American captain arrived here from Bilboa, +that a French corps had passed within a few miles of that place, on their way to +Vittoria, on the 21st and 22nd ultimo. It consisted in the whole of 7,000 +infantry and 2,000 cavalry, well armed and mounted; and had reached their place +of encampment, supposed to be Burgos, according to the accounts which had +arrived at Bilboa, on the 30th day, when the vessel sailed. It appeared evident +that no other troops had passed the frontier at that time, though it was +uniformly reported that a body of no less than 22,000 men were collected at +Bayonne.</p> + +<p>The Spanish army on the south side of the Tagus, between Badajos and Alcantara, +amounts to 21,000 men; of which 10,000 are encamped at Badajos, 8,000 at +Albuquerque,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> and the remainder between Vincenti and Alcantara. The Prince of +Peace was daily expected at head-quarters. His aides-de-camp were already +arrived, and a train of 700 mules had been collected for the conveyance of his +baggage. The French detachment was destined to join the army of Castile, which I +already mentioned to your lordship has returned from its movements towards the +northern provinces, and taken a position to the southward of Ciudad Rodrigo. Its +numbers and distribution are not so accurately known, but it is stated to be +equal to the army of Estremadura, with the addition of the French auxiliaries.</p> + +<p class="left65">I have the honour to be, &c.</p> +<p class="right"><ins title="It was John Hookman Frere, +(1769-1846), diplomatist, translator, and author who was appointed in 1800 +Envoy to Portugal, and was Ambassador to Spain 1802-4, and again +1808-9. Original reads 'J.M'">J.H.</ins><span class="smcap">Frere.</span></p> +<p class="center">No. 2.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>By intelligence which arrived from Cadiz, in date of the second of this month, +it appears that there were in that port five Spanish ships of the line, which +had pushed out from Ferrol, conformably to the report which I mentioned to your +lordship in my last despatch. There was at the same time (in Cadiz) an +additional force of eight or ten sail preparing for sea; four of them of the +line, and the remainder frigates. This equipment was however retarded by the +want of naval stores, particularly sailcloth and cables, which was occasioned by +the late fire which has taken place in the arsenal, as well as by the total want +of money, which was such that many of the officers were actually reduced to +subsist on charity.</p> + +<p>The informant, whose authority may be depended on, adds that a squadron from +Brest was expected to join them. It was supposed that the whole armament would +be directed against Portugal; and this supposition was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span>not weakened by a report +which was given out industriously that the object of the intended expedition was +to make a landing on the coast of Barbary, in order to force the Emperor of +Morocco to shut his ports against the English. The ships from Ferrol have the +French and Spanish colours united in the same flag. It was understood that the +ships now arming in Cadiz were to be commanded by French officers. They were +victualled only for a very short voyage.</p> + +<p>Respecting the danger to which this capital would be exposed by a <span class="italic">coup-de-main</span>, +which might be attempted in spite of the batteries at the entrance of the river, +as well as the possibility of effecting a landing a few miles off Cascaes, your +lordship has at hand the means of information so much superior to any which I +could presume to offer, or collect from professional persons here, that I shall +only presume to solicit your lordship's attention to the consideration of this +subject, and to the necessity which may arise out of it, for employing a naval +force upon this station. Don Rodrigo has informed me that the three Portuguese +ships of the line, which I mentioned to your lordship as preparing for service, +will be ready within three weeks to form a junction with any force which his +Majesty might be pleased to detach, for the defence of Portugal; and that two +more would be prepared to follow them within a short time after.</p> + +<p>It appears by a letter from Viana, that the master of an English vessel, who had +been captured on the 10th ultimo by Le Telegraph privateer, and carried into +Corunna on the 23rd, had found there two large French frigates, which had +arrived immediately before him in eight days from Cherbourg, laden with some +ammunition, and destined (as they reported) for Cadiz. The master of Le +Telegraph had avoided putting into any of his own ports from the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span>apprehension +of being detained, as it was reported that other privateers had been stopped, +and stripped of their men, on account of a secret expedition which was fitting +out in the French ports.</p> + +<p class="left65">I have the honour to be, &c.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">J.H. Frere.</span></p> +<p>The Right Honourable Lord Hawkesbury, &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<p class="center">No. 3.</p> +<p>Intelligence arrived from General O'Hara, at Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>Arrived by land the crew of the Fortune privateer, consisting of twelve men. +They report that last Saturday, between three and four <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> they saw two +three-deckers and three seventy-fours arrive at Cadiz from Ferrol; that the +Santissima Trinidad, another Spanish three-decker, is completed and ready in +that harbour; and that they are fitting out five other line-of-battle ships at +Cadiz, which have their lower-masts in; that, in order to man the said ships, +they are detaining all the crews of the French privateers; that those eleven +ships are to be commanded by French officers; and they say the five ships in the +Caraccas will soon be ready,—that they observed a number of seamen rigging +them.—Gibraltar, 29th April 1801.</p> + +<p class="p2 center">List of the armament fitting out at Cadiz.</p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Armament"> +<colgroup span="4"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td> </td> +<td>Guns.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Santissima Trinidada</td> +<td>140</td> +<td>San Justo</td> +<td>74</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Atlante</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>San Januario</td> +<td>80</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Ferrivel</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>Intrepido</td> +<td>80</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>San Antonio</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>Firme</td> +<td>80</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Suberano</td> +<td>80</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="p2">The above ships are commanded by French officers, and probably, therefore, are +those which are alluded to as having been ceded to France.</p> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> +<table cellspacing="8" summary="Gunpower"> +<colgroup span="4"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td> </td> +<td>Guns.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>A. Real de St. Carlos</td> +<td>120</td> +<td>Bergantina St. Andre</td> +<td>24</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Hermenegildo</td> +<td>120</td> +<td>Balandra Aglina</td> +<td>14</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Fernando</td> +<td>120</td> +<td>St. Nicalao</td> +<td>14</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Agustino</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>4 gun-boats<a name="FNanchor_27" id="FNanchor_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> +</td> +<td>2}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Izidoro</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>20 built by the inhabitants</td> +<td>}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Argonauta</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>of Cadiz</td> +<td>1}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Fragata Sabina</td> +<td>44</td> +<td>18 gun-boats</td> +<td>1}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Fragata Perula</td> +<td>40</td> +<td>4 burlates</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> +<hr class="p2 c15" /> + +<p class="p2 right">Cæsar, Cawsand Bay, 9th June 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of their lordships' secret orders, +dated 6th instant; and, in compliance therewith, I have directed Captain +Stirling, of his Majesty's ship Pompée, to put himself under my command.</p> + +<p>Be pleased to inform their lordships that Admiral Sir Thomas Pasley has +acquainted me that there is no hired armed brig at this port except the Louisa, +and has placed the Joseph, hired cutter, only under my orders.</p> + +<p class="left65">I am, sir,<br /></p> +<span class="left5">Your most obedient servant,</span> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>We need scarcely add that every possible exertion was made on the part +of the admiral, the captains, officers, and crews of the respective +ships, to get the squadron ready for sea; and in eight days the +equipment was completed.</p> + +<p>Before we record a circumstance which, in rewarding the merits of the +new commander-in-chief, afforded great and universal satisfaction to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> +the royal navy, we take occasion to introduce a correspondence, which, +in order to avoid interruption of the narrative, has been omitted, and +which will now be found more interesting.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Royal George, between Ushant and the Black Rocks, 26th July 1800.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Lord,</p> + +<p>I need not describe to your lordship the merit of Sir James Saumarez, which +cannot be surpassed. In a conversation I accidentally had with him last evening, +I learned that his ambition had been much disappointed in not being created a +baronet; and he thought I was wanting, in not pointing to this object in the +letter I had the honour to write your lordship by him, after the battle of the +Nile, where he was second in command; and he also conceives that your lordship +led him to hope this mark of approbation of his services would have been +conferred upon him. May I therefore trespass upon your indulgence, to request +you will bring it about, if possible, as nothing can gratify me more, than that +officers, who have signalised themselves under my auspices, should be amply +rewarded.</p> + +<p class="left65">Yours, most faithfully,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">St. Vincent.</span></p> +<p>To the Right Hon. Earl Spencer.</p></div> + +<p>A copy of the preceding having been sent by Earl St. Vincent to Sir +James, produced the following answer:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>Permit me to express my sincere acknowledgments for the very handsome letter you +have done me the favour to write on a certain subject to Lord Spencer. Whether +it meets with the expected success, or otherwise, I shall ever feel grateful for +your obliging intentions towards me: at the same time, I am persuaded your +lordship must coincide with my feelings, when I observe that the boon now +pointed out was no more than the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span>services I had the good fortune to be employed +upon, gave me reason to expect long before this.</p> + +<p>That health, and every possible success may ever attend your lordship, is the +fervent wish of</p> + +<p class="left55">My dear lord,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your much obliged,</span><br /> +<span class="i4">and faithful humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Cæsar, 29th July 1800.</p></div> + +<p>On the 13th of June, his Majesty, having taken into consideration the +meritorious services of Sir James Saumarez, was pleased to create him +a Baronet of the United Kingdom; and, as an additional mark of the +royal favour, permission was granted under the King's sign manual to +wear the supporters to the arms of his family (which had been +registered in the Heralds' office since the reign of Charles the +Second); a privilege to which no commoner is entitled without a +dispensation from the Crown. Of these honours Sir James was informed +by Earl St. Vincent, at that time First Lord of the Admiralty, at the +moment the Cæsar and squadron were about to proceed on one of the most +interesting, and, as it turned out, one of the most glorious +expeditions that ever left the shores of Great Britain.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1801.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Sir James sails from England in command of a squadron of six sail of the line on +a particular service.—Arrives off Cadiz.—Attacks a French squadron +at Algeziras.—Captain Brenton's account of the battle.—Loss of the +Hannibal.—Colonel Connolly's statements.—Logs of the Cæsar and ships +of the squadron.—Sir James proceeds to +Gibraltar.—Remarks.—Flag of truce sent to +Algeziras.—Correspondence with Linois.—Squadron refit at Gibraltar.</p></div> + +<p>On the 16th June the signal was made to unmoor; and soon after, for +the squadron to weigh. The wind being fair, the ships quickly cleared +the English Channel, and crossed the Bay of Biscay. Cape Finisterre +was reached on the 22nd; on the 26th the squadron hove to off the +Tagus, and sent letters on shore at Lisbon. The detachment was now +joined by the Phaeton, Captain Morris, and proceeded off Cadiz, where +it arrived on the 28th June: to announce this, the following letter +was written to Admiral Lord Keith, who had then the chief command on +the Mediterranean station:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Cadiz, 26th June 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to inform your lordship of my arrival off Cadiz with the ships +named on the margin <a name="FNanchor_28" id="FNanchor_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a>under my orders; having sailed from Cawsand Bay on the +16th instant. On the 26th I was joined, off Lisbon, by the Phaeton, Captain +Morris, from whom I received the enclosed state of the enemy's ships at Cadiz.<a name="FNanchor_29" id="FNanchor_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> +The Venerable and Superb have both joined the squadron; and I +have taken these ships under my orders, agreeably to my instructions from my +Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.</p> + +<p>I shall take the earliest opportunity of transmitting to your lordship a copy of +those instructions; but having at present no other vessel than the Plymouth, +hired lugger, I cannot part with her further than to Gibraltar.</p> + +<p class="left50">I have the honour to be,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c.</p></div> + +<p>The squadron continued to cruise off Cadiz, and frequently to +reconnoitre the harbour; while the Superb was stationed off Lagos as a +look-out ship to westward, and the Thames in the Straits of Gibraltar +to the eastward.</p> + +<p>Nothing of importance occurred until the 5th, when intelligence was +received as to the situation of a French squadron. Sir James +accordingly despatched the Plymouth lugger with the following letters +to the Secretary of the Admiralty,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> and to Mr. Frere, the English +ambassador at Lisbon:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>In my letter of the 29th ultimo, I acquainted you, for the information of my +Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, of my arrival before Cadiz with the +squadron under my orders, and of my having been joined by the Venerable and +Superb.</p> + +<p>You will please to inform their lordships, that, early this morning, a +despatch-boat joined me from Gibraltar, with intelligence that three French +line-of-battle ships and a frigate were seen, on the 1st instant, endeavouring +to pass the Straits from the eastward; and the Plymouth lugger has since joined +me, whose commander informs me that they anchored yesterday off Algeziras. As +from the different accounts I form great hopes of being able to attack them with +success, I am proceeding to the eastward, and I hope to reach the bay early +to-morrow morning. The ships in Cadiz are getting in forwardness to put to sea. +Eight appeared this morning with top-gallant yards across and sails bent, and +four others with their top-masts rigged. I have directed the commander of the +Plymouth, hired lugger, after having landed this letter at Faro, to cruise off +Cape St. Mary's to apprise any of his Majesty's ships of my rendezvous, giving +them such further information as he may be possessed of.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am, sir, your most obedient servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.</p> +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Cæsar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to acquaint you with my having this instant received +information, by an express from Gibraltar, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span>that three sail of French +line-of-battle ships and a frigate had anchored yesterday in Algeziras Bay, +after being three days in endeavouring to pass the Straits from the eastward. +They are supposed to be destined for Cadiz. I am proceeding off Gibraltar, in +hopes it may be practicable to attack them, or prevent the junction of their +other ships, from whom they are said to be separated. I request you will please +to forward the letters I take the liberty to enclose herewith. I have the honour +to be, sir,</p> + +<p class="left55">Your most obedient humble servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> + +<p>Governor O'Hara writes that he is without intelligence from Egypt since the +repulse of the French, the 21st March.</p> + +<p>His Excellency J.H. Frere, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Lisbon.</p></div> + +<p>It now becomes our duty to give a particular account of the defensive +means of the French Admiral. The road of Algeziras, six miles distant +from Gibraltar, is open to the eastward. It is shallow, with sunken +rocks in several parts. The town is nearly in the centre, at the +bottom of the Bay; about a third of a mile from which there is a tower +standing on a point, and off this point is Isla Verda, whereon is a +battery of seven long 24-pounders. About a mile to the southward of +this battery is Fort Santa Garcia. The English ships had to pass these +fortifications before they could reach the French line. The northward +of the town was no less protected, having at the distance of about +two-thirds of a mile the fort of San Jago, mounting five long +18-pounders, besides the tower<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> Almirante. By referring to the +diagrams, it will be manifest that the road is admirably protected by +these fortifications, while those at a greater distance to the +northward would be of some service in throwing shells, and in +preventing the ships from working up to the attack. There were also +fourteen large gun-boats, whose positions, as shown, were such as to +form a serious opposition to an approaching enemy in light and +variable winds.</p> + +<p>Before we proceed to a description of the attack on the enemy's +well-protected squadron, we must intreat the reader to pause, while we +call his attention to the circumstance of the British ships, led by +the gallant Hood, slowly and silently approaching the batteries of an +enemy, strongly reinforced, perfectly prepared to receive them, and +knowing well that they could not suffer any injury from the ships, +while every shot from their cannon must tell. Silence, undoubtedly +derives importance from the circumstances under which it is observed, +and we cannot well refer to an instance where silence could have had a +more solemn and impressive character than that which must have been +observed on this occasion, until broken by the roar of the enemy's +destructive engines.</p> + +<p>Captain (now Admiral Sir Jahleel) Brenton, who was flag-captain of the +Cæsar, has kindly transmitted the following particular and authentic +account of all that took place on that eventful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> day, which afforded +the enemy a short-lived triumph. We shall make no apology for giving +it in his own words:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>On Sunday, the 5th July 1801, a despatch-boat was seen in the S.E., and at two +<span class="smcap">p.m.</span> came alongside the Cæsar, with intelligence of a French squadron having +anchored in Algeziras Bay, consisting of three sail of the line and a frigate.<a name="FNanchor_30" id="FNanchor_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> +The Admiral immediately decided on attacking them; and ordered +the Thames frigate to proceed off St. Lucar to recall the Superb, and make sail +with the Pompée, Hannibal, Spencer, Audacious, and Venerable, for the entrance +of the Straits of Gibraltar; making the signal to prepare for action, and for +anchoring by the stern.</p> + +<p>The day was beautiful, with a light air from the westward. At eleven o'clock the +ship's company was, as usual, assembled for the purpose of Divine service. The +appearance of this congregation, under the peculiar circumstances in which they +were placed,—proceeding, as they all knew they were, to engage in battle +with the enemy, with the probability that many had but a few remaining hours to +live,—was solemn and deeply impressive. The crew were all dressed in +white, as is customary in warm climates; and being arranged according to their +respective divisions on the quarter-deck, with the band and the marines on the +poop, and the Admiral and the officers under the poop awning, an effect was +produced highly animating, solemn, and appropriate; while the meek, devotional +countenance of the well-tried Admiral indicated that he derived his confidence +and support from its only true source.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p> + +<p>Our chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Holliday, gave an excellent discourse, +appropriate to the occasion; and it cannot be doubted but the +impressions it made on that eventful day were deep and affecting, +however temporary.</p> + +<p>I had of course much communication with the Admiral during the course +of this day and the ensuing night. He was, as usual, calm, cheerful, +and collected; foreseeing, and endeavouring to provide for, whatever +might be required during the struggle which we were anticipating. He +was quite aware of the difficulties we had to encounter, and fully +determined to overcome them if possible.<a name="FNanchor_31" id="FNanchor_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p> + +<p>At daylight we were off Tariffa, with light airs from the westward, +which at seven freshened to a strong breeze,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span> and enabled the +Venerable to open the Bay of Algeziras, in which the French squadron +were discovered at anchor. On the Venerable making the signal that she +could weather the enemy, the Admiral made another to take stations for +mutual support. The Pompée, Venerable, and Audacious were soon at an +anchor, and at thirty-five minutes after eight began the action with +the enemy. The Cæsar at nine o'clock opened her fire, and at fifteen +minutes past nine came to an anchor ahead of the Venerable. The +Spencer and Hannibal passed under our lee, nearly becalmed, and +anchored without the Cæsar, firing, as the smoke subsided, through the +openings between our ships at the enemy.</p> + +<p>About ten o'clock the fire of the French ships appeared to slacken so +much that I ventured to suggest to the Admiral that a flag of truce +might be sent in, with a notice to the Spaniards that if the British +squadron were permitted to take away the French ships without any +further molestation from the batteries, the town would be respected, +and no further injury done to it.</p> + +<p>The Admiral expressed his readiness to do this; but considered the +advantage we had gained, as yet, not sufficiently decisive to justify +such a measure. And his judgment was but too correct. The decrease of +the fire from the French ships arose from their being occupied in +warping close in-shore; and, shortly after this period, the Pompée +having broken her sheer, lost her commanding position relative to the +French Admiral, whom she had been raking with great effect, and now +became raked in her turn. At twenty minutes after ten, the boats of +the squadron were sent to her assistance, and, having cut her cables, +she was towed out of her exposed situation.</p> + +<p>At thirty-five minutes after ten, the Admiral, observing how much the +enemy had increased their distance from us <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span>by warping in-shore, +ordered our cables to be cut, and sail to be made upon the ships, in +the hope of being able to close with them. He also sent me on board +the Spencer, with orders to Captain Darby to weigh, and work up to the +enemy. The Hannibal, having already received these orders, was in the +act of obeying them, and soon after opened her fire upon the French +Admiral; but in the gallant endeavour to get between the Formidable +and the shore, and not being aware of the French Admiral's change of +position by warping in, Captain Ferris unfortunately ran his ship +aground, abreast of the battery of St. Jago, and under the raking fire +of the Formidable. In this helpless state he continued to engage the +enemy until, to use the French Admiral's words, his decks were <span class="italic">jonché +de morts</span>. He had seventy-three killed and sixty-four wounded,—a very +unusual proportion, as, in general, the wounded trebles the number of +the killed; but this may be accounted for by the Hannibal being so +near that the enemy's shot passed through her sides without making any +splinters, to which the greater number of wounds are attributable.