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-marees 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.