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diff --git a/26031-8.txt b/26031-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2941097 --- /dev/null +++ b/26031-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,13262 @@ +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 + + + + + + +Transcriber's note: Minor spelling inconsistencies, mainly hyphenated +words, have been harmonised. Obvious printer errors have been +repaired. The Latin number (i) in the text refers to a transcriber's +note at the end of this e-book. + + + + +MEMOIRS +AND CORRESPONDENCE + +OF + +ADMIRAL +LORD DE SAUMAREZ. + +FROM +ORIGINAL PAPERS IN POSSESSION OF THE FAMILY. + + +BY SIR JOHN ROSS, +CAPTAIN IN THE ROYAL NAVY. + + + +IN TWO VOLUMES. + +VOL. I. + +LONDON: +RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET, +Publisher in Ordinary to her Majesty. +1838. + +LONDON: PRINTED BY SAMUEL, BENTLEY, +Dorset Street, Fleet Street. + + Transcriber's note: Minor spelling inconsistencies--mainly + hyphenated words--have been harmonised. Obvious printer errors + have been corrected, but the original spelling has been + retained. + + The Latin number (i) behind a word refers to the transcriber's + notes at the end of this e-book. + + +CONTENTS +OF THE FIRST VOLUME. + + + CHAPTER I. + + Genealogy of the family of Saumarez.--Curious Record.--Branches of + the late family.--Marriage of the late Lord de Saumarez. Page 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + + Commencement of his Career.--His Education.--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. Page 14 + + + CHAPTER III. + + 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.--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. Page 41 + + + CHAPTER IV. + + 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. Page 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + + 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. Page 84 + + + CHAPTER VI. + + 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. Page 99 + + + CHAPTER VII. + + Sir James Saumarez is placed under the orders of Admiral McBride.--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. Page 119 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + + 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 (_pro + tempore_).--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. Page 143 + + + CHAPTER IX. + + 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. + Page 164 + + CHAPTER X. + + 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. Page 189 + + + CHAPTER XI. + + 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. Page 231 + + + CHAPTER XII. + + 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. + Page 287 + + CHAPTER XIII. + + 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. Page 321 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + + 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. Page 337 + + + CHAPTER XV. + + 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. Page 363 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + + 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 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. + + Page 383 + + CHAPTER XVII. + + 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. Page 401 + + + LIST OF PLATES. + + Portrait of Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez, taken after + the battle of the 12th July 1801 _Frontispiece._ + + Action with the Crescent and Réunion taken at the time + the latter surrendered Page 103 + + Commencement of the action between the Crescent and + her squadron, with the French squadron of superior + force off Guernsey 131 + + Close of the action when the Crescent retreated among + the rocks at Guernsey 134 + + Chart of the island of Guernsey, showing the positions of + the English and French squadrons 135 + + Diagram of Algeziras and Gibraltar Bay 346 + + + ERRATA. + + Page 86, l. 26, _for_ "present" _read_ "late." + + 142, l. 4,--"ninety-second" _read_ "ninety-two." + + 166, l. 23,--"Towny" _read_ "Towry." + + 198, l. 19,--"Marcon" _read_ "Marcou." + + 215, l. 14,--"Collossus" _read_ "Culloden." + + + + +ADVERTISEMENT. + + +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. + + +THE LIFE + +OF + +LORD DE SAUMAREZ. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + Genealogy of the family of Saumarez.--Curious Record.--Branches + of the late family.--Marriage of the late Lord de Saumarez. + + +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 _De Sausmarez_, is of Norman extraction, and of great +antiquity in the island of Guernsey, where their lineage can be traced +almost to the Norman conquest. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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 +_three sous_, 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. + +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 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! + +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;[1] and the latter, when in command of the Antelope, of +fifty guns, captured the French sixty-four, Belliqueux, in the +following extraordinary manner: + + [1] See Addenda. + +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 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. + +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. + +When the captain came on board the Antelope, and found that he had +surrendered to a ship 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! + +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.[2] + + [2] See Addenda. + +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 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. + +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 _first_ to board the enemy. + +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 Appendix. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +1767 to 1778. + + 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. + + +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. + +Although he always said that his brother was a much better scholar in +both Latin and Greek 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. + +But the great sensibility of his heart was most apparent in his +attachment to all his relations: their pleasures and their pains were +always _his_; 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 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. + +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. + +At last he appeared at the window in his dressing-gown and _bonnet de +nuit_, 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. The blue +damask room was, however, soon prepared, with other apartments for the +aides-de camp, Sir Henry Clinton and another. + +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. + +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. + +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 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 to +Portsmouth to join the Montreal, Captain Alms, who had been a friend +of his uncles, and who had visited his father at Guernsey. + +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. + +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. + +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 _luxuries_ as are now +indispensable _necessaries_ 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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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 his familiarity with that language, that he never failed to +recommend the study of it to all his young _protégés_ before going to +sea. + +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. + +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. + +Taking into account the time his name had been on the books of the +Solebay, he had now 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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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 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." + +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. + +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 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 A.M. 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. + +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. 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. + +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. + +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. + +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 +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. + +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: + + "By Sir Peter Parker, Commander-in-chief of a squadron of his + Majesty's ships to be employed on a particular service. + + "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 + Bristol; 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 unto you their said LIEUTENANT; and you are + likewise to observe and execute the GENERAL PRINTED + INSTRUCTIONS, 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. + + "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. PARKER + + "To Mr. James Saumarez, hereby + appointed to act as Lieutenant on + board his Majesty's ship Bristol, + until further orders. + "By command of the Commodore. + JOHN READ." + +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 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. + +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. + +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. + +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, 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: + + "By Commodore Hotham, on board the Preston. + + "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. + + "Given on board the Preston, + off New York, 17th February 1778. + W. HOTHAM. + + "To Lieut. Saumarez, hereby + appointed to command + H.M. galley, the Spitfire. + "By command. + TITUS LEWIS." + +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 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 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. + + (Secret.) + "By Walter Griffith, Esq. Commander of a division of his + Majesty's ships and vessels at Rhode Island. + + "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 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. + + "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. + + "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. + + "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. + + "It will therefore be incumbent on you, in conjunction with + other armed vessels stationed with you in Seakonnet 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. + + "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. + + "Given on board H.M.S. Nonsuch, + at Rhode Island, 21st May 1778. + S.W. GRIFFITH." + + "To Lieut. Saumarez, &c." + +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 on the +south-east side, the town of Newport being in the south-east part of +the island. + +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. + +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. + +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: + + "By Captain John Brisbane, Captain of H.M.S. Flora, and senior + officer of his Majesty's ships and vessels at Newport, Rhode + Island. + + "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 MAKE WAR UPON, 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. + (Signed) + J. BRISBANE. + + "To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding + the Spitfire, galley." + +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." + + "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. + + "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. + + "To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding + H.M. galley Spitfire." + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +1778 to 1782. + + 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. + + +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, Orpheus, +and Flora of thirty-two guns, and the Cerberus of twenty-eight. + +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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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 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. + +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 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. + +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, 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. + +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. + +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 manoeuvres of forming +the line, &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 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. + +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. + +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; 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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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. + +At ten o'clock, the signal for close action which had been made, was +repeated. The Berwick, having 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. + +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.[3] + + [3] 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. + +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 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. + +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 the +King with that rough _hauteur_ peculiar to himself, observing, "I wish +your Majesty better ships and younger officers. As for myself, I am +now too old for the service." + +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." + +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. + +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 +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. + +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: + + 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 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. + + (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. + + Signed. + WM. ALLEN. + +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. + +Captain Saumarez was now ordered to place himself under the command of +Admiral Kempenfelt, 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 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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: + + 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 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. + + Given on board his Majesty's ship Pegasus, + Carlisle Bay, this 28th Jan. 1782. + + (Mem.) I recommend that particular attention may be paid to + keep well to windward of the French islands. + + Signed JOHN STANHOPE. + + To Captain Saumarez, H.M. fire-ship Tisiphone. + +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. + +Sir Samuel Hood, notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy, +(twenty-nine sail of the line,) resolved on a sudden and unusually +bold manoeuvre, 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 companies of the +thirteenth regiment, under command of General Prescott. + +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. + +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 _elève_ 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 of _La Réunion_, he was promoted to the rank +of lieutenant. + +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 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. + +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 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. + +"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 _England_', 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.'" + +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." + +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! + +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. + +The same night Captain Saumarez took command of the Russell, he had +cause to find that 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. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +1782. + + 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. + + +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, +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 _without signal_ 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 +manoeuvre of the British admiral, wherein the Russell had a +distinguished share. Soon afterwards, Nevis and Montserrat fell into +the hands of the French. + +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 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. + +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. + +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, &c. to repair on board, and +immediately after to weigh. Before 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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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 _trucks_ 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. + +At half-past nine the action became general: Admiral Drake's division, +in which was the Russell, 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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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 _windward_ 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 _windward_ 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.[4] 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 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. + + [4] Ralfe's Naval Biography, Vol. ii. p. 378. + +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. + +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, 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." + +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, P.M. pushed on to the Ville de Paris. Baron Rosenstien, who was +on 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.[5] + + [5] 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. + +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 _was_ 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. + +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," written in 1836, to defend the gallant Rodney from +certain attacks and allegations which had been published, _not_ 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: + + Guernsey, 13th June 1836. + + MY DEAR SIR, + + I BEG 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I am, &c. + DE SAUMAREZ. + +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +Nothing could be more flattering than the reception that Sir George +Rodney met with at Jamaica from the inhabitants, whose anxiety was 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. + +It is worthy of remark that, down to this period, the Ville de Paris +was the only _first-rate_ 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 7-1/2 inches, her breadth 53 feet 8-1/2, 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_l._ 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 and carriages meant for the +expedition, were found. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Among the instances of heroic submission and 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. + +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 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. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +1784 to 1793. + + 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. + + +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 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. + +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 _cone_ was submerged. + +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 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. + +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. + +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. + +Between the years 1785 and 1787, the island was twice honoured with a +visit from Prince William Henry, our present 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 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 _dejeuné_ 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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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: + +"It is needless," he says, "to attempt giving you any idea of my joy +on this occasion. The abundant blessings which Providence is pleased +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." + +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +On the 10th of February 1793, in common with other officers, he +received the following intelligence that war had been declared against +France. + + By Sir Hyde Parker, Knt. &c. + + Accounts having been received that war was declared at Paris, by + the National Convention of France, against 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. + + Given under my hand, on board the Victory, + this 10th day of February 1793. + H. PARKER. + + To Captain Saumarez, R.N. + +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. + + H.M.S. Crescent, Guernsey, 18th March 1793. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + On Thursday morning, intelligence was brought to me that a + French brig was seen to the northward of the island, standing + for the Casketts. 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. + + 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[6] 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. + + [6] Governor Le Mesurier was brother to Mrs. Richard Saumarez. + +Captain Saumarez, on his return to Guernsey, wrote to Governor Le +Mesurier, and, in reply to 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. + +He left Guernsey on the 15th of May, having six transports with French +prisoners on board, and arrived at Spithead on the 17th. + +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 +two prizes were taken, is given in the following letter to his +brother. + + Crescent, Spithead, 26th June 1793. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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 + prove more fortunate. With my affectionate love to my sister + and the children, I am, my dear Richard, + + Yours truly, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High + Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c. + + CAPTAIN SAUMAREZ, + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Given under our hands, this 18th day of July 1793. + CHATHAM, + J. SMYTH, + CHs. S. PYBUS. + + To James Saumarez, Esq. &c. + By command of their lordships. + P. STEPHENS. + +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. + +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. + +The Crescent had not been in dock since the year 1785, and required +much refitting: Captain Saumarez, therefore, on reporting his arrival +to 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. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +1793. + + 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. + + +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. + + By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High + Admiral, &c. + + 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. + + 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. + + Given under our hands, this 18th October 1793, + A. GARDNER. + J. SMYTH. + P. AFFLECK. + + To Captain Saumarez, R.N. + +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. + +ACTION BETWEEN THE CRESCENT AND REUNION. + +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 +manoeuvre 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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 _came round_: 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 +_stern-board_; at the same time, by keeping the _helm up_, she wore +round on her heel, obtaining a position under the stern and on the +starboard quarter, while the enemy was lying with his yards square and +totally unmanageable. This manoeuvre is shown in the diagram, to +which an explanation is added. + +Illustration: + +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. + +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. + +The combat now ceased, and the prize was taken possession of by +Lieutenant (now Admiral) Sir George Parker, who received the usual +order 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. + +The following very concise official letter to the Secretary of the +Admiralty from Captain Saumarez, supplies the rest of the detail. + + Crescent, off Cherbourg, 20th October 1793. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, + With the greatest respect, sir, + Your most obedient and very humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Philip Stephens, Esq. Admiralty. + + P.S.--The Réunion was accompanied by a cutter, which did not + attempt to come into action, but made for Cherbourg. + +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. + +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 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 GIVER +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: + + Crescent, 21st Oct. 1793. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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, + + I now remain, your ever affectionate brother, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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 but dwell with admiration on +the humility and acuteness of feeling with which it is replete! + +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: + + Crescent, off the Isle of Wight, 22d Oct. 1793. + + SIR, + + I BEG 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, sir, + Your most humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Philip Stephens, Esq. + +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. + +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. + Weight + of + _Crescent._ No. Size. No. Size. No. Size. Total. metal. + Broadside guns 13 18pr. 4 18pr. car. 1 9pr. 36 315lbs. + _Réunion._ + Broadside guns 13 14pr. 3 40pr. car. 4 7pr. 40 330lbs. + Difference of guns, and of weight of shot in favour + of La Réunion 4 15lbs. + _Crescent._ Men 257 Tons 888 + _Réunion._ Men 320 Tons 951 + Difference in favour of La + Réunion 63 63 + N.B. The weight has been reduced to English pounds. + +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. + +La Réunion, on the contrary, had many shot in her hull, and her stern +was very much shattered. 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. + +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, only five miles distant, was crowded with +spectators. + +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 manoeuvring, 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 _tact_ to accomplish his object, and yet +spare the valuable lives of his men, that the meed of praise is most +justly due. + + Crescent, Spithead, 23rd October 1793. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, + Your obedient humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Philip Stephens, Esq. + + + Admiralty, October 24th, 1793. + + SIR, + + 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. I am, sir, + + Your very faithful humble servant, + CHATHAM. + (First Lord of the Admiralty.) + + To Captain Saumarez. + + + Admiralty, 24th October 1793. + + DEAR SIR, + + 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 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 + + I remain, with great regard, + Your very faithful + and obedient humble servant, + J. HUNT. + (Private Secretary.) + + To Captain Saumarez, &c. + + + St. James's-square, 24th October 1793. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I am, with great regard, sir, + Your obedient humble servant, + AMHERST. + + To Captain James Saumarez. + + + FROM THE REV. R.B. NICHOLLS. + 28th October 1793, Middleham, Yorkshire. + + DEAR SIR, + + 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, 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. + + I am, dear sir, + Your most affectionate + and most obedient humble servant, + R.B. NICHOLLS. + + To Captain Saumarez, &c. + + + Portsmouth, 30th October 1793. + + DEAR SIR, + + 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 + + Yours, most sincerely, + P. PARKER. + + To Captain Saumarez. + +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 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: + + Ryde, Isle of Wight, 16th Nov. 1793. + + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + It 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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_l._ + 6_s._ 8_d._ 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I hope your dear children, whom we almost considered as ours, + are very well: bestow on them a thousand kisses from us. With + our most sincere love, I remain, my dear brother, + + Ever affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +1793, 1794. + + Sir James Saumarez is placed under the orders of Admiral + McBride.--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. + + +Sir James was now placed under the orders of Admiral McBride, 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. + +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 orders, sailed to the adjacent coast of France to assist +the royalists. + +The following is his account of an attempt to attack a French squadron +in the bay of Brehat. + + Crescent, off Guernsey, 7th Dec. 1793. + + SIR, + + 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 _en flute_ and deeply laden. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have directed Captain Ellison, whose activity and exertions + 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. + + I am, with every respect, sir, + Your obedient and most humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + Rear-admiral John McBride. + +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. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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, + My dear Richard, + + Yours affectionately, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + 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. + +We have here two other remarkable instances, where on sudden and +unexpected danger appearing, 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. + +The Crescent continued to cruise with Admiral McBride'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. + +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. + + Crescent, Cowes Roads, 25th January 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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, 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. + + 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 McBride 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, + My dear Richard, + + Yours ever affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + Sunday Morning. + + 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. + +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. + + Cowes, 2nd February 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + I left my dearest concerns yesterday morning, and arrived here + this afternoon, after a six hours' storm, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Tom[7] 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 has become of Mr. Warren, and whether Captain Parker has + sailed. + + I must now wish you and my sister, and all under your roof, a + good night. And + + I remain truly, + Yours affectionately, + Monday morning. + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + 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. + + [7] Sir James's brother. + + Crescent, Spithead, 24th February 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 will, I shall + view it as a desirable event for this country. But I am not of + that opinion with regard to our islands. + + 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, + + I am ever affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + 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. + +The following letter gives an account of his visit to the island of +Jersey, &c. + + Bouley Bay, Jersey, 30th March 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I hope my sister continues well, as when I left you. And, with + kindest love, + + I remain, yours ever affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + 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. + +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, +to cruise off the Lizard. The following letter is relative to this +cruise: + + Crescent, at sea, 14th May, 1794. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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, + My dear Admiral, + + Your most faithful + and obedient servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Admiral McBride, Plymouth. + +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. + +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 McBride. + + You are hereby required and directed to take under your command + his Majesty's ships, luggers, and cutters, named on the + margin,[8] 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, and then return to Cawsand Bay, + leaving the Prestwood cutter with Captain Ball, of his Majesty's + ship Fury. + + Given under my hand, on board + H.M.S. Echo, 6th June 1794. + JNO. McBRIDE. + + [8] Druid, Valiant, Dolphin, Cockchafer, Active, and Prestwood. + +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: + + Crescent, Guernsey, 8th June 1794. + + SIR, + + 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.[9] + + [9] See Engraving. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I am, with every respect, sir, + Your most obedient and most humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + Rear-Admiral John McBride. + + +RELATIVE FORCE OF THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH SQUADRONS. + + _English._ + + + Guns. Weight of shot. + Crescent 36 630 + Druid 36 630 + Eurydice 20 240 + ---------- + Total 92 1500 + + The cutters and luggers went off to Plymouth when the action + began. + + _French._ + + Guns. Weight of shot. + Le Scævola (razée) 54 1656 + Le Brutus (ditto) 54 1656 + La Danae 36 800 + La Félicité 36 800 + La Terreur. 12 144 + --- ---- + Total 192 5056 + +Thus it appears that the French were 100 guns, and 3556 pounds in +weight of metal, superior to the English squadron. + +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 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. + +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,[10] 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. + + [10] See Engraving and Diagram. + +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 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 _your_ house, +and there is my own!" + +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. + + Parole, _Saumarez_; countersign, _Crescent._ + + 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 manoeuvres 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. + + 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. + + 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. + +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: + + Government-house, Guernsey, 9th June 1794. + + SIR, + + 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, 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. + + I have the honour to subscribe myself, + With esteem and high regard, sir, + Your most obedient and most humble servant, + JOHN SMALL. + + To Philip Stephens, Esq. &c. &c. &c. + + N.B. The enclosure has been already given. + +The following general memorandum was issued to the squadron, dated + + Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794. + + General Memorandum. + + 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. + + + Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794. + + General Memorandum. + + 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 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. + +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 McBride, 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: + + Tuesday, 10th June. + + MY DEAR SIR, + + 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, 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. + + Yours, my dear sir, most affectionately, + JOHN McBRIDE. + +Meanwhile the commodore, in consequence of the enemy's motions, +wrote the following letter to the Admiralty: + + Crescent, Guernsey Road, 11th June 1794. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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 McBride. + + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + Philip Stephens, Esq. Secretary, &c. &c. &c. + +The squadron returned to Plymouth Sound on the 14th of June, when +Sir James sent the following letter to his brother:-- + + Saturday, 14th June 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + This business absorbs all lesser considerations, and I must be + satisfied if I can only be considered the _horse-radish_ to + garnish the roast beef. + + 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. + + Yours affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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: + + + Plymouth, Crescent, June 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 McBride 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. + + 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. + + 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 + Ninety-second, that has had the run of a whole century?. + + Adieu, my worthy friend! I am truly and faithfully yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +1794, 1795. + + 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 (_pro tempore_).--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. + + +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 McBride 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 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: + + Crescent, 18th September 1794. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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 + manoeuvres 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. + + I expect Admiral McBride 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. + + Yours most affectionately, + Jas. Saumarez. + +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. + +The following instructions will show the nature of the arduous service +on which Saumarez was destined to be employed for a considerable time: + + Instructions for the conduct of ships appointed to obtain + intelligence of the state of the enemy's naval force at Brest. + + Two frigates, supported by one or more ships 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 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. + + Given on board the Queen Charlotte, + Torbay, 5th February 1795. + HOWE. + + To Sir James Saumarez, + Captain H.M.S. Crescent. + +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: + + Spithead, 15th January 1795. + + 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. + + 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. 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. + + I am ever affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, &c. &c. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + Right Honourable Earl Spencer. + + + SIR, + + 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 great pleasure to have an + early one afforded me of promoting an officer of so much + acknowledged merit. + + I am, sir, with great respect, + Your obedient humble servant, + SPENCER. + + To Captain Saumarez, H.M.S. Crescent. + Admiralty, December 24th, 1794. + + + Crescent, Spithead, 1st March 1795. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, my lord, + Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, + + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + Right Honourable Earl Spencer. + + + Crescent, off Spithead, 4th March 1795. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + Earl Spencer, &c. &c. + +Sir James remained with the Channel fleet until the 13th of March, +when, at his own request, 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 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. + +The following is a copy of Lord Bridport's official despatch: + + Royal George, at sea, 24th June 1795. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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. + + Early in the morning of the 23rd, the headmost ships, the Orion, + Irresistible, Queen Charlotte, Russell, Colossus, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have judged it necessary to send Captain Domett with my + despatches, who will give their lordships such further + particulars as shall have occurred to him on the victory we have + gained. + + I am, &c. + BRIDPORT. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. + +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. + + Orion, at sea, 24th June 1795. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + You will show the contents of this letter to Mr. Le Mesurier, as + I have scarcely one moment to spare. + + Adieu! Remember me most kindly to my sister; and believe me + truly, my dear Richard, + + Yours affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + You will oblige Lady S. by inclosing this, after perusal, to + her. + +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. + + Orion, off St. Helens, 12th July 1795. + + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + 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. + + 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. + + We have lost eight men in consequence of the action: all the + wounded, except two, are nearly well; their wounds, I am happy + to find, were slight. + + 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; _but of this hereafter_. + + 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. + + 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. + + Yours affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + P.S. Portsmouth, 15th July 1795. I have only time to acquaint + you with my being just landed. Let me hear from you. Adieu! + +We here give a diagram of this action at the time it began. When the +Irresistible fired her bow-guns, she was in _chase_, 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 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. + + + 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. + + +[Illustration] + + 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. + +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: + + Ryde, 21st August 1795. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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, + _British_, 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. + + 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. + + 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! + + I am truly and affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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. + +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. + + Orion, at sea, 26th October. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 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. + + 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 + _cautiously_. 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, + + Yours most affectionately, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + + Orion, Houat, 26th November 1795. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Our friend Dan, with Phil. Dumaresq, are perfectly well. + Remember me with kindest love to my sister, and believe me ever + affectionately yours, + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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: + + By Henry Harvey, Esq. Rear-admiral of the Red, &c. + To Sir James Saumarez, Captain of H.M.S. Orion. + + 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. + + Given under my hand, on board the + Prince of Wales, 17th December 1795, + Houat Roads. + H. HARVEY. + +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: + + Admiralty Office, 31st December 1795. + + SIR, + + I have received, and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of + the Admiralty, your letter of yesterday's 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. + + I am, sir, your obedient humble servant, + EVAN NEPEAN. + + To Captain Sir James Saumarez, + H.M.S. Orion, Spithead. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +1796, 1797. + + 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. + + +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 in Rear-admiral +Lord Hugh Seymour's division of the grand fleet which was fitted for +foreign service. + +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. + +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. Thus reinforced, the Admiral had under his command-- + + Guns. + 100 Victory, Admiral Sir John Jervis. + Captain Robert Calder. + Captain George Grey. + + Britannia, Vice-admiral Charles Thompson. + Captain Foley. + + 98 Barfleur, Vice-admiral Hon. W. Waldegrave. + Captain J.R. Dacres. + + Prince George, Rear-admiral W. Parker. + Captain John Irwin. + + Blenheim, Captain Thos. L. Frederick. + + 90 Namur, Captain James H. Whitshed. + + 74 Captain, Commodore Horatio Nelson. + Captain R.W. Miller. + Goliath, Captain Charles Knowles. + Excellent, Captain Cuthbert Collingwood. + Orion, Captain Sir James Saumarez. + Colossus, Captain Geo. Murray. + Egmont, Captain John Sutton. + Culloden, Captain Thomas Troubridge. + Irresistible, Captain Geo. Martin. + + 64 Diadem, Captain Geo. H. Towny. + + 38 Minerve, Captain Geo. Cockburn. + + 32 Lively, Captain Lord Garlies. + Niger, Captain Ed. Jas. Foote. + Southampton, Captain Jas. Macnamara. + + Slps Bonne Citoyenne, Captain Chas. Lindsay. + Raven, Captain W. Prowse. + + Cut. Fox, Lieutenant John Gibson. + +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 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. + + Guns. + 130 Santissima Trinidada. + (four-decker). + + 112 Concepcion. + Conde de Regla. + Mexicano. + Principe de Asturias. + Salvador del Mundo. + San Josef. + + 80 Neptuno. + San Nicolas. + + 74 Atalante. + Bahama. + Conquistador. + Firme. + Glorioso. + Oriente. + Pelayo. + San Antonio. + San Domingo. + San Firmin. + San F'sco de Paula. + San Genaro. + San Ildefonso. + San Juan Nepomuceno. + San Pablo. + San Ysidro. + Soberano. + Terrible. + +There were also twelve frigates, some gun-boats, and seventy +transports with troops, which were disembarked at Algesiras. + +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. + +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. + + Victory, Lagos Bay, 16th February 1797. + + SIR, + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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[11] were captured, and the + action ceased about five o'clock. + + [11] The San Josef, Salvador del Mundo, San Nicolas, and San + Ysidro. + +That the Orion was one of those ships which 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. + + Orion, Lagos Bay, 15th February 1797. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 myself, and we continued firing + till they hoisted an English flag over the Spanish, on which we + ceased firing. + + 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 manoeuvre, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + In case I have not time to write to my brother, as the above has + been copied only from the scraps of the letter I intended + writing, send him this letter, stating my great hurry and the + pressure of service at this crisis. + + Adieu! nothing can equal my impatience to hear from you, and to + receive good accounts of my sister. + + I am truly, most affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + Lagos Bay, 17th February 1797. + + 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. + + 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. + +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. + + Victory, Lagos Bay, 16th February 1797. + + SIR, + + 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, and give my thanks and approbation to those + composing the crew of the ship under your command. + + I am, sir, + Your most humble servant, + J. JERVIS. + + To Captain Sir James Saumarez, Orion. + +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. + +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, 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 _was true_, 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." + +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, were with difficulty prevented from +throwing him overboard with those he had butchered. + +Lieutenant Luce was one of the officers promoted, in consequence of +this battle, to the rank of master and commander. + +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: + + DEAR SIR, + + 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. + + I am, dear sir, with great truth, + Your very obedient, humble servant, + Admiralty, 8th March 1797. + SPENCER. + + Sir James Saumarez. + + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + 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. + + 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. + + I am, my dear Sir James, + Most truly and faithfully yours, + H. SEYMOUR. + + Admiralty, March 10th, 1797. + +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. + + Orion, off the Tagus, 6th March 1797. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 _desperate_ + 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. + + 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. + + We are just going over the Bar, so I must conclude with my + sincere and best wishes for health and every happiness to attend + you, my dear sister and family, + + I am ever, my dear Richard, + Affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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. + +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 of +the commander-in-chief, as will appear from the following extracts of +letters from Earl St. Vincent to Saumarez. + + Ville de Paris, 11th May 1797. + + 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. + + + 13th May. + + I very much admire your last letter to Mazarredo, as I have done + all the former. + + + 27th May. + + I like your letter so much better than mine, of which I enclose + a copy, that I desire you will send it on immediately. + + + Ville de Paris, 30th May 1797. + + 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: _nous verrons_. + +The following communication from Sir James Saumarez to the +commander-in-chief will elucidate the foregoing extracts: + + (Secret.) Orion, 27th May, 1797. + + 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. + + I am with great respect, &c. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + +The high opinion entertained by Nelson of the great talent and zeal of +Saumarez, is evidenced in the following short, but characteristic +epistle: + + Theseus, June 9th 1797. + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + 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. + + Believe me, ever yours most faithfully, + To Sir James Saumarez. + HORATIO NELSON. + +The following letter to his brother in London gives an interesting +account of the proceedings of Sir James Saumarez. + + Orion, off Cadiz, 26th May, 1797. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + We understand Lord H. Seymour is off Cape St. Vincent, and that + Admiral Frederick is on his way with five sail of the line. It + looks as if ministers meant to back the negociation with all + their force. + + 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. + + 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. + + I want to hear that my sister has _dreamt_ 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. + + Adieu, my dear Richard! + Affectionately yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +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 +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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 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 +_best_ 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! + +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 +lives on any dangerous or desperate enterprise without a mature and +compassionate consideration of the consequences. + +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 _person_ 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 _person_, 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. + +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 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: + +"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 +_you_ 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 _now_ 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." + +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 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! + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +1797--1798. + + 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. + + +REAR-ADMIRAL 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 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +Sir James Saumarez continued with the fleet until the 28th April, when +he was sent to refit at Gibraltar. + +On the 8th May 1798, the Orion sailed from 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: + + _Most secret rendezvous._ + + 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. + + Given on board His Majesty's ship Vanguard, at sea, 14th May + 1798. + HORATIO NELSON. + + To Sir J. Saumarez, Captain of H.M.S. Orion. + By command of the Rear-admiral, + J. CAMPBELL. + +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 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." + +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 been an easy capture. By the +assistance of the Orion and Alexander the damages of the Vanguard were +repaired in four days! + +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."[12] 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. + + [12] See Clarke and M'Arthur's Life of Lord Nelson. + +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. + + "Orion, St. Peter's Port, + "Island of Sardinia, 24th May 1798. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"Providentially the Vanguard was enabled to _wear_ on the other +_tack_, 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. + +"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 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. + +"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 _pratique_. + +"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. + +"Friday, 25th.--Whilst I was on shore this 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. + +"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. + +"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, +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. + +"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 Marcon, 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. + +"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. + +"Sunday, 3rd June--Nothing particular has occurred these last days. +Yesterday a vessel was 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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"Friday, 8th.--As this is in some degree to be 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. + +"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, '_et à présent prévoyans le bannissement menacé des ex-Jesuites +Espagnols des nouvelles républiques Italiennes, retournoient chez +eux_.' Thus 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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"Tuesday, June 12th: off Elba.--We have 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. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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 situated; but we are at too +great a distance to observe its fiery eruptions. + +"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 P.M. 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. + +"I regret much not having been able to send a letter I had written to +you, and carried on board the Admiral this morning; _mais tu sais bien +qu'il ne se met guère en peine d'écrire lui-même_, 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. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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 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 _en second_; 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. + +"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. +_D'ailleurs_, the suppression of a useless order that encouraged +idleness will be no real detriment to the cause of Christianity. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"We must hope that in England affairs prosper better than in this +country; they are certainly _en fort mauvais train_ in this part of +the world. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"Monday.--I find from Captain Ball that the enemy were seen steering +towards Alexandria _thirty_ 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 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." + + +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." + +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. + +On the junction of the squadron, the following orders were given by +the Admiral: + + Vanguard, at sea, 8th June 1798. + + GENERAL ORDER. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + + 2d. Div. + 1st. Div. red. white with red stripe. 3d. Div. blue. + + Vanguard. Orion. Culloden. + Minotaur. Goliath. Theseus. + Leander. Majestic. Alexander. + Audacious. Bellerophon. Swiftsure. + Defence. + Zealous. + + Vanguard, at sea, 8th June 1798. + + GEN. MEM. + + 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. + + HORATIO NELSON. + + To the respective Captains, &c. + + 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. + + No. 183. I mean to press hard with the whole force on the + enemy's rear. + +The proceedings of Sir Horatio Nelson's squadron are now brought down +to the moment when their united, ardent, and anxious wishes were to +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. + +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. + +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 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 P.M. the +British fleet hauled up, and steered directly for them with a fine +N.N.W. breeze, carrying top-gallant sails.[13] + + [13] 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 _bumper_ 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. + +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 +Colossus 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, 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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. + +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. + +[Illustration] + + EXPLANATION. + + BRITISH. FRENCH. + + A--Audacious. 1--Guerrier. + B--Bellerophon. 2--Conquérant. + C--Culloden (aground). 3--Spartiate. + D--Defence. 4--Aquilon. + E--Majestic. 5--Peuple Souverain. + F--Alexander. 6--Franklin. + G--Goliath. 7--L'Orient. + L--Leander. 8--Tonnant. + M--Minotaur. 9--Heureux. + O--Orion. 10--Mercure. + S--Swiftsure. 11--Guillaume Tell. + T--Theseus. 12--Généreux. + V--Vanguard. 13--Timoléon. + Z--Zealous. 14--Sérieuse. + +*--Sérieuse, dismasted by 15--Artemise. + the Orion, and sunk at 14. 16--Justice. + I--Island of Aboukir. 17--Diane. + Y--Shallow water. + +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 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. + +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 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. + +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. + +After the pause occasioned by the dreadful explosion, the action +continued in the rear by the ships dropping down which were not too +much 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. + +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 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. + +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: + + Orion, 2nd August 1798. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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! + + I am ever your most faithful and obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir Horatio Nelson, &c. &c. &c. + +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 +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. + +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: + + Vanguard, 2nd of August 1798, off the mouth of the Nile. + + 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. + + 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. + + HORATIO NELSON. + + To the respective Captains of the ships of the squadron. + + 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. + + HORATIO NELSON. + + To the respective Captains, &c. &c. + +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. + +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 P.M. 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 shot away; and his dying commands were +"Never to surrender!" + +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! + +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, and Gantheaume escaped in a boat +from the L'Orient. + +By great care Sir James kept off the fever which threatened to be the +consequence of his wound. + +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. + +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,--_an honour which he so highly deserved_, and which is +usual in similar cases,--Captain Ball came on deck, and interrupted +the conversation by observing, "Nelson says there is to be no second +in command; _we are all to be alike in his despatches_!"[14] + + [14] 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. + +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 _doubling_ 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 _capture_ +one French, and that the damage which they must necessarily do to each +other might render 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." + +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 _doubling_ on a disabled ship, or of their running on +shore and destroying those that were vanquished. + +It has been insisted on that Nelson, in omitting 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.[15] 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. + + [15] See Clarke and M'Arthur's Life of Nelson, vol. ii. p. 119. + +On the 3rd of August, when Sir James returned from the Vanguard, the +captains were assembled on board the Orion. He proposed the following +resolution, which was agreed to unanimously: + + 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. + +To which Sir Horatio returned the following answer: + + GENTLEMEN, + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, gentlemen, + with the highest respect, + Your most obliged, + HORATIO NELSON. + +We shall conclude this chapter with the extract of a letter written to +Lady Saumarez by Sir James, which we have no doubt will be perused +with much interest: + + Thursday, 2nd August 1798. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + The enemy have now obtained the just chastisement of their past + crimes, and Sir Horatio Nelson has the happiness 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +1798. + + 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. + + +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: + + (1st Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c. + + You are hereby required and directed to take the ships named on + the margin[16] 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. + + To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c. + + [16] The captains of his Majesty's ships to take charge of the + prizes as under: + + Orion to take charge of Le Souverain Peuple. + Bellerophon do.} + Majestic do.} Le Spartiate. + Minotaur do. Aquilon. + Defence do. Franklin. + Audacious do. Conquérant. + Theseus do. Tonnant. + + To the captains of above-mentioned ships. H.N. + + + (2nd Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c. + + 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 and instructions as you may receive from him from + time to time for his Majesty' service. + + Given on board H.M.S. Vanguard, + Mouth of the Nile, 12th August 1798. + By command of the Rear-admiral. + J. CAMPBELL. + + +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: + + "Orion, at sea, 18th August 1798. + +"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. + +"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, 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 _they_ at finding themselves 'the day +after the fair.' + +"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 +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. + +"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. + +"I now come to the sequel of our voyage, having accounted for my being +so _unseasonably_ disturbed from a sound sleep." + + +Sir James now received the following letters. + + August 15th, 1798. + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + 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, + + Believe me ever, + Your obliged, + HORATIO NELSON. + + To Sir James Saumarez. + + I hope Lady S. and all the little ones are well. + + (Copy.) + + Secret, for Sir James. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, &c. + HORATIO NELSON. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. + +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. + +"_A présent, un petit mot sur ma santé._ In the first place, too great +exertion for two or three 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, _mais +en voilà assez pour le présent_; and as there is abundance of time +before this can be despatched, _il faut le remettre pour un autre +jour: ainsi adieu_! + +"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 _selfish_ motives by which I am +actuated, and scold me if you can. + +"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 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. + +"Your _P.S._ 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. + +"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. + +"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. He will receive pay for the +time; but cannot be confirmed, from not having served the six required +years. + +"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,--_patience_! + +"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 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. + +"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 +'_ci-après_;' only, for the present, judge what must have been my +feelings had I been thus deprived of my share in this action! + +"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 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. + +"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 _Egyptian +Club_, 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. + +"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 _dreamt_ so much of them last 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. + +"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! + +"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 have no doubt that the letter will reach +you some time before any other I can have an opportunity of sending +you. + +"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. + +"I understand the Seahorse has taken La Sensible, and the Lion a +Spanish frigate: _à propos_, 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. + +"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 _distinguished a place_, 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 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. + +"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. + +"The winds prove all this time very variable, _et nous avançons fort +lentement_. + +"The Admiral is still in sight, though we are not in company together. +Had I not been 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. _D'ailleurs, pour le présent, j'espère que ce serait +inutile._ + +"Monday.--We get on very slowly indeed, not having yet got sight of +Candia; we must however have _patience_. 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. + +"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. + +"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 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 _que le bon +Dieu nous guide_. + +"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. + +"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 justified the attempt, and Providence +was our guide;[17] 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. + + [17] 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 "_doubtful_" 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." + +"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 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. + +"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 _saints_ did after the 14th of February. + +"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. + +"I received last evening a letter from the Admiral, brought me by La +Bonne Citoyenne.[18] He 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 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 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 to say we had no +church this morning; this is so very necessary a duty, that I am +always grieved when it is omitted." + + [18] MY DEAR SIR, Vanguard, September 1st, 1798. 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 _six_ + 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. + + Ever yours most truly, + HORATIO NELSON. + + To Sir James Saumarez, &c. + + 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. + + + Orion, at sea, 1st September. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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, + + I am very truly, &c. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. + + + Orion, at sea, 1st September. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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. + + I am, my dear sir, &c. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir H. Nelson, K.B. + + + Orion, at sea, 5th Sept. 1798. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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. + + 10 o'clock P.M. + + 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, + + Your faithful and most obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Rear-admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. + + + Orion, 6th September 1798. + A.M. 7 o'clock. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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. + + 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. + + With sincere and best wishes for your health + and every happiness, &c. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir H. Nelson, K.B. &c. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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. Pierre, laden with +wheat, has been recaptured by a French privateer.' + +"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. + +"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! + +"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 the Thalia when she joined us; I should +have told you that I despatched her and the cutter towards Naples, to +meet Sir Horatio. + +"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 "_sont indignés de cette insulte offerte à la grande +nation_." + +"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. + +"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 _very sorry_ he had not arrived a few days sooner. We were much +better without him." + +Sir James sent, by the Thalia, the following letters to Sir Horatio: + + Orion, Port of Augusta, 16th September 1798. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. They seem very + anxious for the appearance of an English squadron off that + island. + + 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. + + I am, my dear Admiral, + Your ever faithful and obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir Horatio Nelson. + + + Orion, Augusta, 20th September 1798. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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 the zeal and earnest + endeavours he has shown to forward the King's service. I have + the honour to be, &c. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Sir Horatio Nelson. + +"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. + +"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. 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. + +"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,[19] 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, 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. + + [19] See Appendix. + +"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. + +"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 attended with danger to do it in the +present weather. We have taken our final leave of Sicily this morning. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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 +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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"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 up all hope of being in England during this +month. + +"Sunday, 14th.--The wind has again sprung up to the eastward, and I +hope will this time carry us to Gibraltar. + +"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, _immediately for England_. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"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. + + Gibraltar, 16th October 1798. + + SIR, + + 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 + 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 _pratique_ reports, that I do not + give entire credit to this. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I am fitting out an expedition of great importance,--I believe, + _entre nous_, 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, with great esteem and regard, + Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + ST. VINCENT. + + To Sir James Saumarez. + + 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. + ST. VINCENT. + + + Orion, off Gibraltar, 18th Oct. 1798. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + Fearing that, with the ship I have in tow, it will not be + 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. + + I have the honour to be, my lord, + Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To the Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent. + +The squadron arrived at Gibraltar on the evening of the 18th, amidst +the universal and unbounded acclamations of the assembled population. + +"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. + +"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 _emigrés_. I had an opportunity of +sending you, by a cutter for 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." + +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.[20] 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 to reward as himself: therefore he +felt this deviation from the common usage less severely at the time +than he would otherwise have done. + + [20] The actions of Sullivan's Island, and the Dogger Bank. + +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. + +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. + +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. May every succeeding Nelson regard, and be able to +look up to, that motto which was conferred on the hero of the +Nile,--_Palmam qui meruit, ferat!_ + +On Sir James's arrival at Gibraltar he received the following letters +from Sir Horatio Nelson, approving of his proceedings:-- + + Vanguard, Naples, 29th Sept. 1798. + + SIR, + + I have received your letter of the 17th from Augusta, as well as + your despatch of the 27th, by Captain Gage. + + 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. + + I am, sir, + Your most obedient servant, + HORATIO NELSON. + + To Sir James Saumarez. + + + September 29th, 1798. + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + 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, + + Your obliged and affectionate, + HORATIO NELSON. + + Sir James Saumarez. + +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. + + Alexander, at sea, 11th Oct. 1798. + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + 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, 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. + + 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. + + 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 of the action until the 6th ult. He has ordered a + costly diamond to be presented to him for the important victory. + + 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. + + 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, + + With true esteem and regard, + My dear Sir James, very sincerely yours, + ALEX. M. BALL. + + Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. + +To return to Sir James's journal: + +"19th October.--Your valued letters of the 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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"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! + +"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. 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. + +"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. + +"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![21] 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. + + [21] This was never realised. + +"To-morrow I depend on arriving at Lisbon, with the hope of being +detained a few days only, and where I rely on being cheered with +letters from you. _A propos_: 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. + +"27th October.--I had hoped before the arrival of this _blessed_ 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. + +"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. + +"A packet arrived this morning with Commissioner Coffin. The only +letter I have been 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." + +The extract of the following letter from Sir James to the +commander-in-chief continues this narrative: + + Orion, Tagus, 1st November, 1798. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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, + + I remain, &c. + +Sir James, having now fulfilled the anxious charge entrusted to him, +and, with great professional skill and unremitting vigilance, brought +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. + + Lisbon, Nov. 3rd, 1798. + + 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. + +"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. + +"I have despatched Dumaresq to Newport for our dear boy; and I depend +on seeing him to-night. _Le Duc est empressé de le voir._ I hope to +get the party on shore, _de bonne heure_, to-morrow: but we are still +in quarantine whilst I am making these arrangements. + +"Tuesday morning.--Great is my disappointment at being kept thus long +in quarantine: it is a cruel _contre temps_, and the more so from its +being unforeseen. What adds to my disappointment is, that I am at a +loss to know if our _pratique_ 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. + +"One o'clock.--If our _pratique_ is not received by this post, request +Sir Peter to set the telegraph at work, now that the weather has +cleared up. 8 P.M. 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 +_Christian charity_ after our _Egyptian bondage_, we must _endeavour_ +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 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 _pour ton réveil demain. Encore +adieu, ma très chère_! Write every hour of the day, and send your +letters to Mr. Maxwell. + +"Wednesday morning.--Grieved as I am to be a prisoner still another +day, there is consolation in the _certainty_ 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:[22] 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. + + [22] November 29th, the day appointed for a general thanksgiving + for the great naval victories. + +"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." + +Sir James remained at Portsmouth, until the 15th December, when he +sailed for Plymouth, 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. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +1800. + + 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. + + +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: + + Bath, 15th January 1799. + + MY LORD, + + As you were pleased to intimate your intention of being at Bath + when I last had the honour of seeing you, I delayed writing + until this time. I am extremely happy to find that Lady + Spencer's improved state of health has rendered the journey + unnecessary. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, + With the highest respect, + Your lordship's most obedient and humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To the Right Honourable Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c. + +To the above, Sir James received the following answer: + + Admiralty, 18th January 1799. + + DEAR SIR, + + Lady Spencer's journey to Bath is only deferred, I fear; as it + will probably be necessary for her to go there soon. + + 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 than + to you, I fear it will be impossible for me to do so in this + particular. I am, dear sir, + + Your very obedient and humble servant, + SPENCER. + + To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c. + +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. + +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. + +On the 25th, looking into Brest Harbour, they 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. + +Sir James writes:-- + +"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. + +"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.