</p> + +<p>From the time the Cæsar cut her cable, she and the Audacious were +constantly engaged with the Indomptable, Meuron, and island batteries, +and occasionally with the Dessaix, as they could bring their guns-to +bear; but the perpetual flaws of wind rendered this very difficult, +and exposed them frequently to a severe and raking fire from the +enemy. The Admiral made the signal for the marines to be prepared to +land on the island; but, as the boats were all employed in assisting +the Pompée and Hannibal, this was rendered impracticable. At length, +finding every effort fruitless to close with the enemy, the Admiral +was under the necessity of withdrawing his ships from this unequal +contest with winds and batteries; but it was not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span>until all hope had +vanished of saving the Hannibal that he left her in possession of the +enemy.</p></div> + +<p>The accompanying diagram shows first, the position of the hostile +squadrons at the moment the Spencer, and Venerable, and Cæsar, had +anchored; secondly, their position when the action ceased, and when +the Hannibal was in possession of the enemy.</p> + +<p class="p4"></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/346-t.jpg" width="500" height="319" +alt="Diagam Algeziras" title="" /> +<p class="center"><a href="images/346-b.jpg">View larger image</a></p></div> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center">Diagram of Algeziras and Gibraltar Bay.</p> +<p class="p4"></p> + +<p>The action of Algeziras was certainly obstinately fought, and gallantly +contested on both sides. It is true that the French had little to do but to +attend to their guns, being either at an anchor in their strong position, or +warping towards the shore. In this operation the Spaniards had the hardest duty, +being employed in their boats in carrying out hawsers, and even in heaving them +in. Success seemed certain to the British squadron till the Pompée broke her +sheer; after that, it was one continued but unavailing struggle to recover the +ground we had lost by this misfortune: and we retreated to Gibraltar when all +hope was at an end, the Admiral justly considering the importance of repairing +the damages already sustained, and of preserving the lives of his gallant crew, +which would be uselessly sacrificed by a continuance of a hopeless contest.</p> + +<p>Never did I contemplate more real greatness of mind than was displayed on this +occasion by our heroic chief. The calmness and cheerfulness with which he met +and sustained the sad reverses of this most trying day, were objects worthy of +remark and admiration. Whilst going into the Bay of Algeziras, he desired me to +look over my signal-book, and to mark such signals as might be likely to be +called for. He had already done the same, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span>and when, during the heat of the +action, any of the flags were destroyed, or the halliards shot away, I was +astonished at the readiness with which he ordered one signal to be substituted +for another, according as the signification might answer the purpose, without +any reference to the book.</p> + +<p>On reaching our anchorage off the Mole of Gibraltar, after giving the necessary +orders for the disposal and refitting of his squadron, he returned to his cabin +with a deep sense of the responsibility he had incurred; but supported by the +unqualified conviction that every exertion had been made to obtain success, and +that the disappointment resulted from circumstances over which he had no +control.</p> + +<p>The action terminated, as appears by the log, at thirty-five minutes after one; +and the squadron proceeded to Gibraltar. As soon as the ship was secured, the +Admiral sent me on shore to the governor, to relate to him the events of the two +preceding days. I found him sitting in his balcony, which commanded a view of +the Bay and Algeziras, evidently deeply affected by the unlooked-for termination +of an attack upon the French squadron, and anxiously reflecting on the probable +results.</p> + +<p>On my return on board, the Admiral had retired to his cot; and I had no means of +communicating with him until next morning. I could then, however, perceive that +under all the severity of disappointment he experienced from our failure, and +the loss of the Hannibal, he felt that no honour had been lost; that every +effort had been made to obtain success; and that he derived comfort from the +sanguine hopes he entertained that an opportunity might present itself in which +he should be able to retrieve the loss.</p> + +<p>He ordered me to take a flag of truce and wait upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span>the French Admiral, and +propose an exchange of prisoners; which M. Linois refused, alleging that it was +not in his power to establish a cartel for the purpose until he obtained the +sanction of the Minister of the Marine at Paris, to whom he had sent off an +express as soon as the firing had ceased on the preceding day; but he consented +to send over the officers on parole. The object of the French Admiral was very +obvious. He concluded we wanted the men to replace those that had been killed +and wounded; but he thought, justly, that sending over officers on parole would +be a harmless act of courtesy, from which we could reap no immediate benefit. It +will be seen that, subsequently to the second action, (only six days after the +first,) when his despatches from Algeziras had scarcely reached Paris, he did +not wait for an answer from the Minister of the Marine: but circumstances had +altered. We had taken a line-of-battle ship, and burned two first-rates; and he +now wished to get as many of the crew back as possible.</p></div> + +<p>We shall now transcribe the Rear-admiral's official account of the +battle: this affords additional particulars, and proves that every +step had been taken to insure success; which, but from circumstances +that often blight the fairest prospects, would have had a very +different result. We shall venture to add, that, had the gallant +Admiral hesitated to make the attempt, he would have rendered himself +obnoxious to animadversions, not only from all the squadron under his +command, but from every one on the Rock of Gibraltar who witnessed the +enemy's squadron of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> inferior force setting, as it were, that of Sir +James at defiance; while it would have afforded the French and +Spaniards a just, or, at least a plausible subject of exultation. But +Sir James, with that decision of character and coolness, when in the +presence of an enemy, for which he was always remarkable, did not +hesitate one moment on the attack, which was made with consummate +skill, and maintained with a perseverance never surpassed.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Gibraltar, 6th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have to request you will be pleased to inform my Lords Commissioners of the +Admiralty that, conformable to my letter of yesterday's date, I stood through +the Straits, with his Majesty's squadron under my orders, with the intention of +attacking three French line-of-battle ships and a frigate that I was informed +were at anchor off Algeziras. On opening Cabrita Point, I found the ships lay at +a considerable distance from the enemy's batteries; and having a leading wind up +to them, every reasonable hope of success in the attack was afforded.</p> + +<p>I had previously directed Captain Hood in the Venerable, from his experience and +knowledge of the anchorage, to lead the squadron, which he executed with his +accustomed gallantry; and, although it was not intended he should anchor, he +found himself under the necessity of so doing, from the wind failing,—a +circumstance so much to be apprehended in this country, and to which I have to +attribute the want of success in this well-intended enterprise. Captain Stirling +anchored, conformably to the enclosed order of attack, opposite to the inner +ship of the enemy, and brought the Pompée to action in the most +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span>spirited and +gallant manner; an example which was followed by the commanders of every ship in +the squadron.</p> + +<p>Captains Darby and Ferris, owing to light winds, were prevented for a +considerable time from coming into action. At length, the Hannibal getting a +breeze, Captain Ferris had the most favourable prospect of being alongside one +of the enemy's ships, when the Hannibal unfortunately took the ground; and I am +extremely concerned to acquaint their lordships that, after having made every +possible effort with this ship and the Audacious to rescue her from the enemy, I +was under the necessity to make sail, being at the time only three cables' +length from one of the enemy's batteries.</p> + +<p>My thanks are particularly due to all the captains and men under my orders; and, +although their endeavours have not been crowned with success, I trust the +thousands of spectators from his Majesty's garrison, and also the surrounding +coast, will do justice to their valour and intrepidity, which were not to be +checked by the fire from the numerous batteries (however formidable) that +surrounded Algeziras.</p> + +<p>I feel it incumbent upon me to state to their lordships the great merits of +Captain Brenton of the Cæsar, whose cool judgment and intrepid conduct, I will +venture to pronounce, were never surpassed. I also beg leave to recommend to +their lordships' notice my flag-lieutenant, Mr. Philip Dumaresq, who has served +with me from the commencement of this war, and is a most deserving officer. Mr. +Lamborn and the other lieutenants are also entitled to great praise; as well as +Captain Maxwell of the Marines, and the other officers of his corps serving on +board the Cæsar.</p> + +<p>The enemy's ships consisted of two of eighty-four guns and one of seventy-four, +with a large frigate: two of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span>former are aground, and the whole are rendered +totally unserviceable.</p> + +<p>His Majesty's ships have suffered considerably in their masts and rigging; but I +hope will soon be refitted, and in readiness to proceed on service.</p> + +<p>Inclosed is the return of the killed and wounded from the different ships of the +squadron. Amongst other valuable men I have most sincerely to lament the loss of +Mr. William Grave, master of the Cæsar. I cannot close this letter without +rendering the most ample justice to the great bravery of Captain Ferris: the +loss in his ship must have been very considerable both in officers and men; but +I have the satisfaction to be informed that his Majesty has not lost so valuable +an officer.</p> + +<p>The Honourable Captain Dundas, of his Majesty's sloop the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Calpé'">Calpe,</ins> made his vessel +as useful as possible, and kept up a spirited fire on one of the enemy's +batteries. I have also to express my approbation of Lieutenant Janvrin, +commander of the gun-boats; who, having joined me with intelligence, served as +volunteer on board the Cæsar.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>On the return of the squadron to the Mole of Gibraltar, the following +public order was issued by the Admiral.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, in Rosia Bay, 6th July 1801.</p> + +<p>Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez desires to express in the strongest terms the +high sense he entertains of the gallantry and valiant conduct of all the +captains, officers, and men belonging to the squadron under his orders, in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span>the +attack made this day on the enemy's ships and batteries; and, although the +result has not proved so successful as his expectations had framed, he trusts +that the glory they have acquired on this occasion will ever be acknowledged by +their country.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains.</p></div> + +<p>The following addition to Sir James's despatch gives the account of +the capture of the Hannibal, from Captain Ferris, then a prisoner at +Algeziras.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +Cæsar, Gibraltar, 9th July 1801. +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I herewith enclose a letter from Captain Ferris of his Majesty's late ship +Hannibal, which I request you will please to lay before their lordships; and I +have only to express my deep regret that his well-meant endeavours to bring his +ship to close action should have occasioned so severe a loss. I have the honour +to be, sir,</p> + +<p class="left70">Your most obedient servant,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Evan Nepean, Esq. Admiralty.</p> + +<p class="right">Algeziras Bay, 7th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I have little more to tell you of the fate of his Majesty's ship Hannibal than +yourself must have observed; only, that from the number of batteries, and ships' +gun-boats, &c. we had to encounter, our guns soon got knocked up; and I +found it was impossible to do anything, either for the preservation of the ship, +or for the good of the service. Our boats, sails, rigging, and springs being all +shot away, and having so many killed and wounded, as will appear by the annexed +list, I thought it prudent to strike, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span>thereby preserve the lives of the +brave men that remained.</p> + +<p>Had I been successful in the view before me previously to the ship taking the +ground, my praises of the conduct of my officers and ship's company could not +have exceeded their merits; but I have, notwithstanding, the satisfaction to +say, that every order was obeyed and carried into execution with that +promptitude and alacrity becoming British officers and seamen.</p> + +<p class="left55">I am, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">S. Ferris.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez.</p></div> + +<p>It has now become necessary that we should notice a controversy which +has taken place between the authors of the different naval histories +on the subject of the Battle of Algeziras; and we have been led to +make minute inquiries, first, into the cause of the discrepancies of +the different accounts; and, secondly, into the truth, which we have +been the better able to do from our personal knowledge and recent +communication with some of the officers of the Hannibal and Cæsar, on +whose veracity we can depend. We are happy to add that the result of +our inquiries has been satisfactory, and, we trust, will completely +clear up and reconcile the facts, while it will leave no reflection of +a dubious character on the conduct of the heroic commander of the +squadron.</p> + +<p>It appears that no difference of opinion arose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> on this subject until +the court-martial of Captain Ferris, which took place on the 1st +September 1801, at Portsmouth, Rear-admiral Holloway president; when, +as usual on trials for the loss of a ship, Captain Ferris read his +narrative, which he begins thus:</p> + +<p>"In giving a detail of the circumstances which led to the loss of his +Majesty's late ship Hannibal, I am sorry that, owing to my clerk being +killed, whose remarks were lost,<a name="FNanchor_32" id="FNanchor_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> I cannot be so particular as to +the exact times of signals being made as I otherwise should have been; +but I shall state them to you to the best of my recollection."</p> + +<p>After this admission, is it not surprising that the controversy should +be mainly founded on the time at which the Hannibal struck her +colours? Captain Ferris says, "about two o'clock;" while by the log of +the Cæsar the action had entirely ceased at thirty-five minutes past +one. It may be asked, why did not the court, which must have seen the +discrepancy between his narrative and the public and other documents +before it, inquire into the truth by requiring the evidence of the +officers and crew, none of whom were examined as to the time the ship +struck: but the duty of the court being confined to the trial of +Captain Ferris, his officers and crew, and it being (whether +supported<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> or not) evident and notorious that they had defended their +ship to the last extremity, they had (unluckily for Sir James) nothing +to do but to pronounce an honourable acquittal.</p> + +<p>The next contradiction which appears, relates to the boats which were +sent to the assistance of the Hannibal. Captain Ferris says, "The +Admiral, having previously made my signal of recall, sent a boat from +the Cæsar, and another from the Venerable, to my assistance; but, +finding they could afford me none, I sent the Venerable's boat back, +and the crew of the Cæsar in one of my own cutters, their pinnace +having been sunk by a shot alongside."</p> + +<p>I am bound to say that this assertion is not borne out either by the +testimony of those who were in the boats of the Cæsar and the +Venerable, or by the officers of the Hannibal; because, as will be +seen hereafter, these boats never reached the Hannibal, when aground, +until after she had struck her colours.</p> + +<p>Captain Ferris next relates that "About twelve o'clock our ships were +all out of gun-shot of the enemy, and we had the fire of the whole +French squadron, batteries, and gun-boats, to contend with alone; +against which we continued to keep up as brisk a fire as could be +expected, even by men in the most sanguine anticipation of victory, +until near two o'clock."</p> + +<p>Now this is quite impossible, as, by the log of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> every ship, the +squadron was engaging much later: by the Cæsar, until 1h.35m.; by the +Audacious, until 1h.20m.; by the Venerable, until 1h.30m. &c.; +before which, the ensign of the Hannibal was seen, from every ship, +<span class="italic">Union down</span>.</p> + +<p>It has been unwarrantably alleged by some that the Hannibal hauled the +ensign down, and then hoisted it reversed, as a signal of distress, +and afterwards, when she struck, hauled it down; and that the French +hoisted it union down to decoy the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Calpé'">Calpe,</ins>. But, for the refutation of +these absurdities, we must refer the reader to the testimony of +Colonel Connolly, who was then acting captain of the marines, an +officer of the highest character, whose veracity cannot be questioned; +and who, moreover, from being the only officer on the poop when the +colours were struck, had a better opportunity of knowing the facts +than any other. The following are the questions which we put to +Colonel Connolly, with his answers, given verbatim:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>Did the enemy take possession of the Hannibal before the colours were hoisted +union down?</p> + +<p>The colours were hauled down by Captain Ferris's orders, and remained so; but, +being so near the Formidable, the captain of her was on board of us in two +minutes after we had struck, and the colours were hoisted <span class="italic">union downwards</span> by the +Frenchmen.<a name="FNanchor_33" id="FNanchor_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span>Were the colours hoisted union down by the enemy; or, at any time, by Captain +Ferris's orders?</p> + +<p>By the enemy.</p> + +<p>Did the boats come <span class="italic">before</span> or <span class="italic">after</span> the colours were hoisted union downwards, to +render her assistance?</p> + +<p>The boats from our ships did not get near us till after we were in possession of +the enemy; and I called to an old shipmate of mine in the Venerable's barge, and +told him so, as he came under the starboard quarter; but he persisted in coming +on board, and was taken.</p> + +<p>What boats were taken; and what boats escaped?</p> + +<p>A good many were taken. The Venerable's barge and her first lieutenant; and +another lieutenant, in the Cæsar's boat, of some ship lying at Gibraltar; beside +the mids. I am not aware indeed that any escaped.</p> + +<p>What French officer took possession of the Hannibal?</p> + +<p>I am not quite certain whether it was the captain of the Formidable or the +Dessaix; they were both very close to us: however, he was a very little fellow.</p> + +<p>To what prison were you taken?</p> + +<p>The ship's company were divided into two prisons, which appeared to have been +stables. There was no water in one of them, and the distress of our poor +fellows, on that account, was truly shocking: often, when they would give money +to the people outside to bring them some to drink, they would walk off with it, +and never bring the water.</p></div> + +<p>On this occasion Colonel Connolly recognised a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span> French officer who had +been a short time previously a prisoner on board the Warrior, to whom +he had been particularly civil, supplying him with linen, &c.; and who +left the ship with protestations of his desire to make every return in +his power, if the "fortune of war" should give him an opportunity: but +when he claimed the performance of his promise, his reply was, +"Monsieur de Connolly, I very sorry for your misfortune; but I wish +you good morning!" and left him with a sarcastic sneer.</p> + +<p>It is evident, from this testimony, that the colours were only struck +once, and hoisted once union down, and only hoisted union down by the +Frenchmen; and that the boats of the Cæsar and Venerable were only +once on board the Hannibal after she was aground; namely, when their +crews were taken prisoners. But both these boats were actually sent to +her assistance at a previous period, when the Hannibal was directed by +the Admiral to endeavour to obtain a position to rake the Formidable; +and it was then that they were sent back. Captain Brenton first +received the report of the Hannibal having her colours union downwards +between twelve and one, while the Cæsar was engaging the island +battery, and the Dessaix and the Muiron.</p> + +<p>The Cæsar's boat was sent with others to the assistance of the +Hannibal, according to the log, at seventeen minutes past one, and +must have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> reached her certainly before the action ceased, and found +her in the hands of the enemy, as described by Colonel Connolly.</p> + +<p>It is absurd to suppose that, while actually engaging the enemy, +Captain Ferris would haul down his colours, to hoist them as a signal +of distress, when he had other ensigns to hoist, and when there was a +signal in the book, "In distress, and in want of immediate +assistance:" this is a circumstance which, I will venture to assert, +never occurred in any naval action.</p> + +<p>Captain Brenton, being decidedly of the same opinion, adds, "I can +only say, when it was reported to me, <span class="italic">while in action</span>, that the +Hannibal's colours were reversed, I considered her to be in possession +of the enemy: that the Admiral took the same view of the subject, I +have not the least doubt; and I think nothing would have induced him +to abandon the Hannibal while she was engaged. I will further add, +that I never remember the slightest doubt being expressed of the +Hannibal having struck before the action terminated, until I read the +narrative of Captain Ferris, at his court-martial, some time +afterwards."</p> + +<p>The moment these champions of "liberté, égalité, et la mort," entered +the Hannibal, plunder was the order of the day; and, in their furious +haste to get at the officers' trunks, they cruelly trod over the +wounded in the cockpit and cable-tiers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> Colonel Connolly relates that +in a few minutes one of them had taken his new cocked-hat, and +appeared on deck with it. He himself had given up seeking his desk, +which contained a considerable sum of money besides valuable papers, +because he could not get at it without creeping over the wounded; but +the French, not so particular, soon found it.</p> + +<p>We shall now give the extracts of the various logs to which we have +had access. These have never yet been published, and we trust they +will set the matter at rest. It is some satisfaction indeed, that all +authors agree in declaring that nothing more could have been done, and +that the honour of the British flag was to the last gloriously +maintained on the 6th of July 1801.</p> + +<p>Extract of the Cæsar's log in the Battle of Algeziras, 5th July:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>Winds S.W. and variable. At 12h.30m. <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> up mainsail and in royals; at 2h. +made the signal for the squadron to prepare for battle, and, anchoring, bent the +sheet cable through the larboard gun-room port to the sheet anchor; at 4h. set +steering-sails,—fresh breezes and fair; at 8h. moderate +breezes,—Cape Moulinau E.N.E. seven or eight miles; at 12h. (midnight), +light airs inclinable to calm,—squadron in company, Venerable S.S.E. one +mile. At 12h.30m. (6th), in steering-sails, and at 12h.40m. lowered down the +yawl; at 3h.45m. a breeze sprung up,—made the signal for attention; at +4h.5m. beat to quarters,—Cabrita Point, S.E. by E. three or four +leagues,—made the Pompée's signal to close; at 5h. set top-gallant +steering-sails, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span>and at 6h. the fore-top-mast steering-sail; at 7h. 45m. made +the Venerable's signal to haul the wind,—took in the starboard +steering-sails; at 8h. in steering-sails; at 8h.5m. in top-gallant +sails,—made the signal for being at liberty to engage the enemy in +passing; at 8h. do. to take stations for mutual support; at 8h.25m. set +top-gallant sails,—the enemy's ships opened their fire,—saw the +Venerable break round off,—Cæsar fired at a Spanish battery in passing; at +8h.35m. the action commenced with the Pompée, Venerable, and Audacious; at 8h. +45m. made the signal for the ships astern to make more sail; at 9h. light +breezes, and variable,—opened our fire, and the engagement became general; +at 9h.15m. passed the Venerable, and came to with the sheet-anchor in nine +fathoms,—the sheet-cable became <span class="italic">taut</span>,—let go the best bower to +steady the ship,—Spencer and Hannibal passed under our lee,—hailed +them to get the boats ahead, and tow into action,—light airs; at 9h. 35m. +the Spencer opened her fire; at 9h.40m. the Hannibal, do.