1801.
Preliminaries of peace.--Sir James created a Knight of the
Bath.--Remarks on that Order.--Ceremony of investiture.--Action
of the Pasley and Rosario.--Sir James receives the thanks of
both Houses of Parliament.--Speeches of Earl St. Vincent, Lord
Nelson, and Mr. Pitt.--The freedom of the city of London,--and
a sword.--Address from Guernsey and Jersey.--Silver
vases.--Inscriptions thereon.
The fleet, with the exception of a small squadron off Cadiz, had
returned to Gibraltar on the news that preliminaries of peace were
signed. This was the consequence of the surrender of Alexandria to his
Majesty's arms, and the final expulsion of the French from Egypt; on
which account general rejoicings had taken place. But that which most
strongly excited feelings of joy and exultation in the garrison and
inhabitants of Gibraltar was, the information that his Majesty had
been graciously pleased to honour Sir James Saumarez with the red
riband and star of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath,--a
distinction which, at this time, was very limited, and conferred only
on those who had highly distinguished themselves in battle. There was
then only one class, designated by the letters K.B.; but, in 1815, the
order was, under certain regulations, extended to three classes. The
former Knights of the Bath (K.B.) were made Grand-Crosses, (G.C.B.);
the second, Commanders of the Bath, (K.C.B.); and the third,
Companions of the Bath, (C.B.); by which the value of the original
order has been much depreciated. The honour of knighthood, however, of
whatever description, depends greatly on the brilliancy of the deed
which it is intended to commemorate; and, certainly, on no occasion
has it been destined to perpetuate the memory of a victory more
splendid or more important than that achieved by Sir James. As the
ceremony, both on account of the peculiar circumstances under which it
took place, and the intense interest which Sir James's late actions
had created, was of the most imposing nature, we shall give the reader
the fullest account of it which we have been able to collect.
Gibraltar, 16th November 1801.
The following is the purport of garrison orders issued this day.
The Governor having been honoured with a commission from his
Majesty, empowering him to invest Rear-admiral Sir James
Saumarez, Bart. with the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, the
royal standard will be hoisted, at gun-firing to-morrow morning,
on the flagstaffs at Waterport and Europa. None of the working
parties are to be employed. The whole of the troops off guard in
the garrison will be formed on the Great Parade, under arms,
with their colours, and two deep, exactly at twelve o'clock. The
troops will march by their right to the Convent, when they will
line the streets from thence to the South Port, and from the
Barrier to the Grand Parade. They will be formed in the street
precisely at a quarter before one o'clock, and at one o'clock
the procession will move from the Convent in the following
order,--viz.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Ensign Bruce, town-adjutant.
Music,--5th regiment.
One hundred seamen, with warrant-officers.
A captain and two subalterns of the royal artillery,
with four field-pieces drawn by artillery soldiers.
Town-major and garrison quarter-master.
Judge-advocate and chaplain.
Mr. Ross, ord. store-keeper; and Mr. Pownall, N. officer;
Mr. Sweetland, commissary; and Mr. Cutforth, agent victualler.
Dr. Pym and Dr. Weir.
Rev. Mr. Frome and the chaplain of the Caesar.
First division of Officers of the squadron,
youngest first.
First division of Captains in the royal navy, and
Field-officers--youngest first.
Major Bellew and Major Geraghty.
Lieut.-colonel Leyborne and Lieutenant-colonel Basset.
Lieutenant-colonel Ballingal and Captain Oliver.
Sir Francis Laforey, Bart. and Sir Thomas Williams.
Captain Taylor and Captain Vashon.
Music,--Banffshire band.
Mr. Raleigh.
The Commissioner's secretary,
bearing a crimson velvet cushion, with the commission.
The Governor's aides-de-camp.
The Governor as the King's commissioner.
The secretary to Sir James Saumarez, bearing on a velvet
cushion the insignia of the Order of the Bath.
Captain Linzee and Captain Brenton, esquires.
SIR JAMES SAUMAREZ, BART. the knight elect, supported by
Major-generals Stewart and Barnett.
B. major and aides-de-camp to the Major-generals.
Second division of Captains in the royal navy, and
Field-officers,--eldest first.
Captain Darby and Captain Bertie.
Sir R. Barlow and Right Hon. Lord H. Paulet.
Captain Thompson and Captain Cartier.
Lieut.-colonel Grant, Lieut.-colonel Zouch, and Major Bury.
Music,--Cambrians.
Second division of Staff.
Captain Mouat and Mr. Wooden.
Mr. Consul Budd and Mr. F. Raleigh.
Lieutenant Crawford and Mr. Stones.
Dr. White and Dr. Vaughan.
Mr. Keys and Mr. J. Bolton.
Mr. Edward Bolton and Mr. Thomas Bolton.
Music,--Argyleshire.
One hundred marines commanded by a captain.
Second division of the Officers of the squadron,
eldest first.
Drums and fifes.
The grenadiers.
The regiments and corps will present arms, and the officers
salute the King's commissioner as he comes on the right of each
corps successively. The colours will also salute, and drums beat
a march.
As soon as the grenadiers have passed the royal marine
artificers, the latter will form in two lines or four deep, and
march in column in their rear; the 5th regiment will likewise
fall in and march in the rear of the royal marine artificers;
and each other corps will in succession fall in and march to the
Grand Parade, where they will form in a semicircle, the centre
of which will be the throne. The diameter will be occupied by
the seamen royal artillery, grenadiers, and marines.
When the procession has arrived opposite to the centre of the
Parade, it will move down towards the Royal Pavilion; the seamen
marching to the right flank of the diameter, the marines to the
left, and the guns to the left and right of the seamen and
marines, and the grenadiers on the right and left of the
Pavilion.