[23] He was going to embark for +the continent. _Mille complimens de sa part pour miladi_, &c. &c. + + [23] Afterwards Louis XVIII. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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 newspapers, nor listens to rumours. I know not who are +most to blame, those who invent them, or you who believe them. + +"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 _please_ +you: _in other respects_, 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. + +"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 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 +_éloge_ 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. + +"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. + +"Sunday 10th.--In going down with the information 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. + +"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." + + +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." + + +The Commander-in-chief, supposing the destination of the French +expedition to be Ireland, 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. + +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 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. + +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: + + "Cæsar, 26th June, 1800. + + "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 _ennui_,--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. + + "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." + +Sir James, after another cruise, returned on the 24th of July, to +prepare for a service of more responsibility and importance. + +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: + + 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,[24] 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. + + 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. + + ST. VINCENT. + + To Sir James Saumarez, &c. + + [24] Magnificent, Defiance, Marlborough, and Edgar. + + Copy of Instructions to the Senior Officer of the advanced + squadron off the Black Rocks. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 the detachments + off the Passage Du Raz, Isle Grois, and in Quiberon Bay, + together with the ships named in the margin,[25] 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. + + Given on board the Royal George, + off Ushant, 7th August 1800. + ST. VINCENT. + + To Sir John Borlase Warren, + Bart. K.B. Rear-admiral of + the Blue, &c. &c. &c. + By command of the Admiral. + BEN. TUCKER. + + An exact copy. Given the 8th August 1800 + JOHN BORLASE WARREN. + + [25] Superb and Captain. + +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, in reconnoitring, they are exposed to the fire of the enemy on +each side of Brest Water. + +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. + + Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, Sunday evening, + 2d Sept. 1800. + + _On dit_, 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 _minced meat_ 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 _our_ calendar; and divine + service was performed on board. + + 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. + + 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. + + + Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, Sept. 12th 1800. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + I am happy to say I am perfectly well. I trust my nerves will + prove equal to the task; as I have before often told you, they + generally strengthen with difficulties. + + 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. + +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. + + Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 15th Sept. 1800. + + SIR, + + 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 _I sleep as soundly as if I had the + key of Brest in my possession_. + + 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, + + Your most obedient humble servant, + ST. VINCENT. + + Sir James Saumarez. + +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. + +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: + + TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCER. + Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th Sept. 1800. + + MY LORD, + + On the supposition that the fleet may have been driven from + their station by the late tempestuous weather, and as 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + +In answer to this, Sir James received the following letter from Earl +Spencer, then First Lord of the Admiralty. + + Admiralty, 30th Sept. 1800. + + DEAR SIR, + + I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 26th, dated from + Douvarnenez Bay, and was much pleased to 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. + + Believe me, dear sir, + Your very faithful humble servant, + + SPENCER. + To Sir James Saumarez. + +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. + + Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th September 1800. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be Your lordship's most obedient and most + humble servant, + + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c. + +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. + + Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, Sept. 24th, 1800. + + 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. + + 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. + + 25th.--It has continued to blow hard since we entered this bay, + and it has now risen to a severe storm. I wish 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. + + Monday, 29th Sept. + + 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 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. + +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. + + Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, 28th September 1800. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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 night, in order to be off St. Matthew's Point early + this morning to watch their motions. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, my lord, + Your lordship's obedient and most humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c. + + His Majesty's ship Montague, with the Naiad, and Suwarrow + schooner, went through the bay yesterday evening. + + + Ville de Paris, Torbay, 4th October, 1800. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I am, sir, your most obedient servant, + ST. VINCENT. + + Sir James Saumarez. + +By this bold and unexpected step, (which the French have since +characterised as a piece of _impudence_,) Sir James completely +frustrated the 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. + +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: + + Oct. 4th 1800. + + 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. + + Cæsar, Bay of Brest, 18th Oct. + + 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, 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 _you_ to dwell too much upon it. + + 21st.--I am now _solus_. 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 _Black Rock_ dinner, viz. a fine piece of + salmon and a nice little _cochon-de-lait_, with _entremêts_, + 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. + + 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 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 _sulky_ 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. + + 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 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 _from necessity_, + having sprung her main-yard; but, if possible, I shall delay it + three or four weeks longer, notwithstanding my _threat_ of + losing patience. I shall depend on finding you at Dartmouth. + + Cæsar, Nov. 1st. + + 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, _je t'assure_. I + understand Sir Hyde Parker is to command in the absence of the + chief. _Cela ne me plait pas aucunement_; 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 _go on shore_ unless my views are complied with. 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. + + 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. + + 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. + +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. + +At last, seeing their escape impossible, they began to dismantle the +ships; and Sir James received the following letter from Earl St. +Vincent: + + MY DEAR SIR, + + 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 _en route_, + and I will inform Lady Saumarez by to-morrow's post of your + probable approach. + + 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. + + 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. + + Yours, most truly, + Torr Abbey, 2nd December, 1800. + ST. VINCENT. + + To Sir James Saumarez. + +The following extract, which alludes to the preceding, was written by +Sir James to Lady Saumarez on the + + 29th Dec.--The Earl informs me of his intention to write to you. + I perceive he is resolved to become a favourite 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. + +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. + +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 _the post of honour_. + +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." + + _Secret and confidential._ + + Cæsar off Ushant, 20th June 1800. + + 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. + + It is from the too flagrant neglect of this most essential part + of our duty that I have been impelled to write _in confidence_ + to your lordship on the subject, with the hope that proper means + will be adopted to rectify it. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, with the greatest regard, + Your lordship's most faithful + and obedient humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + The Right Hon. Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c. + + + DEAR SIR, + + 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. + + 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 has already + proved to us, if suffered once to begin, is so very difficult to + remedy. + + I am, dear sir, + Your very obedient humble servant, + SPENCER. + Admiralty, June 1800. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +1801. + + 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. + + +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. + +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. + +The following is extracted from a letter from one of the officers of +the Cæsar, dated 26th March: + + 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. 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. + +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: + + Admiralty, 1st April 1801. + + MY DEAR ADMIRAL, + + 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 + Your very sincere and obedient servant, + ST. VINCENT. + + To R.A. Sir James Saumarez. + +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 +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. + +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: + + Admiralty, 17th May 1801. + + MY DEAR SIR JAMES, + + Many thanks for your kind letter of the 6th instant. I am sorry + our _French friends_ do not come out, that you may teach them + _English_. The Gazette[26] will show you that our soldiers are + getting into the habits of fighting. + + 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. + + 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 + + Yours most faithfully, + THOMAS TROUBRIDGE. + + To Sir James Saumarez. + + [26] Battle of Alexandria. + +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: + + Cæsar, off Ushant, 30th May 1801. + + 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. + + 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. + +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 Bay. Having reported the return of the Cæsar, he received in +answer the following letters from Earl St. Vincent and Mr. Nepean: + + MY DEAR SIR, Admiralty, 4th June 1801. + + 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. + + Yours most truly, + ST. VINCENT. + + To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez. + + + Admiralty Office, 4th June 1801. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I am, sir, your obedient servant, + EVAN NEPEAN. + + To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez. + +The following is the reply to Earl St. Vincent's letter of the 4th +June, dated + + Cæsar, Cawsand Bay, 6th June. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + To the Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent, &c. + +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. + + Most secret. + + By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High + Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, &c. + + 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, 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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, 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. + + Given under our hands, 6th day of June 1801. + ST. VINCENT. + T. TROUBRIDGE. + J. MARKHAM. + + To Sir James Saumarez, Bart. + Rear-admiral of the Blue, + Plymouth. + By command of their Lordships, + EVAN NEPEAN. + +The following is the copy of information transmitted to Sir James with +the above letter: + + No. 1. + + Dated Lisbon, 15th May 1801. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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, 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. + + I have the honour to be, &c. + + To Lord Hawkesbury. + J.M. FRERE. + + No. 2. + + MY LORD, + + 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. + + 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 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. + + Respecting the danger to which this capital would be exposed by + a _coup-de-main_, 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. + + 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 + 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. + + I have the honour to be, &c. + J.H. FRERE. + + The Right Honourable Lord Hawkesbury, &c. &c. &c. + + No. 3. + + Intelligence arrived from General O'Hara, at Gibraltar. + + Arrived by land the crew of the Fortune privateer, consisting of + twelve men. They report that last Saturday, between three and + four P.M. 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. + + List of the armament fitting out at Cadiz. + + Guns. + + Santissima Trinidada 140 + Atlante 80 + Ferrivel 80 + San Antonio 80 + Suberano 80 + San Justo 74 + San Januario 80 + Intrepido 80 + Firme 80 + + The above ships are commanded by French officers, and probably, + therefore, are those which are alluded to as having been ceded + to France. + + Guns Guns + A. Real de St. Carlos 120 Bergantina St. Andre 24 + St. Hermenegildo 120 Balandra Aglina 14 + St. Fernando 120 St. Nicalao 14 + St. Agustino 80 4 gun-boats [27] 2 } + St. Izidoro 80 20 built by the inhabitants } + Argonauta 80 of Cadiz 1 } + Fragata Sabina 44 18 gun-boats 1 + Fragata Perula 40 4 burlates + + [27] 24-pounders each. + + Cæsar, Cawsand Bay, 9th June 1801. + + 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. + + 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. + + I am, sir, + Your most obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. + +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. + +Before we record a circumstance which, in rewarding the merits of the +new commander-in-chief, afforded great and universal satisfaction to +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. + + Royal George, between Ushant and the Black Rocks, + 26th July 1800. + + MY DEAR LORD, + + 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. + + Yours, most faithfully, + ST. VINCENT. + + To the Right Hon. Earl Spencer. + +A copy of the preceding having been sent by Earl St. Vincent to Sir +James, produced the following answer:-- + + MY LORD, + + 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 + services I had the good fortune to be employed upon, gave me + reason to expect long before this. + + That health, and every possible success may ever attend your + lordship, is the fervent wish of + + My dear lord, + Your much obliged, + and faithful humble servant, + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + Cæsar, 29th July 1800. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +1801. + + 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. + + +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: + + Cæsar, off Cadiz, 26th June 1801. + + MY LORD, + + I have the honour to inform your lordship of my arrival off + Cadiz with the ships named on the margin[28] 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.[29] 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, + Your lordship's most obedient humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c. + + [28] Cæsar, Pompée, Spencer, Hannibal, Audacious, Thames, + Phaeton, and Plymouth, hired lugger. + + [29] See list already given. + +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. + +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, and to Mr. Frere, the English +ambassador at Lisbon: + + Cæsar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801. + SIR + + 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. + + 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. + + I am, sir, your most obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty. + + + Cæsar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801. + + SIR, + + I have the honour to acquaint you with my having this instant + received information, by an express from Gibraltar, 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, + + Your most obedient humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + Governor O'Hara writes that he is without intelligence from + Egypt since the repulse of the French, the 21st March. + + His Excellency J.H. Frere, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Lisbon. + +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 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. + +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. + +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 day, which afforded +the enemy a short-lived triumph. We shall make no apology for giving +it in his own words: + + On Sunday, the 5th July 1801, a despatch-boat was seen in the + S.E., and at two P.M. 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.[30] 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. + + [30] Le Formidable, 84. Dessaix, 84. Indomptable, 74: and + Meuron, 38. + + 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. + + + 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. + + 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.[31] + + [31] The following memorandum was communicated to the squadron + before bearing up for Gibraltar Bay: + + Memorandum + + Cæsar, 5th July 1801. + + 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: + + The Venerable to lead into the bay, and pass the enemy's ships + without anchoring; + + The Pompée to anchor abreast of the inner ship of the enemy's + line; + + The Audacious, } + " Cæsar, } to anchor abreast of the enemy's ships + " Spencer, } and batteries; + " Hannibal, } + + { to keep under sail, and annoy the enemy's + " Superb, { batteries and gun-boats during the attack + " Thames, { assisted by the Plymouth lugger. + + The boats of the different ships to be lowered down and armed, + in readiness to act where required. + + Given on board the Cæsar, off Tariffa, + 5th July 1801. + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To the respective Captains. + + At daylight we were off Tariffa, with light airs from the + westward, which at seven freshened to a strong breeze, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + At thirty-five minutes after ten, the Admiral, observing how + much the enemy had increased their distance from us 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 _jonché de morts_. 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. + + 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 until all hope + had vanished of saving the Hannibal that he left her in + possession of the enemy. + +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. + + 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. + + 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, + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + He ordered me to take a flag of truce and wait upon 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. + +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 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. + + Cæsar, Gibraltar, 6th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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 + spirited and gallant manner; an example which was followed by + the commanders of every ship in the squadron. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + The enemy's ships consisted of two of eighty-four guns and one + of seventy-four, with a large frigate: two of the former are + aground, and the whole are rendered totally unserviceable. + + 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. + + 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. + + The Honourable Captain Dundas, of his Majesty's sloop the Calpe, + 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. + + I am, + Your most obedient servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. + +On the return of the squadron to the Mole of Gibraltar, the following +public order was issued by the Admiral. + + Cæsar, in Rosia Bay, 6th July 1801. + + 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 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. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To the respective Captains. + +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. + + Cæsar, Gibraltar, 9th july 1801. + + SIR, + + 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, + + Your most obedient servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + Evan Nepean, Esq. Admiralty. + + Algeziras Bay, 7th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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 thereby preserve the lives of the brave + men that remained. + + 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. + + I am, sir, + Your most obedient humble servant, + S. FERRIS. + + To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez. + +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. + +It appears that no difference of opinion arose 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: + +"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,[32] 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." + + [32] The captain's clerk is stationed in action to take minutes + of the events as they occur. + +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 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. + +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." + +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. + +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." + +Now this is quite impossible, as, by the log of 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, +_Union down_. + +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 Calpe. 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: + + Did the enemy take possession of the Hannibal before the colours + were hoisted union down? + + 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 _union downwards_ by the Frenchmen.[33] + + [33] 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. + + Were the colours hoisted union down by the enemy; or, at any + time, by Captain Ferris's orders? + + By the enemy. + + Did the boats come _before_ or _after_ the colours were hoisted + union downwards, to render her assistance? + + 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. + + What boats were taken; and what boats escaped? + + 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. + + What French officer took possession of the Hannibal? + + 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. + + To what prison were you taken? + + 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. + +On this occasion Colonel Connolly recognised a 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. + +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. + +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 reached her certainly before the action ceased, and found +her in the hands of the enemy, as described by Colonel Connolly. + +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. + +Captain Brenton, being decidedly of the same opinion, adds, "I can +only say, when it was reported to me, _while in action_, 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." + +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. 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. + +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. + +Extract of the Cæsar's log in the Battle of Algeziras, 5th July: + + Winds S.W. and variable. At 12h. 30m. P.M. 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, 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 + _taut_,--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; 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. + +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. + +These facts are also corroborated by the logs and journals of the +Audacious and Spencer, which 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. + +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. + +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 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 total loss of the squadron being one hundred +and twenty-three killed, two hundred and forty-two wounded, and +twenty-two missing. + +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. + +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 English ship, for her bold manoeuvre 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."[34] + + [34] James, vol. iii. p. 120. + +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. + +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 manoeuvre of warping his ships aground, +being the only chance 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. + +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.[35] + + [35] The discrepancies between the diagram and _some_ 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. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +1801. + + 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. + + +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. + + Copy of the Log of his Majesty's ship Spencer, 6th July 1801. + + 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 + 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; A.M. 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. + + 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. + + 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; P.M. 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 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. + +The following is a correct copy of the Audacious's log, at Somerset +House. + +This log, like the former, begins in the evening of the 5th July 1801. + + Wind S.W. P.M. 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 + 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.M. 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. + +The next is the journal of Captain Hood of the Venerable. + + 6th July 1801. + + 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 sail occasionally for the squadron, and tacked + occasionally,--A.M. 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. + + 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. + + 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 + 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; P.M. calm,--still firing on the enemy's + ships, which were warping farther in-shore. + + 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. + + 24 Nov. 1801.[36] + S. HOOD. + + [36] 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. + +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 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. + +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: + + 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. + + 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 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. + +The following is a translation of the Spanish official account of the +battle of Algeziras, 6th July 1801: + + 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. + + 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. + + 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, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + The ships of the French Republic which sustained this attack + were the Formidable, 84, Citizen Linois; Dessaix, 74, Moncousu, + killed; L'Indomptable, 84, La Londe, 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. + + MADRID GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY. + + Merida, 10 July 1801. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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 manoeuvre 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. + +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 +_true_ accounts,--causing much uneasiness. The _Moniteur_ announced +that + + 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 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 A.M., and this proved the + decisive moment. For two hours the Formidable, the French + Admiral's ship, successfully opposed three English ships. + + 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 _proceeded to Cadiz with the Hannibal, in + order to repair her damage_.[37] We wait with impatience the + returns of the loss sustained by each ship. + + [37] This was a gratuitous falsehood. + +These accounts appear to have reached Paris on the 11th July. On the +19th, the following bulletin reached St. Malo. + + 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 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. + +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 '_Ce n'est pas vrai_!' + +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. + + In the days of the Bourbons, a man was _rewarded_ + For _standing_ the brunt of the day: + But, now, this old maxim in France is _discarded_,-- + Men are honoured for _running away_! + +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. + + To mar our skill, fam'd Linois, thou hast found + A certain way,--by fighting ships on _ground_; + Fix deep in sand thy centre, van, and rear, + Nor e'er St. Vincent, Duncan, Nelson, fear. + While, o'er the main, Britannia's thunder rolls, + She leaves to thee the trident of the _shoals_! + +In concluding this chapter, we shall relate the following anecdote of +British heroism, derived from Captain Brenton's Naval History. + + When, in the hottest part of the action at Algeziras, the Cæsar + _broke her sheer_,--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. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +1801. + + 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. + + +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. + +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, 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." + +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. + + Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 8th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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, + + Your most obedient and most humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Rear-admiral Linois, + commanding the French squadron at Algeziras. + +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: + + Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 9th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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, + + With all possible regard, your obedient servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Rear-admiral Linois, + commanding the French squadron at Algeziras. + +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. + +We shall now continue the authentic and interesting communication +which Sir Jahleel Brenton has so kindly made to us: + + "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." + +The Admiral now prepared duplicates of his despatches for the +Admiralty, which Lieutenant Janvarin, of the Calpe, who was taken in +the Cæsar's boat, assisting the Hannibal, had been previously charged +to carry to Faro. These were 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.'" + +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. + +Sir James now added the following to his despatches to Lord Keith: + + Cæsar, Gibraltar, 9th July 1801. + + MY LORD, + + 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 that all the Spanish and + French ships in that port were ordered to Algeziras Bay to take + the French ships to Carthagena. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be + Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + To Right Hon. Lord Keith, K.B. &c. &c. &c. + +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: + + Cæsar, Rosia Bay, 6th July 1801. + + MY DEAR RICHARD, + + 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 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. + + 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. + + Wednesday, 9th July 1801. + + 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. + + 10th July 1801. + + It is incalculable how much I have on my hands, night 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. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Richard Saumarez, Esq. + +Extracts of letters written on the 7th July 1801, to Lady Saumarez: + + 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. + + 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 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. + + I resign myself to the decree of DIVINE PROVIDENCE, 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. + +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 +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." + +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. + +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 fair, the former reached +Algeziras about four P.M., 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. + +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. + +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! + +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 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. + +"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 _two to one_! 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 _watch and watch_ 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. + +"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 that they should be +held in readiness at a minute's warning to proceed to the ship pointed +out to receive them. + +"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." + +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. + +Although the services going on required many 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. + +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: + + Cæsar, off Rosia Bay, 10th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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 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. + + I am, sir, + Your most obedient humble servant, + JAMES SAUMAREZ. + + Rear-admiral Linois, &c. &c. &c. + +No answer having been given to this application, the correspondence +ended, to be resumed under more favourable circumstances. + +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: + + Cæsar, Gibraltar, 10th July 1801. + + 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 less than ten minutes, had not an + unfortunate flaw of wind _broke her sheer_; and from that moment + she was unable to bring one of her guns to bear on the enemy's + ship. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 + that Captain Brenton has shown himself a brave and most able + officer. + + 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. + +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. + +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 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. + +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! + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +1801. + + 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. + + +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 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! + +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. + +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 +weather fine. The Cæsar, having rehoisted the Admiral's flag, made the +signal to prepare for battle! + +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. + +"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. + +"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. + +"She took her station off Europa Point, with the signals for her +little squadron to close round her, and to prepare for battle.[38] 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 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. + + [38] 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. + + 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. + +"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 his motions. He had already communicated with his +captains his plan of attack, and no other signal was made, or was +necessary. + +"_At eight o'clock_ 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: + +[Illustration] + +(Representation of illustration follows) + + S + + + + H + + 2 3 4 + + 5 6 7 8 9 10 + +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. + +"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. + +"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 of the French. The +unfortunate Spaniards, having become at once the tools and the victims +of France, were objects of our sincere commiseration. + +"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. + +"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 consumed; and they were seen for some time +burning at a distance from each other, before their fatal termination. + +"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. + +"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 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. + +"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 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. + +"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 P.M. on the 14th. + +"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 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. + +"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. + +"When the governor, the garrison, and the inhabitants of Gibraltar, +who had passed the night with painful anxiety beheld the approach of +the 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." + +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. + +The following general memorandum was given out to the squadron, on +their return to Gibraltar: + + Cæsar, Rosia Bay, 15th July 1801. + + 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 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. + + 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. + + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To the respective Captains, &c. + +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: + + Cæsar, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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. + + 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. + + I almost despaired of having a sufficient force in readiness to + oppose to such numbers; but, through the great 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 towards the shoals of Conil, besides the Spencer + astern, coming up. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, sir, + Your most obedient humble servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty. + + + Cæsar, off Cape Trafalgar, 14th July 1801. + + SIR, + + 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. + + I have the honour to be, sir, + Your most obedient servant, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + To Evan Nepean, Esq. Admiralty. + + + Superb, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801. + + SIR, + + Pursuant to your directions to state the particulars of the + Superb's services last night, I have the honour to inform 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. + + 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, seamen and marines, + conducted themselves with the greatest steadiness and gallantry. + + I have the honour to be, sir, + Your most obedient humble servant, + R.G. KEATS. + + To Sir James Saumarez, Bart. &c. &c. &c. + +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: + + SPANISH. + Ships' names. Guns. Captains. Where built. Year. + + Real Carlos* 112 Don J. Esquerra Havanna 1793 + Hermenegildo* 112 Don J. Emparran Do. 1789 + San Fernando 96 Don J. Malina Do. 1765 + Argonauta 80 Don J. Harrera Ferrol 1798 + San Augustin 74 Don R. Jopete Guarnizo 1768 + Sabrina 40 + ___ + 514 * Burnt. + + FRENCH. + + Ships' names. Guns. Captains. + + Brought over 514 + Formidable 84 Amable-Gilles-Troude. + Indomptable 84 " Callende. + Dessaix 74 Jean A. Chirly-Pallière. + San Antonio 74 Julien Le Ray (Commodore), taken. + Libre 40 + Indienne 40 + Muron 40 + Vautour 12 + + Total 962 & Hannibal, 74 not in the action, 1036. + +The Spanish and French admirals were on board the Sabrina frigate. + +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: + + Ships names. Guns. Captains. + + Cæsar. 84 Captain Jahleel Brenton. + Spencer 74 " Henry D'Esterre Darby. + Venerable 74 " Samuel Hood. + Superb 74 " Rich. Goodwin Keats. + Audacious 74 " Shuldham Peard. + Thames 36 " A.P. Holles. + + Total 416 + In favour of the} + enemy. } 546 + +The Rear-admiral had his flag on board the Cæsar, 84. + +The guns of the enemy's ships being much heavier, increased their +weight of metal to triple that of the squadron. + +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. + +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 _not_ been +accurately 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. + +We shall here give some interesting extracts from private letters from +Sir James, written at the close of the battle: + + Cæsar, 13th July 1801, 8 A.M. + + 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.[39] + To an all-merciful PROVIDENCE 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. + + [39] See page 388. + + 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. + + 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 + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + +The following extract is from a letter to Richard Saumarez, Esq.: + + Cæsar, off Cadiz, 13th July 1801. + + I intend to send Phil. D. with my despatches. You must refer to + him for the particulars of the wonderful events since yesterday. + +After detailing these events exactly as in the above, he adds, +respecting the Venerable: + + 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. + +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. + + Cæsar, Gibraltar, 16th July 1801. + + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I hope that the several letters I have had the pleasure of + writing to you at different opportunities, will arrive 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. + + 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. + + It is inconceivable the _éclat_ 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. + + The St. Antoine has scarcely suffered: my intention is 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + I send this by a vessel belonging to Jersey. + My dear brother, most sincerely yours, + JAS. SAUMAREZ. + + John Saumarez, Esq. Guernsey. + + 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. + +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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + +The following is the account of the above action, from the French +commander-in-chief, dated at Cadiz, 16th July 1801. + + CITIZEN MINISTER.--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. + + 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, 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. + + 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 manoeuvre, as prudent as + bold, he first extricated himself from two ships, which he + greatly damaged, and at last totally dismasted the Pompée,[40] + which fought him bravely for an hour and a half. + + [40] 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. + + 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. + + 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, + + DUMANOIR LE PELLEY. + +Report of Captain Troude, provisional commander of Le Formidable, to +Rear-admiral Linois: + + Cadiz, 15th July 1801. + + CITIZEN GENERAL, + + 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. + + 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 manoeuvres, 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 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. + + 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. + + 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 + manoeuvred 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, 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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 + in which I could not distinguish the enemy. The names of these + two vessels are the San Carlos and the Hermenegildo. + + 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. + + Accept, Citizen General, assurances of my zeal and most + respectful devotion. + TROUDE. + +Letter from Rear-admiral Linois to the Minister of the Marine, giving +an account of the action: + + CITIZEN MINISTER, + + 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. + + 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 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. + + 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 manoeuvred 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. + + 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. + + 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, 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. + + 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. + + 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 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 manoeuvres 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. + + 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. + + Rear-admiral LINOIS. + + Dated in Cadiz Harbour, 15th July 1801, + on board the Formidable. + +Admiral Moreno's orders to his fleet on the 11th July 1801: + + Orders of sailing to be observed by the ships in my charge on + their passage through the Straits of Gibraltar. + + 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: + + Hannibal. + + Indomptable. Formidable. Dessaix. + + Augus- Ar- R. Herme- St. St. Fer- + tin. ganauta. Carlos. negildo. Antonio. nando. + + 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. + + 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. + + 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. + + Line of battle in natural order. + + _2nd Squadron._ _1st Squadron._ _3rd Squadron._ + St. Ferdinand, Formidable, Argonauta, + St. Antonio, R. Carlos, Dessaix, + Hermenegildo. Indomptable. St. Augustin. + + Fr. frigate Sabina, Vautour. + + A red pendant, under any other signal, signifies it is directed + to the French ships only. + + 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 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. + + 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 fate, and + pursue his enemy until his destruction was complete. + + 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. + + + + + +END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. + + + + + +LONDON: + +PRINTED BY SAMUEL BENTLEY, +Dorset Street, Fleet Street. + + +Transcriber's note: + + J.M. Frere has been corrected to "J.H." Frere. John Hookman + Frere, (1769-1846), diplomatist, translator, and author was + appointed in 1800 Envoy to Portugal, and was Ambassador to + Spain 1802-4, and again 1808-9. + + + + + + +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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