—our +spanker-boom shot away; at 10h.20m. sent boats to the Pompée and Hannibal; at +10h.26m. made the Hannibal's signal to tack,—saw the Pompée had broke her +sheer, apparently by a flaw of wind, and was raked by the French Admiral; at +10h.30m. made the Pompée's signal to cut or slip; at 10h.35m., a breeze +springing up from the N.W., cut our cable, wore, and made sail, engaging the +enemy's ships while passing them; at 10h.50m. the Hannibal opened her fire on +the French Admiral; at 10h.52m. made the signal for the squadron to come +to,—the wind on the starboard tack; at 11h.5m. made the signal for the +boats to tow the Pompée,—Cæsar engaging the southernmost +ships,—Audacious, ditto,—Cæsar opened her fire on the island +battery,—Audacious and Cæsar becalmed near the island reef,—boats +employed towing the ship's head round; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span>afternoon,—light winds and +variable weather,—engaging the enemy; at 12h.33m. made the signal for the +Hannibal being aground,—employed engaging the southernmost ship; at 1h. +17m. Audacious wore,—made the signal for armed-boats to proceed as +denoted; at 1h.35m. the action ceased,—found the main-mast shot through +in five places, (and other damage which need not be mentioned,) nine men killed, +twenty-five wounded, and seven missing; at 5h. came-to at Gibraltar, with the +small bower employed warping alongside of the sheer hulk.</p></div> + +<p>The Venerable's log, which we have examined at the depôt at Deptford, +and which is signed by Captain Hood, fully corroborates the above, +with the addition,—"At 12h.40m. sent the first lieutenant in the +pinnace to assist the Hannibal;" and this officer (Lieutenant Collis) +in his own journal mentions the same fact. When he arrived at the +Hannibal, she was in possession of the enemy; and he was taken +prisoner, with his boat's crew, by persisting to go on board after he +was warned by Lieutenant (now Colonel) Connolly, of the Marines. He +says it was in consequence of the ensign being reversed that the boats +were sent; and, before any of the boats reached her, she was in +possession of the French, who hoisted the colours union downwards +themselves, and that they never were hoisted in that manner at any +other time.</p> + +<p>These facts are also corroborated by the logs and journals of the +Audacious and Spencer, which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> will be given in the next chapter. Every +ship, indeed, mentions the impossibility of affording any assistance +to the Hannibal, and that the signal was not made to leave off action +until her situation was utterly hopeless.</p> + +<p>The nature of the well-protected road of Algeziras being fully +manifest in the diagram facing the 346th page, it is unnecessary to +point out the difficulties the squadron had to contend with from the +five strong batteries, which were served with much effect by the +French artillerymen. The numerous gun-boats stationed at Algeziras for +the annoyance of our commerce, were from their constant practice in +that kind of warfare, of themselves a most formidable enemy; besides, +the assistance they afforded in warping their ships in-shore, and +placing them in such a position as to enable the different batteries +to support them. But the failure of the attack must be mainly +attributed to the unsteadiness and faintness of the wind, which +enabled none of the squadron to obtain the position it wished; that +is, in-shore of the enemy: while, by falling calm at a moment the most +disadvantageous, it left the ships exposed to the enemy's fire without +the possibility of returning it.</p> + +<p>The loss sustained by each ship was severe. The Cæsar had her master, +Mr. William Grave, six seamen, and two marines, killed; her boatswain, +G.W. Forster, seventeen seamen, one boy, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> six marines, wounded; +besides the capture of Lieutenant Janvarin, a volunteer, Mr. Richard +Best, and seven seamen, who were taken by boarding the Hannibal when +in possession of the enemy. Her masts, particularly the main-mast, and +yards, were very much injured; her boats were all cut to pieces, +besides that taken at the Hannibal; and there were many shots in her +hull. The Pompée had Mr. P. Roxborough, master, Mr. Stewart, +midshipman, ten seamen, and three marines killed; Lieutenants +Cheesman, Stapleton, and Innes, Messrs. Currie, Hillier, and Hibbert, +fifty-three seamen, and ten marines, wounded. She was so completely +damaged in masts, rigging, and sails, that all hope of refitting her +as promptly as the rest was at an end. The Spencer had Mr. Spencer, a +midshipman, and five seamen, killed; Mr. Chatterton, midshipman, +twenty-three seamen, and three marines wounded. She was damaged +chiefly in her rigging and sails, which were soon repaired. The +Venerable had Mr. W. Gibbons, midshipman, and eight seamen, killed; +Messrs. Austin and Collins, midshipmen, twenty seamen, and four +marines, wounded; and eight missing. The Hannibal had seventy-five +killed, among whom were Mr. D. Lindsay, clerk, and Lieut. James +Williams, R.M.; and seventy wounded and missing. The Audacious had +eight killed; Lieut. Day, of the Marines, thirty-one seamen and +marines, wounded. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span> total loss of the squadron being one hundred +and twenty-three killed, two hundred and forty-two wounded, and +twenty-two missing.</p> + +<p>The loss of the French and Spaniards, by their own accounts, was +considerable; the former having three hundred and six killed,—among +whom were Captains Moncousu, of the Dessaix, seventy-four, and +Lalonde, of the Indomptable, eighty-four,—and near five hundred +wounded; five gun-boats were sunk, and others damaged; and the forts, +in which eleven men were killed, received considerable injury. The +ships suffered a good deal in hull, masts, and rigging; but not so +much as was anticipated.</p> + +<p>The French, as might be expected, from their usual disregard to truth, +made this out one of the most brilliant exploits ever performed. Their +account stated that three French ships had completely beaten six +English, which took refuge in Gibraltar after leaving the Hannibal in +their possession, &c.; saying nothing of the heavy batteries and +gun-boats they had to contend with. But the Spaniards, in the Madrid +Gazette extraordinary, represented the "action as very obstinate and +bloody on both sides; and likewise on the part of the batteries, which +decided the fate of the day:" and in another place, "the fire of our +batteries was so hot and well supported that the enemy suffered most +from them; and particularly it is to the St. Jago we owe the capture +of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span> English ship, for her bold manœuvre of attempting to pass +between the French Rear-admiral's ship, the Formidable, and the shore, +made her take the ground; and, notwithstanding the utmost exertions to +get her afloat, it was found impossible to move her. Then the fire +from the battery very soon dismasted her, and compelled her to +strike.<a name="FNanchor_34" id="FNanchor_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></p> + +<p>The diagram, besides pointing out the situations of the five strong +batteries, which so completely protect the harbour, and which did the +greatest execution, shows the first position of the ships about the +time they all anchored, and before the enemy's ships had warped near +the shore. The second, represented by the outlines, shows the +situation of the hostile squadrons at the time the Hannibal struck, +when the Pompée had nearly reached the Mole, the distance of which +from Algeziras is little more than four miles, and the Spencer was +considerably advanced in that direction.</p> + +<p>We cannot conclude our account of this action without a few remarks on +the circumstances we have related. There cannot be a doubt that, had +the enemy remained in the position he held at the commencement of the +action, every ship would have been taken. Praise is certainly due to +Admiral Linois for his able manœuvre of warping his ships aground, +being the only chance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span> he had of escaping; while it was acknowledging +that, as long as his ships were continued afloat, he had no confidence +in protection from the batteries, strong as they were, against the +valour and perseverance of British seamen.</p> + +<p>Although the attack was not crowned with the success it merited, in a +national point of view the result was as complete as if the whole +squadron had been destroyed, as the enemy were thereby prevented from +proceeding further in the execution of the ulterior object of their +expedition; and the chance of this alone was sufficient to justify Sir +James in this bold and daring attempt, which, it will be seen, +ultimately led to one of the most glorious achievements which adorn +the annals of the empire.<a name="FNanchor_35" id="FNanchor_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1801.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p> Observations on the Battle of Algeziras.—Copies of the Journals of the +Spencer, Audacious, and Venerable.—Remarks on them.—Further +particulars.—The Spanish account.—The French account.—Bulletin +from the Moniteur.—Anecdote of an occurrence at St. Malo.—Sword +presented to Linois.—Lines on the occasion.—His improvement of Naval +tactics.—Epigram.—Anecdote of the intrepidity of one of the Cæsar's +men.</p></div> + +<p>It has been mentioned in the preceding chapter that, owing chiefly to +the minutes of Captain Ferris's court-martial, and to the +discrepancies in different statements, a controversy has arisen on the +subject. In order to avoid the possibility of our becoming a party +thereto, correct copies of the logs, which are now at the Record +Office in the Admiralty, are subjoined, after having been compared +with those at Somerset House.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center">Copy of the Log of his Majesty's ship Spencer, 6th July 1801.</p> + +<p>Moderate and cloudy,—spoke his Majesty's ship Cæsar, which informed us of +having intelligence of three sail of French line-of-battle ships and a frigate +being in Algeziras <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span>Bay,—answered the signal to prepare for battle at +anchor,—employed clearing ship for battle at anchor; at 6h. Apes hill S. +E.; at half-past 6 beat the general to quarters,—ship clear for action; +<span class="smcap">a.m.</span> light airs and variable; at 4h. sprung up a breeze from the westward; at +7h.58m. saw three French sail-of-the-line and one frigate, lying under the +protection of the Spanish batteries of Algeziras, and a strong fortified island +to the southward, and a number of forts and redoubts to the westward of them.</p> + +<p>At 8h.17m. the batteries commenced firing on the Venerable, Pompée, and +Audacious,—Venerable commenced firing; at 9h.11m. we commenced firing; at +9h.35m. found the sheet-cable cut through by the enemy's shot; at 9h. 48m. +anchored between the Cæsar and the Hannibal, Audacious astern, the Pompée on our +larboard bow, having a battery and the French Admiral's ship to oppose us on our +larboard beam, a battery and gun-boats ahead; at 10h.33m. dismasted and +disabled a gun-boat that was rowing to the assistance of the others; at 10h. +39m. cut the cable per Admiral's order whilst wearing,—the gun-boats +attempted to approach us from under the land, but the brisk fire that was kept +up made them retreat in great disorder; at 11h.3m. answered the signal to come +to the wind on the larboard tack (No. 98); at 11h.7m. commenced firing at the +outer ships of the enemy, which was kept up at intervals.</p> + +<p>At 11h.37m. observed the Hannibal under the batteries at the north end of the +town, with her main-top-mast shot away and aground, but keeping up a brisk fire +on the enemy's ships and batteries; <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> Hannibal still on shore, but keeping up +a brisk fire at the enemy's ships and batteries; at 1h.16m. observed the +Hannibal to slacken her fire, shortly after the ensign hauled down and hoisted +union <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span>downwards; at 1h.35m. observed the enemy's boats boarding the Hannibal; +at 1h.44m. ceased firing,—found the ship had suffered considerably in her +hull, having several shots on both sides between wind and water. Our loss in the +action was six killed, twenty-seven badly wounded, two of whom died of their +wounds. The fore-mast, bowsprit, main-top-mast, main-top-gallant yard, and +main-top-sail yard badly wounded; the boats and booms shot through in several +places; the cutter and yawl that were towing astern were sunk by the enemy. At +6h.30m. anchored per signal, and moored ship in Rosia Bay, Gibraltar.</p></div> + +<p>The following is a correct copy of the Audacious's log, at Somerset +House.</p> + +<p>This log, like the former, begins in the evening of the 5th July 1801.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>Wind S.W. <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> moderate and hazy; half-past 2 tacked,—Cape Trafalgar S. +E. three or four leagues,—got springs on the anchors; at 8h. standing up +the Gut of Gibraltar,—Admiral S. by W. three-quarters of a mile; at 12h. +taken aback, came to the wind on the land-tack; at 6h. Gibraltar Rock N. by E. +four or five leagues,—shortened sail to let the Pompée go ahead to her +station; at half-past 7, saw the enemy's ships at anchor in Algeziras Roads, +consisting of three line-of-battle ships, a frigate, gun-boats, &c.; +three-quarters past 7, the batteries commenced firing on our ships as they +passed; twenty minutes past 8, the enemy's ships began to fire on our ships; at +half-past 8, the action became hot on both sides,—the Venerable, Pompée, +and Audacious as yet only in action; at half-past 9, the Cæsar, Spencer, and +Hannibal joined the action against the ships and batteries; at 11h. cut the +cables, and tried to tow the ship's head round to the eastward, to bring +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span>the +ship's broadside to bear on her opponent, but without effect; by this time the +sails and rigging being much cut up, and the ship unmanageable, got the kedge +anchor with a five-inch hawser out on the starboard bow, and succeeded in +bringing the broadside to bear; at noon, light airs inclining to +calm,—Cæsar, Spencer, under way, still in action.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">p.m.</span> dark weather; at forty-five minutes past 12, the Venerable and Pompée +hauled to the wind on the starboard tack; at 1h. cut the sheet-cable, and +slipped the end of the kedge hawser, and spring on the sheet-anchor,—got +the boats ahead to tow,—found the ship drifting under the island fort, +which did us considerable injury,—the rocks close under the +lee-bow,—cut away the best bower-anchor to check her head, and bring her +broadside to bear, it being calm; at twenty minutes past 1, a light breeze +sprung up off-shore,—cut away the best bower-cable, and made sail on the +starboard tack,—observed the Hannibal on shore, and the enemy take +possession of her; at 4h. anchored in Rosia Bay, Gibraltar.</p></div> + +<p>The next is the journal of Captain Hood of the Venerable.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">6th July 1801.</p> + +<p>Monday, 6th July, wind variable off Algeziras,—Gibraltar Bay, light +breezes, and variable,—the captain went on board the Cæsar,—all sail +set,—squadron in company,—the captain returned,—got the +sheet-cable through the stern-port, and bent it to the anchor,—got springs +on the sheet and bower-anchors; at 2h. Captain Hood went on board the Admiral; +at 3h. returned,—received a midshipman and seven men per the Plymouth +lugger, and from the Boladore, Spanish lugger; at 4h. Cape Trafalgar, N.E. seven +or eight miles,—all sail set,—made and shortened <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span>sail occasionally +for the squadron, and tacked occasionally,—<span class="smcap">a.m.</span> do. weather; at 4h. made +more sail; at 7h. discovered the enemy, consisting of three two-decked ships and +a frigate, with an Admiral's flag flying, at anchor under the town and batteries +of Algeziras, protected by many gun-boats, &c.—all sail set, standing +in for the enemy, followed by the Pompée, Audacious, Cæsar, Spencer, and +Hannibal; at 7h.50m. the batteries opened their fire on us,—Pompée and +Audacious one mile and a half distant from us astern.</p> + +<p>At 8h. it fell calm; at 8h.20m. the Pompée and Audacious, bringing up the +breeze, passed us to windward, when the enemy's ships opened their fire on us; +at 8h.14m. a light air sprung up,—passed the Audacious to leeward, at +which time the Pompée and Audacious opened their fire; at 8h. 20m. the breeze +dying away, came to with the sheet-anchor, as did the Pompée and +Audacious,—hove in the spring; and at 8h.30m. opened our fire on the +French Admiral's ship: at 10h. the Cæsar anchored on our bow, and sent a spring +on board of us; at the same time the action became general, and the Hannibal got +on shore, after attempting to cut off the French Admiral's ship.</p> + +<p>At 10h.20m. the Pompée drifted between us and the French Admiral's,—hove +in our spring, and brought our guns to bear on the other enemy's ship on our +bow, and the other's stern: at 12h. the Pompée drifted between our fire and the +enemy's,—slipt the sheet-cable, and eight-inch hawser, the spring, with +the intention of getting alongside the enemy's southernmost ship,—light +air springing up at the time from the N.E.; in awaiting this opportunity, the +mizen-top-mast, fore-braces, and jibb halyards, with various other standing and +running rigging, shot away, and main-mast badly wounded: at 11h.15m. breeze +dying away prevented our intention,—opened our fire on the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span>southernmost +ship; at 12h. calm and hazy,—Cæsar, Hannibal, Audacious, Spencer, and us +still firing on the enemy's ships, batteries, and gun-boats,—boats of the +squadron towing off the Pompée to Gibraltar; <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> calm,—still firing on +the enemy's ships, which were warping farther in-shore.</p> + +<p>At 12h.40m. sent Lieutenant Collis in the pinnace to assist the Hannibal; at +1h.40m. finding it impossible to near the enemy's ships with safety, it being +calm, and a strong current setting in-shore, their batteries firing red-hot shot +and throwing shells, ceased the action as per signal, as did the other ships, +and steered for Gibraltar,—observed the Hannibal ceased firing, and hoist +the colours reversed, having her fore and mainmasts shot away, and being in ten +foot water, rendered all assistance useless.</p> + +<p>24 Nov. 1801.<a name="FNanchor_36" id="FNanchor_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">S. Hood.</span></p></div> + +<p>Thus the logs and journals of the captains and officers of the +Spencer, Audacious, Venerable, and Cæsar, all agree that the Hannibal +struck her colours between 1h.20m. and 1h.40m. The Pompée, being by +this time near the Mole at Gibraltar, could not see nor take minutes +of that circumstance. The Spencer, according to her position at that +time, was in the best situation for seeing the Hannibal, and +accordingly her log is the most particular. The Cæsar's log need not +be given, as it would be merely a repetition of Captain Brenton's +narrative. All these agree with Colonel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span> Connolly's testimony, and +their evidence is quite conclusive as to the following facts; namely, +that the Hannibal struck her colours before the main-mast fell; that +these colours were hoisted union down by the enemy, who had possession +of the ship before the boats came alongside from the Venerable and +Cæsar, and that to save her was quite impossible.</p> + +<p>The following further particulars relative to the action are given in +the extract of a letter from an officer of the Cæsar, dated at +Gibraltar:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>There is one point that needs explanation; namely, when the Cæsar cut her cable +at half-past ten o'clock, it was from a fine breeze springing up, and the hope +of closing with the enemy. Orders were given for that purpose to the Audacious +and Venerable; the Cæsar wore round them, and brought her broadside to bear on +the Indomptable's bow, lying there (about three cables distant from her) a +considerable time, with the fore-top-sail to the mast (aback). The Audacious, +bringing up a breeze from the north-west, passed between us and the enemy, who, +in this part of the day, suffered materially, his fore-top-mast going about five +minutes before twelve o'clock. Shortly afterwards, the Audacious and Cæsar were +becalmed upon the broadside of the Indomptable, without being able to bring one +of their guns to bear,—the Cæsar not more than three cables' length from +the island battery, and the Audacious still nearer,—both ships drifting on +the reef.</p> + +<p>It was at this time that Sir James Saumarez formed the resolution of attacking +the island with marines. Boats were signalised for the purpose; but, being all +employed with the Pompée, or sunk by the enemy's fire, it was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span>found +impracticable. A breeze again sprung up, and Sir James directed his ship to be +laid alongside of the Indomptable, in the firm resolution of carrying her. The +sails were trimmed for that purpose as well as the crippled state of the masts +would allow, but a calm ensued. The Venerable had never received the breeze from +the time of her cutting, and still lay unmanageable. The Spencer had drifted +considerably in repairing her rigging.</p></div> + +<p>The following is a translation of the Spanish official account of the +battle of Algeziras, 6th July 1801:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>The division of three French line-of-battle ships and one frigate, under the +command of Rear-admiral Citizen Linois, that sailed from the road of Toulon on +the 25th last June, destined for Cadiz, came in sight of this station and bay on +the 1st of July; and, the Levant wind having failed on entering the Straits, +they cruised between the coast of Africa and that of Europe, in which they +captured the English brig of war the Speedy, of sixteen guns, that was a Mahon +packet, and was conducting to Gibraltar a prize, the merchant brig the Union, +loaded with oil and provisions.</p> + +<p>The continuation of the westerly winds obliged the said division to come into +this port on the 5th instant, at seven in the evening. From that moment, +recollecting the desperate attacks of the English at Alexandria and Copenhagen, +we could not but expect that their squadron, which had been seen off Cadiz on +the 3rd instant, under the command of Rear-admiral Saumarez, would come and +attack this division. So it happened.</p> + +<p>As soon as the English received intelligence where the French had anchored, they +steered directly for the Straits; and, on the 6th instant, at half-past six in +the morning, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span>six English ships doubled the Point of Carnero, and, coming round +the island of Algeziras, advanced in a line within half cannon-shot of the +French ships. The batteries of St. Garcia and the island opened their fire upon +the English; and afterwards the frigate and republican ships.</p> + +<p>As soon as the English line came opposite the French ships at anchor, they +opened upon them an animated, bold, and unremitting fire. The English Admiral +having placed himself against the French, and the British ship Hannibal being +under sail, cannonaded furiously the French Admiral, who, with superior spirit +and success, resisted them; insomuch that, having carried away the Admiral's +mizen-mast, and sails of the main and fore-mast, with no small damage of his +hull, the commander of the English ship Hannibal, despising the fire from the +battery of St. Jago, pushed on to his succour; and, intending to place the +French Admiral between two fires, by running between him and the shore, had the +imprudence, being unacquainted with his position, to place himself within a +quarter of a gun-shot of the battery, and ran aground. He relieved his Admiral, +who, after this, went out of the action; but he lost his own ship and crew, as +the fire from the battery and French Admiral dismantled him, and killed three +parts of his ship's company.</p> + +<p>Until this ship's surrender, which was about the time of the retreat of the +English Admiral, the fire was constant upon the two French ships and frigate, as +well as upon the seven Spanish gun-boats, the batteries of the island, St. +Garcia, St. Jago, La Almiranta, and Almirante, which, as opportunity offered, +returned their fire.</p> + +<p>The battle lasted from half-past eight o'clock in the morning, when the fort of +St. Garcia opened its fire, till two in the afternoon, when the last shot was +fired from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span>the French ship Indomptable. The persevering, active, and tremendous +fire of the enemy, and that of the two nations (French and Spanish), were only +distinguishable by the prudence, skill, and greatness of soul with which the +allied chiefs directed theirs, and the audacity, temerity, and confusion which +were shown in that of the English. The idea of this kind of fighting, which we +form from the account of the battles of Alexandria and Copenhagen, does not, in +proportion to the numbers engaged, bear any comparison with that of Algeziras, +either in point of bloodiness or obstinacy.