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 Reunion 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 Vendee.
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 deg. 50' N., long. 6 deg. 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 Scaevola (razee) 54 1656
Le Brutus (ditto) 54 1656
La Danae 36 800
La Felicite 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 Catel 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.