</p> + +<p>The English, after having left the glory and the field of battle to the two +nations, covered with shame, and taught by dear-bought experience, have only +given an unequivocal proof of their inveterate hatred to France and Spain; +since, not being able to obtain any advantage over the French and Spanish +forces, they directed their fire against an inoffensive town, which received no +small injury in the buildings. This is the only glory which the arms of Great +Britain have to boast of.</p> + +<p>The Pompée was towed out of the action by eight boats, who came to her succour +from the garrison of Gibraltar. She was kept afloat by casks, or otherwise could +not have been brought in.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span>The ships of the French Republic which sustained this attack were the +Formidable, 84, Citizen Linois; Dessaix, 74, Moncousu, killed; L'Indomptable, +84, Lalonde, killed; the frigate Muiron, 36, Martinencq; five Spanish gun-boats +damaged, and two sunk. In the French ships, three hundred and six killed; one +hundred and eighty-four wounded. We suppose in the English squadron above five +hundred are killed, and from two hundred and seventy to two hundred and eighty +wounded.</p> + +<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">Madrid Gazette Extraordinary.</span></p> +<p class="right">Merida, 10 July 1801.</p> + +<p>The general commandant of the camp at St. Roque, in a despatch of the 6th +instant, transmitted by a courier extraordinary, communicates an account of an +action which has been fought between six sail of the line, and other vessels of +war, belonging to the English, and the French squadron of three ships of the +line, and one frigate, lying at anchor in the harbour of Algeziras; and of the +glorious result which has taken place for his Majesty's arms, and those of the +Republic, his ally.</p> + +<p>About eight in the morning of that day, (viz. the 6th,) there were seen, coming +out of Gibraltar, one ship of eighty-four guns, five of seventy-four, a lugger +of sixteen, another of ten, and a polacre of ten, two armed launches, and +fourteen boats. This force, under the command of a Rear-admiral, stood into +Algeziras, for the purpose of attacking the French squadron then anchored in +that port, which, as has been already stated, consisted of three sail of the +line, and one frigate. The commanders of this squadron, being aware of the +enemy's intention, made their dispositions for defence, placing themselves, as +well as they were able, under the cover of our batteries, and waiting in this +position for his approach.</p> + +<p>The action commenced at nine; it was very obstinate and bloody on both sides, +and likewise on the part of our batteries, which decided the fate of the day. +The action was continued till two in the afternoon, at which hour the English +drew off with the loss of one ship of the line; taking in tow another, which was +dismasted and damaged in the hull; and having sustained very great loss and +damage in the rest of their vessels. Their loss in men must have been +considerable, as it is certain that a great number were killed and wounded on +board all the ships. The French <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span>also have been equal sufferers, the killed and +wounded in their squadron being estimated at eight hundred: that of our troops +has been less; out of the whole, only the royal regiment of Ronda has lost +eleven men.</p> + +<p>The fire of our batteries was so hot and well supported, that the enemy suffered +most from them; and particularly it is to that of St. Jago we owe the capture of +the English ship, for her bold manœuvre of attempting to pass between the +French Rear-admiral's ship, the Formidable, and the shore, made her take the +ground; and, notwithstanding the utmost exertion to put her afloat, it being +found impossible to move her, the fire from the battery very soon dismasted her, +and compelled her to strike. The French vessels, and our batteries, have +likewise received a good deal of damage; but they are already in a course of +repair; and the most active dispositions are making in order to cause the enemy +to repent, should he have any intention of renewing the action with troops so +animated and well-conducted as ours and the French have proved themselves in the +engagement of the 6th.</p></div> + +<p>The French account of this action, as we have already noticed, was +still more exaggerated than the Spanish; and, unfortunately for the +friends and relatives of the Admiral, officers, and men of the +squadron, it made its way to England some time previously to the +<span class="italic">true</span> accounts,—causing much uneasiness. The <span class="italic">Moniteur</span> announced +that</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>On the 5th July, at eight o'clock in the morning, the cannonade commenced +against six English ships, which lost no time in coming within musket-shot of +the French vessels. The action then became very warm. These two squadrons seemed +equally animated with a determination <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span>to conquer. If the French squadron had +any advantage in point of situation, the English had double their force, and +several of their vessels had ninety guns each: already had the English ship, +Hannibal, of seventy-four guns, contrived to place herself between the French +squadron and the shore. It was now eleven o'clock <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and this proved the +decisive moment. For two hours the Formidable, the French Admiral's ship, +successfully opposed three English ships.</p> + +<p>One of the British squadron, which was singly engaged with a French vessel, +struck her colours at three-quarters past eleven. Immediately after, the +Hannibal, exposed to the fire of three French ships, which fired from two decks, +also struck her colours: about half-past twelve, the English squadron cut their +cables, and sailed away. The Hannibal was boarded by the Formidable. Of six +hundred men, who composed her crew, three hundred were killed. The first ship +that struck her colours was retaken by a great number of gun-boats, and other +vessels, sent out from Gibraltar. This action covers the French arms with glory, +and shows what they are capable of accomplishing. Rear-admiral Linois <span class="italic">proceeded +to Cadiz with the Hannibal, in order to repair her damage</span>.<a name="FNanchor_37" id="FNanchor_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> We wait with impatience the returns of the loss +sustained by each ship.</p></div> + +<p>These accounts appear to have reached Paris on the 11th July. On the +19th, the following bulletin reached St. Malo.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Three French ships of the line and a frigate, under the command of Rear-admiral +Linois, were attacked on the 6th instant by six English sail of the line and a +frigate. The English were completely beaten, and took refuge <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span>in Gibraltar, +leaving in possession of the French the Hannibal, of seventy-four guns: another +ship of the line had struck, but was towed off by a great number of gun-vessels, +which sailed from Gibraltar to her relief.</p></div> + +<p>About this time, the Jason frigate, having been wrecked near St. Malo, +the captain and crew were made prisoners. The author was sent in with +a flag of truce by Commodore Cunningham, of the Clyde, to negotiate +for the exchange of prisoners; when the French officer, with an air of +triumph and exultation, handed him a copy of that bulletin: but, as +soon as the negotiation was ended, the author had the pleasure of +handing to him, in return, the Gazette account of the victory of the +13th, which Sir James Saumarez had gained over Linois, and which the +Commodore had received, fortunately, on that day. The Frenchman's +chagrin may be easily imagined, when he threw down the Gazette, with +the exclamation '<span class="italic">Ce n'est pas vrai</span>!'</p> + +<p>On the statement of Linois' victory, as it was called, reaching Paris, +a handsome sword was sent to him; which, however, did not reach him +until after his subsequent defeat. On this occasion the following +Epigram was written.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="left10">In the days of the Bourbons, a man was <span class="italic">rewarded</span><br /> +<span class="i2">For <span class="italic">standing</span> the brunt of the day:</span><br /> +But, now, this old maxim in France is <span class="italic">discarded</span>,—<br /> +<span class="i2">Men are honoured for</span> <span class="italic">running away</span>!</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span></p><p>In the French accounts nothing was mentioned of their running their +ships aground to escape from the English, which is, indeed, the only +thing Citizen Linois deserved any credit for doing. At the same time, +it could not fail to convince both the French and Spanish troops, of +the want of confidence he must have had in his crews, and of their +evident inferiority: it was certainly a new mode of fighting, which +called forth the following lines on this improvement in naval tactics.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="left10">To mar our skill, fam'd Linois, thou hast found<br /> +A certain way,—by fighting ships on <span class="italic">ground</span>;<br /> +Fix deep in sand thy centre, van, and rear,<br /> +Nor e'er St. Vincent, Duncan, Nelson, fear.<br /> +While, o'er the main, Britannia's thunder rolls,<br /> +She leaves to thee the trident of the <span class="italic">shoals</span>!</p></div> + +<p>In concluding this chapter, we shall relate the following anecdote of +British heroism, derived from Captain Brenton's Naval History.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>When, in the hottest part of the action at Algeziras, the Cæsar <span class="italic">broke her +sheer</span>,—that is, her situation was altered by a puff or flaw of wind so as +to change the direction of her head, and turn her round, that her guns could not +be brought to bear on her opponent,—the captain ordered the boat to be +lowered down from the stern, to convey a warp to the Audacious; but the boat was +found to be knocked to pieces by the enemy's shot. Before other means could be +resorted to, Michael Collins, a young sailor belonging to the Cæsar's mizen-top, +seized the end of a lead-line, and exclaiming, "You shall soon have a warp," +darted into the sea from the tafrail, and swam with the line to the Audacious, +where it was received, and by that means a hawser was run out which answered the +intended purpose.</p></div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1801.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Mole of Gibraltar.—Negociation for the exchange of prisoners +unsuccessful.—Captain Ferris and the officers of the Hannibal return on +parole.—They sail for England in the Plymouth lugger, which carries home +despatches and private letters.—Despatch sent to Lord Keith.—Admiral +Saumarez shifts his flag to the Audacious.—Extraordinary exertions of the +crew of the Cæsar.—Their admirable conduct.—Captain Brenton and the +garrison.—Arrival of the Spanish squadron at Algeziras.—Increased +exertions of the crews of the squadron.—Private +letters.—Preparations to attack the enemy.</p></div> + +<p>The squadron being now in the Mole at Gibraltar, the wounded having +been removed to the hospital, and the necessary orders given for +refitting with all possible speed, the Admiral lost no time in turning +his attention to the situation of the captain, officers, and crew of +the unfortunate Hannibal, which had so nobly maintained the honour of +the British flag.</p> + +<p>Sir Jahleel Brenton says, "He ordered me to take a flag of truce, and +wait upon the French admiral (Linois), proposing an exchange of +prisoners,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span> which the latter refused, alleging that it was not in his +power to establish a cartel for the purpose, until he obtained the +sanction of the Minister of the Marine at Paris, to whom he had sent +off an express, as soon as the firing had ceased, on the preceding +day; but he consented to send over on parole Captain Ferris and the +officers of the Hannibal. The object of the French Admiral was very +obvious; he concluded we wanted to replace the men who were killed, +and wounded; but he justly thought, that sending officers on parole +would be an act of harmless courtesy, from which we could reap no +immediate benefit. It will be seen that, after the second action, when +his dispatches from Algeziras could scarcely have reached Paris, (only +six days having elapsed,) he did not wait for an answer from the +Minister of Marine. But circumstances had altered; we had taken a +line-of-battle ship, and burned two first-rates; and he then wished to +get back as many of the crews as possible."</p> + +<p>The following correspondence, which took place between Sir James +Saumarez and the French Admiral Linois, shows the deep interest Sir +James took in the distressing situation of the crew of the Hannibal, +of which an account was brought to him by Captain Brenton, together +with the assurance that Captain Ferris and his officers would be +liberated on parole.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 8th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Solicitous as I am for the welfare of the men unfortunately wounded on board his +Majesty's ship Hannibal, and desirous to have them conveyed as speedily as +possible to this garrison, I propose to send a boat early to-morrow morning with +a flag of truce, and I trust no objection can be made to their coming by her.</p> + +<p>Being informed that Captain Ferris and his officers have permission to come on +their parole, a boat will also be sent for them. I have the honour to be, sir,</p> + +<p class="left50">Your most obedient and most humble servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Linois,<br /> +<span class="left5">commanding the French squadron at Algeziras.</span></p></div> + +<p>The boat having returned from Algeziras with Captain Ferris and his +officers, but not with the crew of the Hannibal, Sir James despatched +another boat, with the following letter to Admiral Linois:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 9th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Having received different reports, particularly from Captain Ferris, that the +men who had the misfortune of being wounded on board his Majesty's ship Hannibal +are left in the most afflicting condition, and are unprovided with every kind of +refreshment, I am impelled, from motives of humanity, to renew my application to +you that they may be permitted to come to this place by the boat now sent for +them; and that you will also permit those wounded men who are confined in the +prison, and who, I understand, are without any surgical attendance whatever, to +accompany them. I have the honour to be, sir,</p> + +<p class="left50">With all possible regard, your obedient servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Linois,<br /> +<span class="left5">commanding the French squadron at Algeziras.</span></p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span></p> +<p>This application was, however, not attended with success; and the +sufferings of the unfortunate wounded at Algeziras were extreme, until +circumstances changed, in consequence of the second action.</p> + +<p>We shall now continue the authentic and interesting communication +which Sir Jahleel Brenton has so kindly made to us:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>"The morning of the 7th July was passed in getting the Cæsar secured in the +Mole, and in landing the wounded men that still remained on board; also in +stripping the ship, and in ascertaining the amount of injury she had sustained. +The main-mast was so much injured that it became necessary to take it out and +get in a new one; the fore-mast was also very badly wounded, but capable of +being fished and rendered serviceable. Every effort was made to complete our +repairs, and get again ready for sea. On the following day, Captain Ferris and +his officers, who were sent on parole, arrived. They were accompanied by Lord +Cochrane and the officers of the Speedy, sloop of war, which had been taken on +the 3rd by Linois' squadron, off Malaga."</p></div> + +<p>The Admiral now prepared duplicates of his despatches for the +Admiralty, which Lieutenant Janvarin, of the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Calpé'">Calpe,</ins>, who was taken in +the Cæsar's boat, assisting the Hannibal, had been previously charged +to carry to Faro. These were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span> confided to Lieutenant Hills, of the +Hannibal, who, with Captain Ferris, were embarked on board the +Plymouth lugger for England. Sir Jableel Brenton says: "On taking +leave of the Admiral, the scene was deeply interesting, and even +affecting. Sir James, after giving Captain Ferris the highest credit +for his gallant daring, to which the loss of the Hannibal was +attributed, and lamenting that their united endeavours had not been +crowned with the success they merited, added, adverting to his +despatches, 'Tell them, sir, that I feel convinced I shall soon have +an opportunity of attacking the enemy again, and that they may depend +on my availing myself of it.'"</p> + +<p>On the 9th, in the afternoon, the Superb and Thames, which had +continued to watch the enemy off Cadiz, were seen coming through the +Straits under a crowd of canvass, with the signal for an enemy flying; +and they had scarcely rounded Cabrita Point before the Spanish +squadron, consisting of six sail of the line, were seen in pursuit of +them, and soon after anchored in Algeziras with the French squadron.</p> + +<p>Sir James now added the following to his despatches to Lord Keith:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Gibraltar, 9th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My Lord,</p> + +<p>I have the honour to inform your lordship that the Superb and Thames are now +standing into the bay, with the signal for the enemy's being in sight; and I +understand from Governor O'Hara that he has information from Cadiz +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span>that all the +Spanish and French ships in that port were ordered to Algeziras Bay to take the +French ships to Carthagena.</p> + +<p>I hope to have all the squadron ready before this day week; and, as they cannot +possibly put to sea under a fortnight at the earliest, I hope something may join +me from your lordship before they can put to sea: but, on the event of their +sailing before such junction, I shall follow them up with all the ships with me, +and proceed off Minorca, which will be my rendezvous till I have the honour of +hearing from your lordship.</p> + +<p>I am sorry to mention that the Hannibal is got off; but Captain Ferris, who has +just come over on his parole, describes her in the worst condition, as well as +the three French ships, and does not think they can be repaired under a +fortnight or three weeks at the earliest; as does Lord Cochrane, who is likewise +come over on his parole.</p> + +<p class="left45">I have the honour to be<br /> +<span class="i2">Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Right Hon. Lord Keith, K.B. &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>The public despatches being closed, Sir James wrote the following +letters, which were sent by the same conveyance; and, as they contain +his own private feelings on the occasion, they will be read with +interest:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Rosia Bay, 6th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Richard,</p> + +<p>After the warm expectations my friends have always formed for my success in the +public service, they will be distressed on being informed of my having failed in +an enterprise with the squadron on three French line-of-battle +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span>ships at anchor +off Algeziras. I was informed by different expresses from this garrison of their +having attempted to pass the Straits for Cadiz, and having anchored at some +distance from the batteries. I made sail yesterday with the intention to attack +them, if found practicable. We got round the point of the bay at about seven +this morning, and at half-past eight the action began, and during the first +hour, promised the most favourable hopes of success; when, by a most unfortunate +circumstance, the Hannibal got aground, and at once destroyed all my +expectations, though the action was continued for nearly four hours after.</p> + +<p>Every possible effort was made to rescue her from the enemy's fire; and after +repeated attempts, and a very great risk of this ship and the Audacious getting +on shore under the enemy's batteries, I was under the necessity of abandoning +the Hannibal to her fate. Although we have not succeeded in bringing off the +enemy's ships, they are, we believe, very seriously damaged. Two of them are +aground, and it is not expected they will be got off.</p> + +<p class="right">Wednesday, 9th July 1801.</p> + +<p>Having found a conveyance by way of Tangier, I sent you a duplicate of this. The +Superb and Thames have just made their appearance, with the signal for the enemy +being out of port. I think it is a good thing to have drawn them this way, as I +trust the first Levanter will bring us ships from the Mediterranean. Captain +Ferris goes by this opportunity, and has promised to forward this immediately to +you. He will be heard of at the Admiralty, or at the Adelphi Hotel. Great praise +is due for the brave defence of his ship.</p> + +<p class="right">10th July 1801.</p> + +<p>It is incalculable how much I have on my hands, night <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span>and day; but, thank God! +my health is good, though my anxiety is great. A fresh Levanter having sprung +up, the lugger sails immediately. Phil. Dumaresq is very well, as are all the +others. Poor Graves is the only person we have lost of the class of officers. I +also wrote to you, by way of Lisbon, only an hour since, and just before the +easterly wind set in. I trust none of my friends will suffer anxiety on my +account. This will be addressed to you, my dear Richard, and you will forward it +to my brother. He will be happy in being able to satisfy those who have friends +on board that they have all escaped unhurt. H. Brock, with the young men from +the island, are all well. I am, &c.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Richard Saumarez, Esq.</p></div> + +<p>Extracts of letters written on the 7th July 1801, to Lady Saumarez:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>I have formed a thousand apprehensions lest an account of the events of +yesterday should reach England through France before the arrival of my +despatches (which were sent off by way of Faro), and fill your mind with cruel +anxiety on my account; and this fear is much increased lest those despatches +should not even arrive, as I was obliged to send them by a doubtful opportunity, +through Tetuan and Tangier, the wind not admitting any vessel to pass the +Straits.</p> + +<p>Trusting, however, to their safety, I will not repeat their contents; but will +only observe that, when I sat down to write to you, it was the first interval of +rest from one of the most bustling scenes I ever witnessed, and from +experiencing one of the severest disappointments I have ever <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span>known; having, for +a considerable period during the action, flattered myself with the strongest +confidence that the most complete success would have attended the enterprise.</p> + +<p>I resign myself to the decree of <span class="smcap">Divine Providence</span>, whose will the winds obey; +and I have great cause to be thankful for not having been forsaken in the hour +of danger, but for having my courage strengthened as the peril increased. +Feeling, as I do, all the responsibility on an event of this importance to the +country, I should be miserable had I to reproach myself for having undertaken +the enterprise on light grounds, or with having failed in the planning or in the +execution; but, on the contrary, it is admitted by every one to have been most +judicious. It is therefore only in the result that I have been unfortunate, and +that arising from unforeseen and inevitable causes. I have been too much +employed to reflect on the light in which the business may be viewed in England; +but, conscious of having done my duty, and to the utmost of my exertions, I +shall be indifferent as to the rest. I only trust that all my friends, but you +more particularly, will be superior to any reflexions that may be made, should +there be any unfavourable to me; though I hope for better things, and that with +the liberal, at least, that which has been well intended, and carried on with +conduct and bravery, will be held in some estimation.</p></div> + +<p>Admiral Linois, from the specimen he had had of the determined +perseverance of the British commander-in-chief, had no wish to try +another contest; nor was it possible for him to escape the risk of +one, either by lying under the protection of the Spanish batteries, or +by proceeding to Cadiz. He lost no time, therefore, in sending an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span> +express to the Spanish Admiral Mazzaredo, and the French Rear-admiral +Dumanoir, who, with Commodore Le Ray and other officers and men, had +previously arrived in two frigates at Cadiz for the purpose of +equipping the Spanish fleet, imploring the assistance of a squadron to +convoy them to Cadiz, before the English ships under Sir James +Saumarez could be refitted; adding in his despatch, "I have just +received advice that the enemy intends burning us at our anchorage. It +is in your power to save for the Republic three fine ships of the line +and a frigate by merely ordering the Spanish squadron to come and seek +us."</p> + +<p>This demand, through the influence of Admiral Dumanoir, was +immediately acceded to by Mazzaredo, who ordered Vice-admiral Moreno +to proceed with five sail of the line, three frigates, and a lugger, +accompanied by the San Antonio, manned partly with French and +Spaniards, in which Admiral Dumanoir hoisted his flag. The movements +of these ships were observed by Captain Keats in the Superb, who, in +consequence of information he had received from an American, returned +with the Thames and Pasley off Cadiz.</p> + +<p>At daylight, on the 9th, this squadron put to sea, except the San +Antonio, which, being unable to fetch out, came to an anchor in the +road. The rest made sail up the Straits, preceded by the Superb, +Thames, and Pasley; and, the wind being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span> fair, the former reached +Algeziras about four <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, while the latter, as already stated, +anchored in Gibraltar Bay, to unite their efforts in refitting the +shattered ships. On the next morning, the San Antonio, with Admiral +Dumanoir's flag, arrived at Algeziras.</p> + +<p>As the object of this overwhelming force could be no other than to +conduct in safety the three French ships, and their prize the +Hannibal, to Cadiz or Carthagena, the exertions of the British +officers and men were redoubled in getting the damaged ships ready to +meet the enemy. They accomplished what has been justly acknowledged, +one of the most extraordinary undertakings ever known.</p> + +<p>The Pompée was in too bad a state to leave any hopes that she could be +got ready in time; her men, therefore, were distributed to assist in +repairing the other ships: and all idea of refitting the Cæsar was on +the point of being abandoned!</p> + +<p>The following account given by Captain Brenton will be read with much +interest: "Sir James now expressed the greatest anxiety to have as +many of his little squadron as possible ready for action, that he +might avail himself at any moment of the motions of the enemy to make +an attack upon some part of them; and despairing, from the state of +the Cæsar, that she could possibly be got in readiness before the +departure of the ships from Algeziras, he expressed a wish that the +deficiencies<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span> in the other ships might be made up from the crew of the +Cæsar; but on my entreaty for permission to keep them while a +possibility remained of getting her in a state to receive his flag +again, he consented, hoisting it for the time on board the Audacious.</p> + +<p>"On communicating to the people what had passed, there was a universal +cry, 'All hands all night and all day until the ship is ready!' so +earnest were they to carry the flag of their beloved Admiral again +into battle, and so sanguine in the expectation of victory, +notwithstanding the disparity of force,—nearly <span class="italic">two to one</span>! This I +could not consent to, as they would have been worn out and incapable +of further exertion; but I directed that all hands should be employed +during the day, and that they should work <span class="italic">watch and watch</span> during the +night. They immediately commenced their various duties, with all the +energy and zeal that could be expected from men under such powerful +causes of excitement. The new main-mast was got in forthwith, and +extraordinary efforts made to refit the rigging.</p> + +<p>"On Saturday, the 11th, the enemy showed symptoms of moving; and the +Admiral, fearing they might get out in the night, again suggested that +the people from the Cæsar should be distributed, and every idea of +getting her ready abandoned; but I entreated, and obtained permission +to keep them during that night, under the promise<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span> that they should be +held in readiness at a minute's warning to proceed to the ship pointed +out to receive them.</p> + +<p>"The enemy having anchored again, the Admiral went to dine with the +governor; and, on his return on board, was greatly delighted at +beholding the ship apparently ready for sea, although much yet +remained to be done."</p> + +<p>We must here pay a just tribute to the professional abilities and +conduct of Captain (now Sir Jahleel) Brenton. He was, in the first +place, well aware of the magnitude of the labour which the men had to +perform, and saw the danger of allowing his brave crew to be worn out +with fatigue in attempting that to which the human frame is unequal. +He therefore decided that, instead of working on until the labour was +finished, according to the seamen's laudable wishes, they should have +such a portion of rest as would enable them to resume their labour +with renewed energy. In the second place, he knew that without system, +the exertions of the men would be in vain; but the admirable +directions he gave employed every man in what he was best able to +perform without impeding his neighbour, whilst every part of the +labour advanced simultaneously. There has, indeed, never yet been on +record an instance of a ship performing such a task so well and in so +short a time.</p> + +<p>Although the services going on required many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span> men to be on shore for +gunpowder and other stores, to replace what had been expended, there +was not a single complaint of any one absenting himself from his duty, +or of being intoxicated; though the inducement must have been great, +from the number of wine-houses on the Rock: but such was the desire of +these brave fellows to be avenged for the loss of the Hannibal, that +they would not allow any temptation to induce them to swerve from the +duty they had to perform.</p> + +<p>The extraordinary anxiety of mind, and the multiplicity of duty he had +to perform, did not divert the attention of Sir James from the +situation of the unfortunate crew of the Hannibal, especially the +wounded, who were suffering as well from want of proper surgical care +as from the treatment they had received. He once more made a strong, +but fruitless attempt for their exchange, by addressing the following +letter to Admiral Linois:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"><p class="right">Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 10th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I am impelled by motives of humanity again to renew my application in behalf of +the men unfortunately wounded on board his Britannic Majesty's ship Hannibal, +and to request they may be permitted to come to this garrison without delay. A +proposition so conformable to the laws of civilised nations I trust cannot be +rejected; but, should you further refuse to comply with it, you must take upon +yourself the impression all the world must have of so cruel a proceeding as to +deny those unhappy people the benefit <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span>of their own hospital, where they would +receive surgical assistance, and not be subjected to the severe treatment they +have so long experienced in their present situation.</p> + +<p class="left50">I am, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>Rear-admiral Linois, &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>No answer having been given to this application, the correspondence +ended, to be resumed under more favourable circumstances.</p> + +<p>Sir James now added to the duplicates of his despatches (which had +been sent in charge of Lieutenant Janvarin, by way of Tangier,) the +following letter to his brother:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="left65"></p> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Gibraltar, 10th July 1801.</p> + +<p>You will, I hope, receive the letters I have written to you on the subject of +the enterprise of our squadron against three ships of the line and a frigate, at +anchor in Algeziras Bay, last Monday; for a more particular account of which I +must refer you to my public letter. But as my friends, with their usual anxiety +on my account, will naturally wish further information from me, I must assure +them in justice to myself and for their satisfaction, that everything was done +that depended on myself, both in the planning and executing the business; but I +cannot be accountable for the accidents that prevented its success. Even within +an hour from our first engaging, and before any of our ships had sustained much +injury, the Pompée, which was remarkably well placed against the inner ship, +which proved to be the French Admiral, had at one time nearly silenced her, and +must have done so in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span>less than ten minutes, had not an unfortunate flaw of wind +<span class="italic">broke her sheer</span>; and from that moment she was unable to bring one of her guns to +bear on the enemy's ship.</p> + +<p>A short time after, the Hannibal got a fine breeze of wind, and was lying up in +the handsomest manner for the French ship; but unfortunately, wishing to go +between her and the shore, got aground. Surely in either of these instances I +was not concerned.</p> + +<p>I had, before this, cut our cables, to profit by a favourable breeze to close +the other two ships; but before we got near them it failed us, as well as the +Audacious, and with the current we drove close to the island battery, where we +remained a considerable time before either of the ships could clear a shoal +close to it. At length a fine breeze sprung up, which gave the most favourable +hope of carrying us close to the enemy's ships, and, by silencing them, to +extricate the unfortunate Hannibal.</p> + +<p>But here, again, it most unhappily failed us; and although we had, at different +times, opened a heavy fire upon them, we were still not sufficiently near to +silence them effectually; and, the wind all the time leading us farther off, I +was constrained to abandon all hopes of success, and proceeded with the squadron +to this anchorage.</p> + +<p>The Superb yesterday joined us, with the Thames. Captain Keats, having seen the +enemy coming out of Cadiz, appeared with the signal of their being in sight, and +they soon after came round Cabrita Point. Two are three-deckers, and three are +seventy-fours, with three frigates. If it draws this force to the Mediterranean, +some good may come from it. A squadron is hourly expected from Lord Keith, and +probably some ships may soon join us from England. We shall have all the ships +in readiness; and the junction of a few ships, would make us again superior to +the enemy's force. I must not forget to mention <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</a></span>that Captain Brenton has shown +himself a brave and most able officer.</p> + +<p>It is with difficulty I have found a leisure moment to write this. All I request +of my friends is, to feel assured that the failure of this enterprise has in no +instance proceeded from myself; and every one is ready to acknowledge that I +did, in every respect, all that depended on me. This, you will perceive, is +written in the midst of much bustle and a most active scene.</p></div> + +<p>The despatches contained accounts of the arrival of the Spanish +squadron, and of Sir James's determination to attack them if they +attempted to put to sea, even with the force under his command. He +also sent despatches to Lisbon to delay any convoys which might be +sailing; and to Lord Keith, in the Mediterranean, to inform his +lordship of all the circumstances we have related. The Plymouth lugger +had already sailed, the wind being fair, with Captain Ferris, who, as +well as Lieutenant Hills, were bearers of the interesting details.</p> + +<p>The intense interest which these circumstances created on the Rock of +Gibraltar is far beyond description; nor do we know whether the kind +and sympathising reception which the suffering heroes met with on +their return from Algeziras was more worthy of praise than the +unparalleled exertions made to renew the conflict. On the one hand, +had the squadron arrived after the most complete and glorious victory, +they could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</a></span> not have been received in a manner more gratifying to +their feelings; while, on the other hand, it was evident that every +man was worthy of such generous and such noble conduct.</p> + +<p>The attention of the governor, the garrison, and the inhabitants, +although themselves in a state of privation, was unremitting. We shall +leave them for the present preparing to take farewell of each other on +the evening before the Admiral's departure, to meet what must have +appeared to every spectator an overwhelming foe!</p> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="c30" /> +<p class="p4"></p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</a></span></p> +<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h3> +<p class="p1 center"><strong>1801.</strong></p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p>Occurrences at Gibraltar.—Determination of Sir James to attack the +combined squadron.—Cæsar rehoists the Admiral's flag.—Sir J. +Brenton's description of that interesting scene.—His account of the +battle.—Destruction of two Spanish three-deckers.—Capture of the St. +Antonio.—Action between the Venerable and Formidable.—Public +letters.—Private letters.—French details of the +battle.—Spanish ditto.—Orders of sailing.—Remarks.</p></div> + +<p>General O'Hara the gallant governor, and the brave garrison of +Gibraltar, had beheld from the Rock, which is only four miles from +Algeziras, the long-contested, severe, but unfortunate conflict of the +6th of July. They had witnessed the bravery of their countrymen. Their +intense anxiety for the success of the Admiral's daring attack had +been changed into sympathy for the loss his squadron had sustained; +and, fully convinced that not only no honour had been sacrificed, but +that the character of the nation had been gloriously maintained, the +unsuccessful were received at the Rock, as if they had returned from a +victory. The garrison<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</a></span> beheld with admiration the wonderful efforts +which were made to meet a still more formidable foe. Every day marked +the progress of the Herculean labours in preparation for that event; +the exertions, zeal, and intrepidity of Sir James's officers and crews +increased in proportion to the multiplied force of the enemy, which, +to men of any other cast, would have appeared overwhelming!</p> + +<p>After one of the severest engagements on record, the British squadron, +in the short space of five days, had repaired its damages, and sought +the enemy, whose force had been nearly tripled by the junction of six +ships and three frigates from Cadiz. With such men, and in such a +cause, victory seemed certain, notwithstanding the great disparity of +force between the belligerents, and the exertions of the enemy proved, +that he expected a tremendous struggle. Every circumstance contributed +to render the approaching contest more eventful. Their late +unsuccessful attack only served to animate the officers and crews with +a noble enthusiasm, and a desire to put their valour to another but a +fairer trial; and they well knew that their Admiral would lead them to +the combat with that consummate skill, and deliberate courage which +had so justly rendered his name illustrious.</p> + +<p>At length the moment arrived. The enemy, whose force almost tripled +that of the English, were seen under sail; the wind was fair, and the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</a></span> +weather fine. The Cæsar, having rehoisted the Admiral's flag, made the +signal to prepare for battle!</p> + +<p>For a description of the intensely interesting and animating scene +which followed, we gladly avail ourselves of a communication kindly +made to us by Sir Jahleel Brenton, the gallant captain of the Cæsar on +that memorable occasion.</p> + +<p>"12th July 1801.—At daylight the enemy were seen making every +preparation for sailing; and in the course of the forenoon were +getting under way, and working out of the bay with a fresh wind from +the eastward. As they required to make several tacks for this purpose, +it was past one o'clock before the headmost ships could clear Cabrita +Point, when they brought to, to wait for the others to join them.</p> + +<p>"At half-past two the Cæsar hauled out of the Mole, her band playing +"Cheer up my lads, 'tis to glory we steer!" which was answered by the +military band on the Mole-head with "Britons, strike home!" At the +same moment the Admiral's flag was rehoisted on board the Cæsar; and +sail being made upon her, she weighed amidst the deafening cheers and +acclamations of the garrison, and the whole assembled population, +carrying with her the sincerest and most ardent wishes for victory.</p> + +<p>"She took her station off Europa Point, with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</a></span>the signals for her +little squadron to close round her, and to prepare for battle.<a name="FNanchor_38" id="FNanchor_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> We +then returned the salute which had been fired by the garrison on +entering the bay on the 6th; and which, in consequence of being +immediately engaged with the enemy, we could not do at the time. It +was delightful during this and the preceding days to witness the calm, +but decided manner of the admiral. He had evidently calculated the +awful responsibility under which he was placed; and this, at the same +time, was self-imposed; for it was by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</a></span>no means incumbent on him as a +duty, with only five sail of the line, viz. the Cæsar, Superb, +Spencer, Venerable, and Audacious, to attack an enemy with six fresh +ships, of which number two mounted one hundred and twelve guns each, +one of ninety, and three of seventy-four, in addition to the three +French ships we had already engaged, and their prize, the Hannibal. +But our chief had counted the cost, and made up his mind to the +enterprise. His intention was to throw his whole force upon whatever +part of the enemy's line he might be able to reach; depending upon the +talents of his captains, and the discipline of his ships, to make up +for the disparity of force, especially in a night action.</p> + +<p>"The squadron was soon assembled off Europa, and we beheld that of the enemy +forming their line off Cabrita, about five miles to leeward, waiting for the +Hannibal, which was the last ship to leave Algeziras. Sir James now made the +interrogatory signal to know if all the ships were ready for battle, which was +most properly answered in the negative, as all had much to do. The time which +the combined squadron took to get into the order of battle and sailing was +invaluable to all of us, by enabling us to complete the arrangements so +necessary upon so momentous an occasion. At length, every ship having announced +her readiness for action, the Admiral made the signal for them to be prepared to +follow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</a></span>his motions. He had already communicated with his captains his plan of +attack, and no other signal was made, or was necessary.</p> + +<p>"<span class="italic">At eight o'clock</span> the Hannibal, unable to work out of the Bay, was observed to +anchor again at Algeziras, and the enemy bore up through the Straits; the +Cæsar's helm was instantly put up, a blue light being burned at the same time +for the squadron to follow. At 8h.40m. the Superb was gaining fast upon us, and +the Admiral ordered me to hail Captain Keats, directing him to engage the ship +nearest to the Spanish shore. The enemy was retreating in two lines abreast, +thus:</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/412.jpg" width="400" height="243" +alt="diagram4" title="" /></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</a></span></p> + +<p>the three French ships in the van, the Spanish squadron in the rear. Had the +Hannibal succeeded in getting out of the bay, she was to have taken the station +ahead of the French ships, at the place marked with a cross H, in order to put +her in the greatest security, and to preserve their trophy.</p> + +<p>"At five minutes past eleven the Superb opened her fire; and, very shortly +after, the two sternmost ships of the enemy were seen to be in flames. We were +rapidly approaching them, and orders had been sent down to the officers at their +quarters to fire as soon as the guns would bear.</p> + +<p>"I was at this time standing on the poop ladder, near the Admiral, when he +seized me by the shoulder, and, pointing to the flames bursting out, exclaimed, +'My God, sir, look there! the day is ours!' A more magnificent scene never +presented itself, as may be easily imagined, than two ships of such immense +magnitude as the Spanish first-rates, on board of each other in flames, with a +fresh gale, the sea running high, and their sails in the utmost confusion. The +flames, ascending the rigging with the rapidity of lightning, soon communicated +to the canvass, which instantly became one sheet of fire. A very general feeling +of regret and sympathy seemed to be quickly experienced around us when we beheld +the Spanish colours brilliantly illuminated by the dreadful conflagration, +instead<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</a></span> of the French. The unfortunate Spaniards, having become at once the +tools and the victims of France, were objects of our sincere commiseration.</p> + +<p>"The Superb was now seen a little way on the starboard bow, engaged with one of +the enemy's ships, while several others were in sight at a distance ahead. We +kept on our course, and after having fired a broadside into the Superb's +opponent, (which, however, was already nearly silenced), continued the chase, +followed by the Venerable; but, when nearly the length of Trafalgar, our wounded +masts complained so much, that we were under the necessity of close-reefing the +main-top-sail, and taking in the fore-top-sail. The Admiral was also anxious to +get his squadron round him, that he might, with his collected force, reach Cadiz +before the morning, and cut the enemy off from the only port in which they could +find security.</p> + +<p>"The easterly wind, which, although blowing with great violence in the Straits, +is seldom felt close in shore on either the Spanish or African coasts, entirely +failed us as we hauled round Cape Trafalgar, and left our ship rolling heavily +in the swell, to the great danger of our masts. At half-past twelve o'clock one +of the Spanish three-deckers blew up, with a tremendous explosion, and soon +after the other. They had previously separated, after their masts had fallen, +and the rigging was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</a></span>consumed; and they were seen for some time burning at a +distance from each other, before their fatal termination.</p> + +<p>"As the Admiral and myself were looking over the chart together, in order to +shape our course for Cadiz, we heard an alarming cry of 'Fire!' and, running out +upon deck, were enveloped in a thick sulphrueous smoke, which seemed to pervade +every part of the ship. Soon, however, we found it clear away, and ascertained +the cause to be, that we had run into the column of smoke and vapour arising +from the explosion of the Spanish ship, which, being too dense to rise, lay +along the surface of the water. We gradually emerged from this, and were +relieved from our apprehensions of sharing the fate of our unhappy enemies.</p> + +<p>"At the dawn of day we saw the Venerable close to a French line-of-battle ship, +and drawing up with her by the aid of a light air off the Spanish shore. At five +o'clock the Venerable opened her fire upon the enemy. The breeze dying away, the +two ships were enveloped in a cloud of smoke. The Cæsar, at the distance of +about a mile and a half, was perfectly becalmed. The boats were sent ahead, in +hopes of being able to tow her within gun-shot of the enemy. In the course of a +short time, a light breeze having dispersed the dense cloud of smoke which the +fire of the two ships had occasioned, we discovered the Venerable with her +main-mast gone, and her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</a></span>opponent availing herself of the air from the eastward +to draw away, and pursue her course for Cadiz, firing her stern-chasers at the +Venerable. The remainder of the enemy's squadron, consisting of five sail of the +line and one frigate, in which both the French and Spanish admirals were +embarked, were discerned in the N.W., at a considerable distance, coming down +with a westerly wind.</p> + +<p>"The Superb having secured the prize, was approaching us from the S.E., and the +Spencer and Audacious were also to the southward. Such was the relative +situation of the squadrons, when, at eight minutes past eight, the Venerable +made the signal of having struck on a shoal. The Admiral, very apprehensive of +her falling into the hands of the enemy, sent me with discretional orders to +Captain Hood, that, should he not be able to get her off the shoal, he might put +his men into the Thames, and burn the Venerable, making the signal at the same +time for the Thames to close with the Venerable as soon as possible. I had +scarcely left the Cæsar when I saw the Venerable's fore-mast go over the side; +and before I reached her the mizen-mast followed. I found her, on going on +board, a perfect wreck, striking on the shoal, and the shot from the stern-chase +guns of the Formidable, her opponent, going over her. The gallant Hood was +seated on a gun on the quarter-deck, cheerfully waiting for the assistance +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</a></span>which he knew the Admiral would send to him as soon as the wind would enable +him, and ready to take advantage of any circumstance that might occur.</p> + +<p>"Having delivered my message from the Admiral, he said, 'Tell Sir James I hope +it is not yet so bad with the old Venerable; I hope to get her off soon. Let the +Thames stay by me, in readiness to receive our people. These rascals shall not +have her.' I returned to my ship; the breeze sprung up; and the Thames closing +with the Venerable, enabled her to heave off the shoal, and the enemy availed +himself of the wind to get into Cadiz. The Venerable was soon under jury-masts +and in tow of the Spencer, steering for Gibraltar, followed by the rest of the +squadron; where we all anchored, with our prize, the San Antonio, of +seventy-four guns, at 6 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> on the 14th.</p> + +<p>"The scene before us, on anchoring, was of the most animating description. Every +point of the Rock overhanging the shore was crowded with people, and the +acclamations of the troops and inhabitants which rent the air resounded +throughout the bay! Here, indeed, was a triumph for our hero, who, only a week +before, had been towed in from Algeziras with his crippled and defeated +squadron, with the loss of a ship of the line; but now entering victorious with +the same squadron, reinforced, it is true, by the Superb, but diminished by the +loss of the Hannibal, while<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</a></span> the disabled state of the Pompée had prevented her +leaving Gibraltar; after having engaged and defeated an enemy of more than +double his force, and having burnt two of their first-rates, and taken from them +a ship of the line.</p> + +<p>"From the nature of the attack and retreat, there was not much hard fighting on +this occasion, and consequently little opportunity for any display of that +valour and skill which is so constantly manifested in severe actions. The Superb +and Venerable had the greatest, and almost the only share. But the conduct of +the Admiral, I will venture to say, when all the circumstances are taken into +consideration, must be deemed fully equal to anything that has adorned the pages +of England's naval history. Instead of the recklessness of despair, to which +some might have attributed an attack with crippled ships against a force every +way so greatly superior, he manifested a calm and resolute determination. His +intentions were expressed with so much clearness that, as I have already +observed, signals were rendered unnecessary. He waited with much patience and +firmness for the enemy to bear up, which would place them in a situation the +least favourable for resisting a simultaneous attack upon any portion of their +squadron.</p> + +<p>"When the governor, the garrison, and the inhabitants of Gibraltar, who had +passed the night with painful anxiety beheld the approach of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</a></span>victorious +squadron, their joy and exultation knew no bounds. Even the wounded at the +hospitals, when they heard of the glorious success which had attended their +brethren in arms, raising their stumps, joined in the general burst of +acclamation. On the arrival of the Cæsar, the royal standard was hoisted, +twenty-one guns were fired at the King's Bastion, and the whole of this noble +fortress was brilliantly illuminated in honour of the victory."</p> + +<p>After the termination of this contest,—a contest which may be said to have +lasted seven days, in which two battles had been fought under peculiar +disadvantages, and which ended in adding another brilliant ray to the naval +glory of Britain,—Sir James, with that humility which had ever formed a +distinguished feature in his character, returned thanks to the great Giver of +all victory for crowning his exertions with success.</p> + +<p>The following general memorandum was given out to the squadron, on their return +to Gibraltar:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Rosia Bay, 15th July 1801.</p> + +<p>Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez has the happiness to offer his most heartfelt +congratulations to the captains, officers, and men of the ships he had the +honour to command, on the signal success with which it has pleased Almighty God +to crown their zealous exertions in the service of their country. To the +discipline and valour of British seamen is to be ascribed their great +superiority over the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</a></span>enemy, who, although more than triple the force of the +English squadron in number of guns and weight of metal, have been so signally +defeated.</p> + +<p>The Rear-admiral has not failed to transmit in his late despatches a report of +the unparalleled exertions of all the officers and men in refitting his +Majesty's ships after the battle of Algeziras, where their conduct and bravery +were equally conspicuous, and which has led to the late glorious success.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains, &c.</p></div> + +<p>Lieutenant Dumaresq, of the Cæsar, was now despatched in the Louisa +brig to England, with the following official accounts of the action +from the Rear-admiral, and from Captains Keats and Hood:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I request you will please to inform my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that +it has pleased the Almighty to crown the exertions of this squadron with the +most signal success over the enemies of their country.</p> + +<p>The three French line-of-battle ships disabled in the action of the 6th instant +off Algeziras, were, on the 8th, reinforced by a squadron of five Spanish +line-of-battle ships, under the command of Don Juan Joaquin de Moreno, and a +French ship of seventy-four guns, wearing a broad pendant; besides three +frigates, and an incredible number of gun-boats and other vessels; and got under +sail yesterday morning, together with his Majesty's late ship Hannibal, which +they had succeeded in getting off the shoal on which she struck.</p> + +<p>I almost despaired of having a sufficient force in readiness to oppose to such +numbers; but, through the great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</a></span>exertions of Captain Brenton, and the officers +and men belonging to the Cæsar, the ship was in readiness to warp out of the +Mole yesterday morning, and got under way immediately after, with all the +squadron except the Pompée, which ship had not had time to get her masts in.</p> + +<p>Confiding in the zeal and intrepidity of the officers and men I had the +happiness to serve with, I determined, if possible, to obstruct the passage of +this powerful force to Cadiz. Late in the evening I observed the enemy's ships +to have cleared Cabrita Point; and, at eight, I bore up with the squadron to +stand after them. His Majesty's ship Superb being stationed ahead of the Cæsar, +I directed Captain Keats to make sail and attack the sternmost ships of the +enemy's rear, using his endeavours to keep in-shore of them.</p> + +<p>At eleven, the Superb opened her fire close to the enemy's ships; and, on the +Cæsar's coming up and preparing to engage a three-decker that had hauled her +wind, she was perceived to have taken fire; and the flames having communicated +to a ship to leeward of her, both were soon in a blaze, and presented a most +awful sight. As no possibility existed of affording the least assistance in so +distressing a situation, the Cæsar passed, to close with the ship engaged by the +Superb; but, by the cool and determined fire kept up on her, which must ever +reflect the highest credit on the discipline of that ship, she was completely +silenced, and soon after hauled down her colours.</p> + +<p>The Venerable and Spencer having at this time come up, I bore up after the +enemy, who were carrying a press of sail, standing out of the Straits; and lost +sight of them. During the night it blew excessively hard till daylight, and, in +the morning, the only ships in company were the Venerable and Thames, ahead of +the Cæsar, and one of the French ships at some distance from them, standing +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</a></span>towards the shoals of Conil, besides the Spencer astern, coming up.</p> + +<p>All the ships immediately made sail with a fresh breeze, but, as we approached, +the wind suddenly failing, the Venerable was alone able to bring her to action; +which Captain Hood did in the most gallant manner, and had nearly silenced the +French ship, when his main-mast (which had been before wounded) was +unfortunately shot away, and, it coming nearly calm, the enemy's ship was +enabled to get off without any possibility of following her. The highest praise +is due to Captain Hood, the officers, and men of the Venerable, for their spirit +and gallantry in this action, which entitled them to better success. The French +ship was an eighty-four, with additional guns on the gunwale. This action was so +near the shore that the Venerable struck on one of the shoals; but was soon +after got off, and taken in tow by the Thames, though with the loss of all her +masts.</p> + +<p>The enemy's ships are now in sight to the westward, standing in for Cadiz; the +Superb and Audacious, with the captured ship, are in sight, with the Carlotta, +Portuguese frigate, commanded by Captain Crawford Duncan, who very handsomely +came out with the squadron, and has been of the greatest assistance to Captain +Keats in staying by the enemy's ship captured by the Superb.</p> + +<p>I am proceeding with the squadron for Rosia Bay, and shall proceed, the moment +all the ships are refitted, to resume my station before Cadiz; and shall +immediately detach the Thames to cruise off Cape St. Mary's.</p> + +<p>No praises that I can bestow are adequate to the merits of the officers and +ships' companies of all the squadron, particularly for their unremitted +exertions in refitting the ships at Gibraltar; to which, in a great degree, is +to be ascribed the success of the squadron against the enemy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</a></span></p> + +<p>Although the Spencer and Audacious had not the good fortune to partake of this +action, I have no doubt of their exertion, had they come up in time to close +with the enemy's ships.</p> + +<p>My thanks are also due to Captain Holles of the Thames, and to the Honourable +Captain Dundas of the Calpe, whose assistance was particularly useful to Captain +Keats in securing the enemy's ship, and enabling the Superb to stand after the +squadron in case of being enabled to renew the action with the enemy.</p> + +<p class="left55">I have the honour to be, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.</p> + +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Cape Trafalgar, 14th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>I herewith enclose, for their lordships' further information, the statement I +have received from Captain Keats, to whom the greatest praise is due for his +gallant conduct in the service alluded to. Captain Hood's merits are held in too +high estimation to receive additional lustre from any praise I can bestow; but I +only do justice to my feelings, when I observe that in no instance have I known +superior bravery to that displayed by him on this occasion.</p> + +<p class="left55">I have the honour to be, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Evan Nepean, Esq. Admiralty.</p> + +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="right">Superb, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Sir,</p> + +<p>Pursuant to your directions to state the particulars of the Superb's services +last night, I have the honour to inform <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</a></span>you that, in consequence of your +directions to make sail up to, and engage, the sternmost of the enemy's ships, +at half-past eleven I found myself abreast of a Spanish three-deck ship, (the +Real Carlos, as appears by the report of some survivors,) which, having been +brought with two other ships, in nearly line abreast, I opened my fire upon them +at not more than three cables' lengths. This evidently produced a good effect, +as well in this ship as the others abreast of her, which soon began firing at +each other, and, at times, on the Superb. In about a quarter of an hour, I +perceived the ship I was engaging, and which had lost her fore-top-mast, to be +on fire; upon which we ceased to molest her; and I proceeded on to the ship next +at hand, which proved to be the San Antonio, of seventy-four guns and seven +hundred and thirty men, commanded by Chef-de-division Le Ray, under French +colours, wearing a broad pendant, and manned, nearly equally, with seven hundred +and thirty French and Spanish seamen, and which, after some action, (the chef +being wounded,) struck her colours.</p> + +<p>I learn, from the very few survivors of the ships that caught fire and blew up, +who, in an open boat, reached the Superb at the time she was taking possession +of the San Antonio, that, in the confusion of the action, the Hermenegildo, (a +first-rate ship,) mistaking the Real Carlos for an enemy, ran on board of her, +and shared her melancholy fate. Services of this nature cannot well be expected +to be performed without some loss; but though we have to lament that Lieutenant +Edward Waller, and fourteen seamen and marines, have been mostly severely +wounded, still there is reason to rejoice that that is the extent of our loss. I +received able and active assistance from Mr. Samuel Jackson, the first +lieutenant; and it is my duty to represent to you that the officers of all +descriptions, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</a></span>seamen and marines, conducted themselves with the greatest +steadiness and gallantry.</p> + +<p class="left55">I have the honour to be, sir,<br /> +<span class="i2">Your most obedient humble servant,</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">R.G. Keats.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, Bart. &c. &c. &c.</p></div> + +<p>List of the Spanish and French squadrons which sailed from Algeziras +on the 12th July 1801, under command of Don Juan Joaquin de Moreno, +Lieutenant-general (or Vice-admiral), and the French Vice-admiral +Linois:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Spanish.</span></p> + +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Captains"> +<colgroup span="3"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ships' names.</td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td>Captains.</td> +<td>Where built. </td> +<td>Year.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Real Carlos* </td> +<td>112</td> +<td>Don J. Esquerra</td> +<td align="left">Havanna</td> +<td>1793</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Hermenegildo*</td> +<td>112</td> +<td>Don J. Emparran</td> +<td align="center">Do.</td> +<td>1789</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>San Fernando</td> +<td>96</td> +<td>Don J. Malina</td> +<td align="center">Do.</td> +<td>1765</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Argonauta</td> +<td>80</td> +<td>Don J. Harrera</td> +<td align="left">Ferrol</td> +<td>1798</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>San Augustin</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>Don R. Jopete</td> +<td align="left">Guarnizo</td> +<td>1768</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Sabrina</td> +<td>40</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>514</td> +<td align="center">* Burnt.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">French.</span></p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="French and Spanish captains"> +<colgroup span="3"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="right"></col> +<col align="center"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ships' names.</td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td>Captains.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> Brought over</td> +<td>514</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Formidable</td> +<td>84</td> +<td>Amable-Gilles-Troude.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Indomptable</td> +<td>84</td> +<td> — Callende.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Dessaix</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>Jean A. Chirly-Pallière.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>San Antonio</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>Julien Le Ray (Commodore), taken.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Libre</td> +<td>40</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Indienne</td> +<td>40</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Muron</td> +<td>40</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Vautour</td> +<td>12</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> Total</td> +<td>962</td> +<td>& Hannibal, 74 not in the action, 1036.</td> +</tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</a></span> +The Spanish and French admirals were on board the Sabrina frigate.</p> + +<p>List of the British squadron, commanded by Rear-admiral Sir James +Saumarez, which defeated the above combined squadron, 12th July 1801, +in the Straits of Gibraltar:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="p2"></p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="British squadron"> +<colgroup span="4"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="center"></col> +<col align="center"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Ships names.</td> +<td>Guns.</td> +<td> </td> +<td>Captains.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Cæsar.</td> +<td>84</td> +<td>Captain</td> +<td>Jahleel Brenton.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Spencer</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>"</td> +<td>Henry D'Esterre Darby.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Venerable</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>"</td> +<td>Samuel Hood.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Superb</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>"</td> +<td>Rich. Goodwin Keats.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Audacious</td> +<td>74</td> +<td>"</td> +<td>Shuldham Peard.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Thames</td> +<td>36</td> +<td>"</td> +<td>A.P. Holles.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> Total</td> +<td>416</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>In favour of the}</td> +<td>——</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> enemy.}</td> +<td>546</td> +</tr> +</table></div> + +<p>The Rear-admiral had his flag on board the Cæsar, 84.</p> + +<p>The guns of the enemy's ships being much heavier, increased their +weight of metal to triple that of the squadron.</p> + +<p>The Superb had Lieutenant Waller, and fourteen seamen and marines, +wounded. The Venerable had Mr. J. Williams (her master), fifteen +seamen, and two marines, killed; Lieutenant Thomas Church, Mr. Snell +(boatswain), Messrs. Massey and Pardoe (midshipmen), seventy-three +seamen, and ten marines, wounded.</p> + +<p>In the French and Spanish accounts of this action, which will be given +hereafter, it will be seen that the loss of the enemy has <span class="italic">not</span> been +accurately<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</a></span> enumerated; but, out of two thousand men that were in the +Real Carlos and Hermenegildo, only three hundred were saved. Commodore +Le Ray, of the San Antonio, was wounded; but his loss in men, which +must have been severe, has not been ascertained.</p> + +<p>We shall here give some interesting extracts from private letters from +Sir James, written at the close of the battle:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, 13th July 1801, 8 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span></p> + +<p>I shall leave you to judge of the difference of my feelings to those when I sat +down to write the letter of this day week.<a name="FNanchor_39" id="FNanchor_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> To an all-merciful <span class="smcap">Providence</span> is to be ascribed the wonderful +and most awful event of last night, which will ever be remembered with terror by +the nations it concerned, and by me with infinite gratitude for so peculiar a +token of Divine mercy vouchsafed towards me.</p> + +<p>Two days after the action of last Monday, a strong squadron was sent to +Algeziras from Cadiz, to protect the disabled French ships, and to convoy them +to the latter port, with the Hannibal, which ship they had succeeded in getting +off the shoal whereon she had unfortunately grounded. It may be supposed that no +exertion was wanting on my part to get the squadron in a state for service; and, +beyond all expectation, owing to the great activity and zeal of every officer +and man in the squadron, we were in a state to put to sea yesterday, on the +enemy's getting under sail from the Bay of Algeziras; the Pompée excepted, which +had not sufficient time to get in new masts.</p> + +<p>Late in the evening I observed that the enemy's ships, consisting of ten sail of +the line and four frigates, had succeeded in clearing the bay; and at eight +o'clock I made sail <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</a></span>after them. Captain Keats, who, in the Superb, had been +much mortified at not having shared in the former affair, being near the Cæsar, +I directed him to endeavour to bring the rear ships of the enemy to action; +myself following with the Venerable, and the other two ships, some distance +astern.</p> + +<p>It was near midnight when the Superb succeeded in engaging the enemy; and, as we +came up, a three-deck ship hauling up for us after having fired at the Superb, +by some accident, in the moment we were going to give her our broadside, took +fire, which communicating to a ship which we perceived close to her, both were +almost instantly in a blaze. So awful a scene I never yet have witnessed. We +then closed with the Superb, which had nearly silenced her opponent, when she +struck.</p> + +<p>Think what a change then took place in the inequality of force with which we +began the action! I left the Superb to take care of the prize, and proceeded +after the other ships; the Audacious and Spencer having now joined. It came on +to blow excessively hard till daylight, when I found the Venerable and Thames a +small distance ahead, and one of the French ships standing for the shore. We +immediately crowded all sail, and made sure of taking her, when the wind failed +us, and the Venerable only was able to engage her; but, being at the time close +to the shore, she very unfortunately got aground, and we were obliged to leave +her, after sustaining very great damage.</p> + +<p>We are now about seven leagues from Cadiz, and I see the remainder of the +enemy's squadron going into port. I am as yet ignorant of the ship's name that +struck her colours last night. She is, however, one of those that came from +Cadiz with the Spanish squadron, but under French colours, and had a broad +pendant. We are proceeding to Gibraltar.</p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</a></span> +The following extract is from a letter to Richard Saumarez, Esq.:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, off Cadiz, 13th July 1801.</p> + +<p>I intend to send Phil. D. with my despatches. You must refer to him for the +particulars of the wonderful events since yesterday.</p></div> + +<p>After detailing these events exactly as in the above, he adds, +respecting the Venerable:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>It was as severe an action as I have known, and must reflect the highest credit +on Captain Hood; but having his main-mast shot away, and it falling nearly calm, +he was obliged to leave the enemy. We were at this time close to the shoals off +the coast, on which the Venerable got aground; but she was afterwards got off, +and was taken in tow by the Thames. I fear she has sustained great loss in men. +What a surprising change, my dear Richard, to the events of last Monday! To the +Divine mercy I entirely ascribe this signal success, who never forsakes those +who place their confidence in him! I mean to send the Louisa, which joined me +yesterday from Minorca, with Phil. Dumaresq, and doubt not but he will be a +welcome messenger. We see the remainder of the enemy's squadron. They are +standing for Cadiz, &c.</p></div> + +<p>Sir James subsequently wrote to his eldest brother, residing in +Guernsey; and, as his letter will be found to contain additional +matter of much interest, we herewith insert it.</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cæsar, Gibraltar, 16th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Brother,</p> + +<p>I hope that the several letters I have had the pleasure of writing to you at +different opportunities, will arrive <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</a></span>safely; and that you and all my friends +will not be kept in suspense on events which, thanks to the Divine Providence! +have terminated so successfully to the squadron. Although I always trusted some +favourable turn would take place, I never could have formed any hopes equal to +what has actually occurred. The possession of one or two of the disabled ships, +besides the recovery of the Hannibal, was the utmost that could have been +expected; but our present success far exceeds that. The destruction of two +first-rates, and the capture of a seventy-four, completely cripples the force in +Cadiz, and places the squadron with me superior to all the force the enemy can +collect; and this, without any loss whatever to this ship, and trifling to the +Superb. The men, wounded on board the latter, suffered from the explosion of +cartridges in their own ship.</p> + +<p>The misfortune to the Venerable was more serious; but this was subsequently to +the attack on the enemy's force, and was mainly attributable to the untoward +circumstance of the wind failing this ship when we were very close to her.</p> + +<p>It is inconceivable the <span class="italic">éclat</span> with which we have been received by this garrison, +and the distinguished honours paid to the squadron; indeed their marked +attention, after the attack of Algeziras, does them great credit; as, after the +failure of that business, we exposed Gibraltar to all the inconvenience of a +blockaded port; and yet the whole garrison received us as if we had obtained a +victory. You must suppose my distress must have been great during the interval: +convoys long expected were liable to fall into the enemy's hands, whilst the +increasing force at Cadiz would soon have put it out of my power to cope with +them.</p> + +<p>The St. Antoine has scarcely suffered: my intention is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[Pg 425]</a></span>to take her into the +service; and in two weeks, I expect, she will be partly manned, and fit for sea. +Yesterday, almost all the Hannibal's men were sent in, which will make up our +deficiencies, and partly man that ship, when in a fortnight she shall proceed on +a particular service.</p> + +<p>These are trifling advantages compared to those that result from both actions. +The three ships were to have proceeded direct to the Bay of Casquays, at the +entrance of the Tagus, where the troops with them were to have taken possession +of the batteries, which would have given them complete possession of the trade +to and from Lisbon. I have despatched the Spencer and Audacious, and shall join +them with this ship, the Pompée, and Superb, the first easterly wind, and cruise +before Cadiz with this force, far superior to any the enemy can put to sea. I +shall soon be joined by ships from England.</p> + +<p>We have, as yet, no accounts since we sailed. You will have the pleasure of +mentioning to the relations of the young men I have, that they have all behaved +most nobly, and are perfectly well: it is a particular circumstance that, out of +six ships, three masters should have been killed, and not one lieutenant hurt +out of the whole number.</p> + +<p>I hope the benevolence of the public will be extended to the sufferers in these +actions: some are piteous objects; indeed, no less than three brave men with the +loss of both arms.</p> + +<p>I send this by a vessel belonging to Jersey.</p> +<p class="left60">My dear brother, most sincerely yours,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jas. Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>John Saumarez, Esq. Guernsey.</p> +<p>P.S.—I am under great concern at the uneasiness you must all suffer at our +unsuccessful attack off Algeziras; but this will, I hope, soon remove it. +Messrs. Le Mesurier, jointly with Mr. Tucker, Lord St. Vincent's secretary, are +appointed agents.</p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[Pg 426]</a></span></p> +<p>The following letter to Lady Saumarez is dated 17th July, on board the +Cæsar, at Gibraltar; and gives a detailed account of his proceedings +after his arrival there.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Since our arrival here on Tuesday afternoon, every distinguished attention which +can be thought of has been paid to the squadron. The day following, the royal +standard was hoisted; at noon the garrison saluted; and, in the evening, the +most splendid illuminations took place in every habitable part of this famous +Rock. Yesterday the governor gave a dinner, and he intends to invite the ladies +to a ball on this occasion. We have, also, invitations from the different corps +for every day we are likely to remain here: but what has afforded me more +satisfaction, is the manner we were received after the attack of Algeziras, +which, from the arrival of the Spanish squadron, subjected the garrison to every +inconvenience of a port blockaded. The St. Antoine I have ordered to be +purchased into the service; and I propose to appoint officers to her. She is a +very good ship, and has suffered so little that I expect to have her fit for +service in less than a fortnight. The Spencer and Audacious I detached off Cape +St. Mary's, and I shall join them with the Pompée and Superb the first easterly +wind, and resume my station before Cadiz, where they cannot have more than four +ships ready for sea; and, I may venture to pronounce, the Spanish ships will not +come out, except the French take possession of the batteries and compel them. We +have almost daily accounts from thence, describing the disagreements between the +French and Spaniards as most serious. They also describe the two French ships as +being in a very shattered condition, and there being no materials in store to +repair them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[Pg 427]</a></span></p> + +<p>I think my first accounts will reach you by way of Lisbon; but I hope Dumaresq, +with the subsequent ones, will make his appearance very soon after. I am very +impatient to hear from England. I require small vessels very much, as I have not +been able to convey the accounts of our success to Lord Keith.</p> + +<p>When am I to hear from you? and when shall I be assured you have not suffered +from the relation of these events? The governor and others talk to me of honours +being conferred; but, unless Parliament furnish the means to support them with +dignity, I might as well be without them. The only ladies I have yet seen are, +Lady Ann Niel and Mrs. Edwards, whose husbands have regiments here; they are +very amiable people: besides, Mr. Fyers, whose daughter was married the evening +of the illumination,—an ominous day you will think. Captain Brenton will +draw you some excellent views of both actions, without partiality. I am most +highly indebted to him, in getting this ship so soon refitted, and, indeed, +throughout the whole of our important service. A large shot passed through the +cabin, which filled it with splinters, and demolished the tables and chairs, +besides the glass. Fortunately, my papers and wardrobe escaped. We are now quite +refitted; as well, I may say, as we were a fortnight ago.</p> + +<p>I am in want of nothing whatever, but letters from you. Let me have favourable +accounts of yourself and of our precious children, and I shall be satisfied. I +hope to send a box of Malaga raisins for the young tribe. James will be +overjoyed to hear of his father's victory.</p></div> + +<p>The following is the account of the above action, from the French +commander-in-chief, dated at Cadiz, 16th July 1801.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[Pg 428]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p><span class="smcap">Citizen Minister.</span>—General Moreno has returned into harbour. General Linois +will give you an account of the sailing and passage of the squadron. I shall +only mention to you the chagrin which I have experienced at not seeing the +French ship, St. Antonio, and the two three-deckers, the Real Carlos and the +Hermenegildo: a marine, saved with forty-five men from the Real Carlos, has +informed us that about midnight the squadron having been attacked by the +English, the Real Carlos and the Hermenegildo took each other for enemies. A +very smart engagement ensued, the two vessels being nearly foul of each other. A +fire broke out on board the Real Carlos, which soon blew up, and set fire to the +Hermenegildo, which shared the same fate. The St. Antonio, in consequence of her +station, was near the latter vessel, and this station gave me the greatest +uneasiness; yet I have been assured that there were only two explosions. I have +reason to conclude that, to get at a distance from the conflagration, Captain +Lenny proceeded towards the coast of Africa, where the calms and currents +carried him away from the squadron, which, at the break of day, was six leagues +west of Cadiz. The day before yesterday the British ships were descried from the +coast, and a French ship in the Strait; but the latter did not appear to be +captured. This may give us some hope, if the signals are correct. Nothing +remains to me but uncertainty, with a great deal of fear; I do not know what +opinion to entertain.</p> + +<p>After having spoken of our losses, it gives me great pleasure to state to you +the new glory with which Le Formidable, commanded by Captain Troude, has been +covered. During the night cannonade, in the middle of the Strait, this ship +received the fire of her friends and enemies; but with intrepid coolness the +captain would not return the fire, lest he should increase the disorder, and, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[Pg 429]</a></span>keeping close to the Spanish coast, he retired from the combatants. He was +followed by a division of the British fleet of three ships, and a frigate: and, +at break of day, being in sight of Cadiz, and five leagues distant from the +squadron, he was attacked by three ships, with which he was engaged +half-an-hour, and obliged two of them to retire: the third endeavoured to attack +Le Formidable on the quarter, while the frigate cannonaded her in stern. But, +notwithstanding the bad state of his masts, Captain Troude approached within +musket-shot of the British ship, the Pompée, which, having lost her mast, after +an engagement of an hour and a half, made haste to get away, being taken in tow +by a frigate. Some time after, both of her masts came down, and the vessel had +the appearance of having yielded; but, as the two other ships and the frigate +were at a short distance, Captain Troude would not take possession of her: he +expected to be attacked again. The enemy, disconcerted both in their fire and +their bravery, suffered him quietly to pursue his course.</p> + +<p>This engagement took place in sight of Cadiz; and the glorious result of a +combat so unequal, by covering our arms with glory, has filled the hearts of the +Spaniards with the utmost degree of enthusiasm. Le Formidable was scarcely +repaired after the battle of Algeziras, on the 6th,—top-gallant-mast +served as top-masts; but, in this damaged state, the brave Troude, instead of +flying from the enemy, who might have captured him without firing a shot, +offered them battle, as by this manœuvre, as prudent as bold, he first +extricated himself from two ships, which he greatly damaged, and at last totally +dismasted the Pompée,<a name="FNanchor_40" id="FNanchor_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> which fought him bravely for an hour and a half.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[Pg 430]</a></span></p> +<p>The combined squadron was at that time becalmed, at the distance of five or six +leagues. I expected to see it, on the breeze springing up, come to take +possession of this vessel, and give chase to capture the four British ships +which were in sight; but I was far from having any idea of the misfortune which +befel the two three-deckers, which no doubt occasioned the separation of the St. +Antonio: and in the evening the squadron came to anchor.</p> + +<p>Rear-admiral Linois was exceedingly sorry that he was not on board the +Formidable; but he did not think proper to resist the earnest solicitations of +General Moreno, who induced him to go on board his frigate that they might +better concert their operations. My respectful salutations,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Dumanoir le Pelley.</span></p></div> + +<p>Report of Captain Troude, provisional commander of Le Formidable, to +Rear-admiral Linois:</p> +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="right">Cadiz, 15th July 1801.</p> +<p class="smcap">Citizen General,</p> + +<p>I have the honour of communicating to you an account of the operations of Le +Formidable, with the provisional command of which you entrusted me. Proud of the +honourable charge of defending your flag, I endeavoured to execute your orders +with the most scrupulous exactness. I immediately repaired on board to assume +the chief command, and I put to sea as soon as you made the signal.</p> + +<p>You observed, as well as myself, the movements of the enemy's squadron, which +had retired to Gibraltar after the memorable battle of the 6th at Algeziras. +Seeing the enemy set sail at the same time as the combined squadrons, and +keeping to windward of us at the distance of about a league, I endeavoured to +follow exactly your manœuvres, and made all the sail possible to follow +you; but the ship I had the honour to command, being absolutely disabled, having +only jury-masts and the lower sails, I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[Pg 431]</a></span>could not make that way which I wished. +During the darkness of the night a strong breeze broke the small +top-gallant-mast that served me as a fore-top-mast, and everything contributed +to prevent me from following the combined squadron.</p> + +<p>About midnight I sustained the fire of five English ships that had come up with +me: they fired red-hot bullets. I escaped as fast as possible from the brisk +cannonade which they maintained, hanging up the same lights as I observed them +to have. I had only three men killed, and two wounded. As I was very near the +combined squadron, I resolved not to engage, that I might avoid those fatal +mistakes which too often take place in a night engagement. I was afraid lest I +might fire into some of our own vessels, or that they might fire into mine; from +which, fatal accidents must have resulted to the combined squadron. At one in +the morning, not being able to observe or distinguish any more signals, I made +for Cadiz, keeping close in with the Spanish coast, on a course N. or N.E., and +by that means got at a distance from the squadron, which were steering large in +a westerly direction.</p> + +<p>At break of day I found myself attacked by four of the enemy's +squadron,—three ships and a frigate,—which had pursued the same +course. Though totally disabled, and the crew fatigued, having had no rest for +three days, we returned their fire with courage: the frigate attacked us first, +but a few shots well directed from our stern-guns made her abandon her object. +The ship which followed, approached us, and kept up a brisk fire. We +manœuvred to get into a better position; I ran close to her until we were +yard-arm and yard-arm, and maintained a terrible and well-supported fire: after +being engaged an hour and a half, she was completely dismasted, making water in +every part. The frigate which had attacked me astern, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[Pg 432]</a></span>came immediately to her +assistance; the other two vessels finding it necessary to sheer off after +receiving some broadsides, not without damage, joined the frigate, and hoisted +out all their boats to save the crew of the other vessel, and to take her in +tow. They resigned to me the field of battle, and retired.</p> + +<p>I expected, however, another combat. We were determined to make the most +vigorous defence; but, as the enemy retired, and as I found myself in such a +situation as to be unable to pursue them, I resolved to proceed to Cadiz, where +I arrived at two in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>I shall not attempt to give you any account of particular instances of bravery. +The two staffs, the crew, and the troops who were passengers, vied with each +other,—covering themselves with glory; for, besides the noble combat of +the 6th, this proves that the valour which animated the brave men I have the +honour to command, was carried to a degree which it is difficult to describe. +Government will, no doubt, take the earliest opportunity of rewarding so much +courage, and so great a devotion to restore the glory of the French navy. It +would be just, also, to indemnify them for the losses they have sustained; their +effects having been cut to pieces and absolutely destroyed.</p> + +<p>I have now, Citizen General, to communicate to you a very fatal +relation.—In the battle of this night, two of the ships which fired upon +me, took fire and blew up. I supposed them to be English, presuming that the +fire had been occasioned by the furnaces they had on board for heating their +shot; but, on entering the harbour of Cadiz, I was assured they were Spanish. +The darkness had led them into a mistake, which I had justly dreaded. They fired +on each other, and on my vessel, at the moment when I formed the prudent +resolution of avoiding a combat <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[Pg 433]</a></span>in which I could not distinguish the enemy. The +names of these two vessels are the San Carlos and the Hermenegildo.</p> + +<p>In the combat so severe as that of this morning, and against so unequal a force, +I am happy in having to regret only twenty men killed, or severely wounded.</p> + +<p>Accept, Citizen General, assurances of my zeal and most respectful devotion.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Troude.</span></p></div> + +<p>Letter from Rear-admiral Linois to the Minister of the Marine, giving +an account of the action:</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p class="smcap">Citizen Minister,</p> +<p>On the 9th of July a Spanish division, consisting of six sail of the line and +three frigates, arrived at Algeziras from Cadiz, under command of his Excellency +Lieutenant-general Moreno, in order to raise the blockade of four sail of the +line and one frigate, which were under my orders, and to favour their escape to +Cadiz. That officer accordingly gave me every assistance in his power in order +to put my ships in a condition to put to sea, and to tow them out, in order to +enable them to set sail. Our labour was continued day and night. General Moreno +made his squadron anchor in a line N.E. and S.W. On the 12th, there was a +tolerable fresh east wind, and it was determined to set sail at one o'clock in +the afternoon, on account of the tide. The signal being given at that hour, the +fleet set sail, the Spanish squadron being to windward of ours. The frigate +L'Indienne towed the Hannibal, which we were sorry to perceive made very little +way.</p> + +<p>The calm which we experienced under Gibraltar necessarily deranged the +regularity of our order; while the enemy, having a brisk gale at east, sailed +from Gibraltar <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[Pg 434]</a></span>with five sail of the line, a frigate, a brig, and a Portuguese +frigate, and formed the order of battle. As soon as the English Admiral had +passed Europa Point, he made a signal, and immediately we saw to windward six +sail, of which two had three masts. I was then with M. de Moreno on board the +Sabina frigate. At sunset, the two last ships of our line doubled the Cape +Carnero. Three only remained, with the Hannibal, which was under jury-masts, and +which consequently could not carry much sail.</p> + +<p>Night was coming on, and it was necessary to return to our anchorage, which +afforded the enemy an opportunity of attacking us before we took a position. At +all events every delay was dangerous, for the reinforcements which the enemy +expected might arrive every moment. The breeze from the east becoming stronger, +we were assured of the wind during the night. We determined to send the Hannibal +back to Algeziras, and to pass the Strait with the combined squadron. We then +manœuvred so as to facilitate the rallying of two of our vessels, which +had fallen into the rear in consequence of the calm. The three French vessels, +which sailed better than could have been expected, were in the van; and in that +order it was proposed to pass the Strait.</p> + +<p>At eight, the enemy showed a disposition to attack us. At nine we heard the +reports of three cannon, and at the same time we saw fires at a considerable +distance behind us. We presumed it might be some of the enemy's vessels making +signals of their arrival. We congratulated ourselves upon seeing our squadrons +so well collected together, and sailing so well, which made us confident that +the plan of the enemy would not succeed.</p> + +<p>At half-past eleven the wind was considerably increased. The night was very +dark, and we heard a smart cannonade in the E.N.E.; and, soon after, we saw a +conflagration, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[Pg 435]</a></span>which made us apprehend that some of our vessels, in firing +their stern guns, had taken fire, in consequence of the force of the wind. We +thought also that they might be fire-ships of the enemy. We put about for a +moment; but the vessel on fire approaching us, we continued our way, having +constantly a light at our main-top-mast head, as a signal for rallying.</p> + +<p>It could no longer be doubted that the enemy had passed the Strait, and had got +into our wake. The cannonade became pretty general, but the wind was too strong +to continue the action. We received several shots on board the frigate, which +killed one man and wounded five. Several balls passed through our sails. We took +down the signal we had at our mast-head, for fear the enemy would fall upon us. +It was afterwards hoisted, in order to collect our ships. We made sail, +directing our course to the W.N.W., not choosing to go more before the wind, +lest the wind, which was very strong, would carry away our masts. We passed the +night in the greatest disquietude, not knowing whether the vessels which were in +sight were not enemies. At length the day dissipated part of our fears, and we +found ourselves in the midst of our fleet, with the exception of the two ships +of three decks, viz. the Hermenegildo and Real Carlos, and the Formidable and +the St. Antoine. The wind having fallen calm, it became impossible to go in +search of the vessels which had separated. We were then six leagues west of +Cadiz.</p> + +<p>At half-past four the Dessaix made a signal that she had sprung a leak, and that +the water gained upon her thirty inches an hour. She demanded assistance, which +was granted. At five o'clock we heard an action in the east, and perceived a +smoke. The wind being then from the S.E., we made the signal for the line of +battle to be formed as quickly as possible, without regard to places, in order +to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[Pg 436]</a></span>assist the vessel that was engaged. At half-past six the action ceased, and +a most perfect calm succeeded. At eleven, the wind rising again, we perceived +four vessels at a considerable distance from one another. We flattered ourselves +at first that they were our ships, but we soon found by their manœuvres +that they were enemies. We also distinguished the Formidable close under the +land, making the best of her way to Cadiz. We stood for the port, from which a +felucca brought me a letter from the captain of the Formidable, which had been +anchored in the Road of Cadiz, stating that in the morning he had engaged two +ships of the line and a frigate, and that one of the ships of the line had been +completely dismasted, and had been towed away by a frigate. We then anchored in +Cadiz.</p> + +<p>I must acknowledge the consummate experience and talents of General Moreno, as +well as the zeal and care which he displayed for the success of his mission. If +separations have taken place, they must be attributed to the darkness of the +night, and the necessity which there was of getting away from the vessels that +were on fire. That officer, on hearing at Cadiz of the destruction of two ships +of his squadron, Hermenegildo and Real-Carlos, was justly struck with grief on +the occasion. He had, by his wise instructions, provided against almost every +possible case. I have since been informed that the two Spanish vessels which +were destroyed, cannonaded and run foul of one another, each supposing the other +to be an enemy. We are uncertain about the fate of the St. Antoine. The violence +of the wind made it extremely dangerous to fire to windward.</p> +<p class="right">Rear-admiral <span class="smcap">Linois.</span></p> + +<p>Dated in Cadiz Harbour, 15th July 1801,<br /> +<span class="left">on board the Formidable.</span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[Pg 437]</a></span></p> + +<p>Admiral Moreno's orders to his fleet on the 11th July 1801:</p></div> + +<div class="blockquote"> +<p>Orders of sailing to be observed by the ships in my charge on their passage +through the Straits of Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>The three ships under the command of Rear-admiral Linois will form the vanguard, +with the line abreast; the six ships under my charge will form astern of these, +likewise formed in a line abreast, endeavouring, as much as possible, to keep +opposite to the intervals of the French ships, so as not to impede their fire, +according to the following disposition:</p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Vanguard"> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>Hannibal.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Indomptable.</td> +<td>Formidable.</td> +<td>Dessaix.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Augustin. <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Arganauta'">Argonauta,</ins>.</td> +<td>R. Carlos. Hermenegildo.</td> +<td>St. Antonio. St. Fernando.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p>In case the enemy should attempt to follow and attack the combined squadron in +the rear, besides the continual fire which we ought to make from the stern +chasers, chiefly with a view to destroy the enemy's rigging, the squadron will +form the line ahead, either with their heads to the Spanish coast, or to that of +Africa, as will be determined by signal from the Admiral; and, in order that +this might be more simple, in that case, he will only show the signal for the +course, at the entire lowering of which the movements must be made. As their +situation, from their local position, cannot be of long duration, consequently +either by hailing (if near enough) or by signal to preserve the course, the +squadron will proceed again to form the line abreast as formerly. It is of the +utmost importance that the fire from none of the ships should interfere, or be +embarrassed with that of others in this squadron, nor leave the three French +ships in the rear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[Pg 438]</a></span></p> + +<p>As soon as the French ships get under sail, all those in my charge will do the +same, following the track of each other, always observing to keep at a short +distance from the French, till we weather the Point of Carnero, in order that if +the enemy should get under sail, and find themselves in a situation to offer +battle to our squadron before it is formed in the Straits with the line abreast +as above directed, we may engage them with advantage; consequently, the least +inattention or delay may produce the most unfortunate consequences.</p> + +<p>I think the captains of the ships I have the honour to command are fully +persuaded of this truth, and therefore I depend upon its efficacy; and I flatter +myself that they are convinced everything will be performed on my part which can +be inspired by my wish to add to the glory of his Majesty's arms, that of our +corps in particular, and the nation in general.</p> + +<p class="center">Line of battle in natural order.</p> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="Battle line"> +<tr> +<td><span class="italic">2nd Squadron.</span></td> +<td><span class="italic">1st Squadron.</span></td> +<td><span class="italic">3rd Squadron.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Ferdinand,</td> +<td>Formidable,</td> +<td>Arganauta,</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>St. Antonio,</td> +<td>R. Carlos,</td> +<td>Dessaix,</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Hermenegildo.</td> +<td>Indomptable.</td> +<td>St. Augustin.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<table cellspacing="10" summary="French frigate"> +<tr> +<td>Fr. frigate Sabina,</td> +<td>Vautour.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>A red pendant, under any other signal, signifies it is directed to the French +ships only.</p></div> + +<p>To those conversant in naval affairs, it must appear manifest that the +disposition made by Admirals Moreno and Linois was one of the worst +that could be devised. It was scarcely possible that nine ships, which +had never sailed in company with each other, could maintain, for any +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[Pg 439]</a></span> +length of time, a line abreast before the wind so exactly as to be +able to form in a line ahead when required, especially in a dark night +with a strong breeze; and it must be evident that any ship which +advanced at all ahead of the others could never get into the line of +battle when the signal was made to form it on either tack. Moreno +seems to have been fully aware of the probability of the ships firing +into each other, yet he made arrangements of all others the least +likely to prevent it. Had he formed into two lines ahead, with the +disabled ships in advance, he would have obviated the risk of firing +into each other, while the one division, by shortening sail, might +have given timely assistance to the other which had been attacked.</p> + +<p>Nothing can equal the scene of horror which the sudden conflagration +produced in these two ships. The collision in which the fore-top-mast +of the Hermenegildo fell on board of the Real Carlos, added to the +general dismay; and the agonising screams of the unhappy crews, +deserted by their countrymen and allies in that dreadful hour, could +not fail to pierce the hearts of the brave conquerors; but to render +them any assistance while the hostile flag was flying was impossible. +The duty of the Admiral was to "sink, burn, and destroy." Seven sail +of the enemy's line were still flying from half their force, and he +was obliged to leave the burning ships to their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[Pg 440]</a></span> fate, and pursue his +enemy until his destruction was complete.</p> + +<p>The capture of the Hannibal, in which the Spaniards had so +distinguished a share, induced a number of the young men of family to +embark in the two Spanish three-deckers, in order to convey their +trophy to Cadiz, never supposing that the half-demolished British +squadron would dare to approach so formidable and so superior a force. +This fatal event, while it plunged into distress the whole city of +Cadiz, could not fail to create a sensation strongly unfavourable to +their new republican allies as the originators of their misery.</p> +<p class="p6 center"> +END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.</p> +<p class="p6 center"> +LONDON:<br /> +PRINTED BY SAMUEL BENTLEY,<br /> +Dorset Street, Fleet Street.</p> +<hr class="p6 c45" /> +<p class="p6"></p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> +<div class="footnote"> +<p class="p2"></p> +<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a>See Addenda.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a>See Addenda.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> +When the action had ceased, Sir Hyde Parker, captain of the Latona +and son of the admiral, bore down on the Fortitude, and affectionately inquired +for his brave parent, of whose gallantry he had been an anxious eye-witness. The +admiral, with equal warmth, assured his son of his personal safety, and spoke of +his mortification at being unable, from the state of his own ship, and from the +reports he had received of the other ships, to pursue the advantage he had +gained, in the manner he most ardently desired.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_4" id="Footnote_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> +Ralfe's Naval Biography, Vol. ii. p. 378.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_5" id="Footnote_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> +See Appendix for this memorandum, and for extracts from the +Russell, Canada, and Barfleur's logs; also Captain White's reply, and extracts +of letters from Sir Lawrence Halsted and Admiral Gifford, who were in the +Canada, and Captain Knight's letter.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_6" id="Footnote_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> +Governor Le Mesurier was brother to Mrs. Richard Saumarez.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_7" id="Footnote_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> +Sir James's brother.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_8" id="Footnote_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> +Druid, Valiant, Dolphin, Cockchafer, Active, and Prestwood.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_9" id="Footnote_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> +See Engraving.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_10" id="Footnote_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> +See Engraving and Diagram.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_11" id="Footnote_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> +The San Josef, Salvador del Mundo, San Nicolas, and +San Ysidro.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_12" id="Footnote_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> +See Clarke and M'Arthur's Life of Lord Nelson.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_13" id="Footnote_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> +In allusion to this memorable event, Sir James writes—"When +on the morning of the 1st of August the reconnoitring ship made the signal that +the enemy was not there, despondency nearly took possession of my mind, and I do +not recollect ever to have felt so utterly hopeless, or out of spirits, as when +we sat down to dinner; judge then what a change took place when, as the cloth +was being removed, the officer of the watch hastily came in, saying—'Sir, +a signal is just now made that the enemy is in Aboukir Bay, and moored in a line +of battle.' All sprang from their seats, and only staying to drink a <span class="italic">bumper</span> to +our success, we were in a moment on deck." On his appearance there his brave +men, animated by one spirit, gave three hearty cheers, in token of their joy at +having at length found their long-looked-for enemy, without the possibility of +his again eluding their pursuit.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_14" id="Footnote_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> +We may here state that, on the preceding day, Captain Ball had +paid a visit to Sir James; and as they were discussing the various points of the +battle, he stated to Sir James, that "having been the second in command, he +would, unquestionably, receive some mark of distinction on the occasion." +Saumarez, in the enthusiasm of the moment, exclaimed, "We all did our +duty,—there was no second in command!" meaning, of course, that he did not +consider he had done more than other captains; and, not supposing that this +observation would come to the ears of the Admiral. But, he afterwards thought, +Nelson had availed himself of this conversation, to deprive him of the advantage +to which his seniority entitled him, although he fully exonerated Captain Ball +of having the slightest intention of communicating to the Admiral anything he +could have supposed would be detrimental to his interest.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_15" id="Footnote_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> +See Clarke and M'Arthur's Life of Nelson, vol. ii. p. 119.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_16" id="Footnote_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> +The captains of his Majesty's ships to take charge of the prizes +as under:</p> +<p class="p2"></p> +<table summary="Prizes"> +<colgroup span="3"> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="center"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>Orion</td> +<td>to take charge of </td> +<td>Le Souverain Peuple.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Bellerophon</td> +<td> do.}</td> +<td rowspan="2">Le Spartiate.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Majestic</td> +<td> do.}</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Minotaur</td> +<td>do.</td> +<td>Aquilon.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Defence</td> +<td>do.</td> +<td>Franklin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Audacious </td> +<td>do.</td> +<td>Conquérant.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Theseus</td> +<td>do.</td> +<td>Tonnant.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p>To the captains of above-mentioned ships. H. N.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_17" id="Footnote_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> +Sir James displayed a remarkable instance of presence of mind and +unhesitating decision in this unexpected case of extreme danger. Captain John +Tancock, who was then lieutenant of the watch, and who, having served under Sir +James during the whole of the war, enjoyed his perfect confidence, anticipated +the captain's wishes in volunteering on this occasion to go up to the mast-head +and look out for rocks, and thus considerably relieved his anxiety. The prizes +were quite unable to beat to windward, and, in order to be extricated from the +peril which the shift of wind had occasioned, their signal was made "to keep in +the Orion's wake." Sir James having determined to push on, as the most probable +means of saving his inefficient squadron, the "helm was put up," and orders +given to steer through a passage between islands, which was marked "<span class="italic">doubtful</span>" in +the charts, and in which shallow water was soon discovered by Mr. Tancock, who +gave timely notice to the helmsman on their approach to each danger. The rest of +the ships kept close in the track of the Orion, and in this manner the whole of +the squadron and prizes passed between the islands and breakers without +accident; and there can be no doubt that their safety was owing to the skilful +and decisive conduct of Sir James. It is but justice to add, that, in approving +of Mr. Tancock's very meritorious conduct, he emphatically assured him that "he +should never forget that he had so fully anticipated his wishes."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_18" id="Footnote_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a></p> +<p class="right">Vanguard, September 1st, 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Sir,</p> + +<p>From what I have heard, and made up in my own mind, I feel it is absolutely +necessary that I should order the Minotaur and Audacious to quit your squadron +when you are in the fair way between Sardinia and Minorca, and join me at +Naples; and also with as much salt provisions as can be got out of the ships +victualled for <span class="italic">six</span> months, reserving only one month's at whole allowance. My +squadron are at two-thirds of salt provisions, making the allowance up with +flour; therefore you will direct the same in yours. I have put down the number +of casks of beef, pork, and pease, which can be easily spared if the +commander-in-chief's orders for victualling have been obeyed. Audacious is, I +fancy, short of salt provisions, not knowing of coming so long a voyage. If you +can manage to let those ships have any part of their officers and men, it will +be very useful for the King's service; but of this you must be the best judge. +Retalick will tell you all the news from Rhodes, and I was rejoiced to see you +are this side of Candia.</p> + +<p class="left70">Ever yours most truly,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Horatio Nelson.</span></p> +<p>To Sir James Saumarez, &c.</p> + +<p>Your squadron evidently sails better than Culloden. The Bellerophon sails so +well that Darby can take very good care of Conquérant; and Aquilon seems also to +sail remarkably well. Remember me kindly to all my good friends with you.</p> +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Orion, at sea, 1st September.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>Captain Retalick has just joined me with your order respecting the Minotaur and +Audacious, both which ships are to be detached for Naples so soon as we are in +the fair way between Sardinia and Minorca, with as much salt provisions as can +be spared from the ships victualled for six months; which shall be duly complied +with. I shall also take from the prizes as many of the officers and men as can +be replaced from the ships left with me, which I shall endeavour to be as near +the full number as can be thought prudent. Wishing to use as little delay as +possible, not to detain the Bonne Citoyenne,</p> + +<p class="left75">I am very truly, &c.<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B.</p> + +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Orion, at sea, 1st September.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>After contending for three days against the adverse winds which are almost +invariably encountered here, and getting sufficiently to the northward to have +weathered the small islands that lie more immediately between the Archipelago +and Candia, the wind set in so strong to the westward Thursday morning, that I +was compelled to desist from that passage, and bear up between Sargeanto and +Guxo, a narrow and intricate channel; but which we happily cleared without any +accident, the loss of a few spars excepted, which are now replaced; and we are +proceeding as fast as the wind will admit to our destination. The ships are all +doing as well as possible; the fever on board the Defence fast abating, and the +wounded in Bellerophon, Majestic, and Minotaur daily recovering. Seeing the +Citoyenne on her way to us, I seize the opportunity to give you the information.</p> + +<p class="left70">I am, my dear sir, &c.</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir H. Nelson, K.B.</p> + +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Orion, at sea, 5th Sept. 1798.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>Since the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, containing an order for the +Minotaur and Audacious to join you at Naples, I have been employed in making the +necessary arrangements for the distribution of prisoners from the ships that +remain with me. I fear the quantity that can be spared, after reducing ourselves +to four weeks at whole allowance, will fall very short of what you mention. The +order for the ships to be put to two-thirds' allowance was given the day after I +received your letter. With regard to the men belonging to the Minotaur and +Audacious on board the prizes, I hope to have it in my power to meet more fully +your expectations, as I see no reason why these men should not be almost +entirely replaced from the ships with me, the Bellerophon and Majestic having +only fifty men each on board; the Spartiate certainly can spare the same number +for Le Conquérant; and I hope to man the Aquilon from the other three ships, +except the party of marines, which I shall direct to be left on board of them. +We have had favourable winds the last three days, and I hope to-morrow to get +sight of Mount Ætna. The enclosed report of a vessel boarded by the Theseus +makes me regret the wind did not prove favourable a few days sooner, to have +come up with the strayed sheep.</p> + +<p class="right">10 o'clock <span class="smcap">P.M.</span></p> + +<p>Captain Renhouse, in the Thalia, has this instant joined me on his return from +Bequir. I have taken his letters for the fleet, &c.: and as the Flora cutter +is in sight, closing with the squadron, I have detained him till the morning, +that he may take from her any despatches she may have for you. I am happy to +learn from him that the Lion had joined the squadron off Alexandria. He also +informs me that the Marquis de Niza was on his return from Aboukir, highly +mortified at having lost the opportunity of distinguishing himself in the +action. I am truly, my dear Admiral,</p> + +<p class="left55">Your faithful and most obedient servant,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Rear-admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B.</p> + +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p2 right">Orion, 6th September 1798.<br /> +<span class="smcap">A.M.</span> 7 o'clock.</p> +<p class="smcap">My dear Admiral,</p> + +<p>The Flora did not join me till this instant, owing to the commander's timidity. +I was waiting for him the whole night. I thought it my duty to open one of Earl +St. Vincent's public despatches, in case they might contain anything that might +render necessary any alteration in my present proceedings. I find from them that +Colossus is to the southward of Sardinia, with the Alliance and four +victuallers: we shall of course keep a look-out for them. This information will +enable me to keep rather a greater supply of provisions than I had made +arrangements for, having scarcely reserved four weeks to each ship of the +squadron. I have charged Captain Newhouse with the Flora's despatches, with +orders to proceed in search of you immediately, and also indicated to him the +track I mean to pursue, in case you should have occasion to send me further +orders, in consequence of your letters from Earl St. Vincent.</p> + +<p>I hope you will do me the favour to believe that I have acted to the best of my +judgment for the good of his Majesty's service, and that you will approve my +having opened one of Lord St. Vincent's public despatches; which it will be +satisfactory to me to know from you.</p> + +<p class="left55">With sincere and best wishes for your health<br /> +<span class="i2">and every happiness, &c.</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To Sir H. Nelson, K.B. &c.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_19" id="Footnote_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> +See Appendix.(Vol II)</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_20" id="Footnote_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> +The actions of Sullivan's Island, and the Dogger Bank.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_21" id="Footnote_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> +This was never realised.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_22" id="Footnote_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> +November 29th, the day appointed for a general thanksgiving for +the great naval victories.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_23" id="Footnote_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> +Afterwards Louis XVIII.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_24" id="Footnote_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> +Magnificent, Defiance, Marlborough, and Edgar.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_25" id="Footnote_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> +Superb and Captain.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_26" id="Footnote_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> +Battle of Alexandria.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_27" id="Footnote_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> +24-pounders each.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_28" id="Footnote_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> +Cæsar, Pompée, Spencer, Hannibal, Audacious, Thames, Phaeton, and +Plymouth, hired lugger.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_29" id="Footnote_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> +See list already given.<a href="#Footnote_28">28</a></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_30" id="Footnote_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> +Le Formidable, 84. Dessaix, 84. Indomptable, 74: and Meuron, 38.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_31" id="Footnote_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> +The following memorandum was communicated to the squadron before +bearing up for Gibraltar Bay:</p> +<p class="p2"></p> + +<p class="left5">Memorandum</p> +<p class="right">Cæsar, 5th July 1801.</p> + +<p>If the Rear-admiral finds the enemy's ships in a situation to be +attacked, the following is the order in which it is to be executed:</p> + +<p>The Venerable to lead into the bay, and pass the enemy's ships without +anchoring;</p> + +<p>The Pompée to anchor abreast of the inner ship of the enemy's line;</p> + +<table summary="Battle array"> +<colgroup span="4"> +<col align="center"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +<col align="center"></col> +<col align="left"></col> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td>The</td> +<td>Audacious,</td> +<td>}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>"</td> +<td>Cæsar,</td> +<td>}</td> +<td>to anchor abreast of the enemy's ships</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>"</td> +<td>Spencer,</td> +<td>}</td> +<td> and batteries;</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>"</td> +<td>Hannibal,</td> +<td>}</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td>{</td> +<td>to keep under sail, and annoy the enemy's</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>"</td> +<td>Superb,</td> +<td>{</td> +<td> batteries and gun-boats during the attack</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>"</td> +<td>Thames,</td> +<td>{ </td> +<td> assisted by the Plymouth lugger.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The boats of the different ships to be lowered down and armed, in +readiness to act where required.</p> + +<p class="right">Given on board the Cæsar, off Tariffa,<br /> +5th July 1801.<br /> +<span class="smcap">James Saumarez.</span></p> +<p>To the respective Captains.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_32" id="Footnote_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> + The captain's clerk is stationed in action to take minutes of the +events as they occur.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_33" id="Footnote_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> +When the French happen to take one of our men-of-war, they do not, +as we would do, hoist their own colours over their opponents', but hoist the +English ensign union downwards. It so seldom happened that an English man-of-war +was taken by the French, that this circumstance was known to very few in the +navy, and consequently, the ensign reversed was known only as the signal of +distress used by merchant-ships.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_34" id="Footnote_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> +James, vol. iii. p. 120.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_35" id="Footnote_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> +The discrepancies between the diagram and <span class="italic">some</span> of the statements +given in the logs, are easily accounted for by the changes which took place in +the positions of the ships during the action.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_36" id="Footnote_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> +The journal of Lieutenant Collis of the Venerable, the officer who +was sent to assist the Hannibal, and was taken prisoner when on board, but who +was sent to Gibraltar on parole, need not be given, as it is an exact copy of +the captain's log.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_37" id="Footnote_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> +This was a gratuitous falsehood.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_38" id="Footnote_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> +While off Europa point, and probably at the distance of more than +half a mile, a boat with two men was observed pulling towards us, and, on coming +alongside, the men proved to be two of our own people, who had been wounded in +the action of Algeziras, and sent to the hospital at Gibraltar. On seeing the +ship under sail, with the evident intention of attacking the enemy, these +gallant fellows asked permission of the surgeon to rejoin their ship, and being +refused, on account of their apparent unfitness, they made their escape from the +hospital, and taking possession of the first boat they could find, pulled off to +the ship.</p> + +<p>Two other seamen belonging to the Pompée, who had not been selected as part of +the reinforcement to the crews of the other ships, secreted themselves on board +the Cæsar, and the day after the action presented themselves on the +quarter-deck, with a request that intercession might be made for them with their +captain, telling their story in the following quaint manner:—"Sir, we +belongs to the Le Pompée, and finding our ship could not get out, we stowed +ourselves away in this ship, and, in the action, quartered ourselves to the +"10th gun, and opposite—— on the lower deck," referring, at the same +time, to the officer in command of this division of guns, for the truth of their +statement.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_39" id="Footnote_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> +See page <a href="#Page_388">388</a></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_40" id="Footnote_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> +M. Dumanoir le Pelley is in error here. The Pompée was not in this +action. It has been seen that she was lying disabled at Gibraltar.</p></div> +</div> +<p class="p4"></p> +<hr class="p2 c15" /> +<p class="p4"></p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral +Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I, by Sir John Ross + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS--LORD DE SAUMAREZ. VOL. 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