The music will play "See, the conquering hero comes!" until the
procession arrives opposite to the Royal Pavilion, when they
will play "Rule Britannia." As soon as the knight is seated,
the music will play "God save the King;" and immediately after
the ceremony, the grenadiers will fire a volley, followed by a
salute of one round from the four field-pieces, which will be
the signal for a salute, from the Sea-line Walls, of
sixty-three guns, viz. twenty-one guns from the Saluting
Battery, twenty-one from the South Bastion, and twenty-one from
Jumper's Battery and those to the southward. Whilst the salute
is firing, the troops will file off from the Parade, and return
to their former position in the streets; and, after the salute,
the procession will move back to the Convent.
In this manner the procession moved on to the Grand Parade,
where, in front of the Royal Pavilion, a chair of state was
raised on three steps, covered with crimson velvet and rich
gold lace. Over the chair a canopy richly embroidered with
gold, and a floor-cloth of the same. Before this chair, but on
the right and left sides, two other chairs were placed, covered
also with crimson velvet and gold lace; over these were two
banners, with the arms of the commissioner upon the right, and
of the knight elect on the left chair. The first division of
the procession having drawn up on the right, the King's
commissioner, the knight elect, the general officers, and their
suite facing to the King's state, and the rear division halting
and drawing up on the left side of the front of the Pavilion,
the whole made three reverences to the King's state, the music
playing. Then the ensigns of the order, and the commission,
were laid on the table before the sovereign's state; at which
time General O'Hara and Sir James Saumarez sat down in their
respective chairs, the music playing "God save the King." The
general officers and suite divided, falling back on each side
to leave the front open to the King's chair. After a short
pause, General O'Hara standing up, Sir James Saumarez also
rising from his chair, they both advanced before the table;
turned about, and made three reverences to the King's state.
General O'Hara then directed his secretary to read the King's
commission. Sir James Saumarez's secretary attending with a
riband, presented it to General O'Hara, who, as soon as the
commission was read, received the riband, with which he
invested Sir James Saumarez; making at the time the following
short speech.
"It is most gratifying to me that, in obeying his Majesty's
commands, I perform this highly honourable duty so near the
scene of your heroic achievements, and before troops who were
witnesses of your distinguished conduct and eminent valour."
To this, Sir James replied in a short complimentary speech
suitable to the occasion.
After the salute, the commissioner and Sir James Saumarez stood
up, and walked to the front of the Pavilion, made three
reverences to the King's state, and the procession returned to
the Convent.
The number and martial appearance of the troops; the multitude
of spectators of both sexes, and of all nations and countries,
who crowded the surrounding heights, and the lower part of the
mountain that overlooks the sands; the roar of the cannon from
our batteries, and from the shipping in the bay; the presence
of those brave seamen and marines, so worthy of the gallant
chief under whose command they fought; but, above all, the
proximity of Algeziras and the Straits, and the train of ideas
awakened by the sight of those places where the new knight, but
a few months before, had entitled himself to the honourable
tokens of gratitude now bestowed by his King and country; every
circumstance contributed to render this scene one of the most
solemn and most affecting that it may be the lot of men to
behold.
Of the knight himself nothing needs be said in this garrison.
"Dans les murs, hors des murs; tout parle de sa gloire."
_Corneille._
The following irregular stanzas on the occasion were written
extempore by an officer of the royal navy.
Ye valiant martial bands, all hail!
Britannia's sons, renowned in arms;
Dreadful in war when foes assail,
Rejoiced when peace resumes her charms:
Salute th' auspicious day with warlike strains,
Which thus a King's munificence displays;
When Saumarez his just reward obtains,--
Unfading laurels, and unenvied praise!
And thou, oh vet'ran, not unknown to fame!
Thou chief, well chosen to confer the meed!
Be thine the honour of a spotless name,
And thine the conscience of each virtuous deed!
Long may'st thou live to share thy sov'reign's smiles,
Whom Heav'n preserve to bless his subject isles!
The salutes from the batteries being returned, the ceremonies
ended and other festivities commenced.
Sir Charles Morice Pole being informed by the governor of Cadiz that
the preliminary treaties of peace had been acceded to by Spain, and
that hostilities had ceased between the two nations, proceeded to
England on the 11th of November, leaving the chief command to Sir
James Saumarez; who, pursuant to orders, proceeded to Gibraltar Bay
with the following ships, Caesar, Dreadnought, Spencer, Vanguard,
Defence, Bellona, Zealous, Warrior, Trial, Powerful, and St. George;
which, besides the four ships belonging to the squadron of Sir John
Warren, were present on this occasion. This formidable squadron having
been replenished with provisions, remained at Gibraltar for further
orders.
On the 27th of November, Lieutenant Wooldridge, of the hired armed
brig Pasley, arrived with her prize the Spanish privateer Rosario,
which he captured, after a gallant action, on the 30th October, in
which the former had four killed and six wounded, while the latter had
twenty-one killed and thirteen wounded, in a crew of ninety-four
men,--forty more than the Pasley. Lieutenant Wooldridge, who so
gallantly concluded the hostilities on this station, was, at the
recommendation of Sir James, promoted to the rank of commander.
The next arrival from England brought the gratifying intelligence that
the thanks of both Houses of Parliament had been unanimously voted to
Sir James, and the captains, officers, and crews of his squadron. The
following account is rendered more interesting by the part taken on
this occasion by his late Majesty, then Duke of Clarence, Earl St.
Vincent, and Viscount Nelson, in the House of Lords, and by Mr. Pitt
in the House of Commons.
_30th October 1801.--House of Lords._
The First Lord of the Admiralty (_Earl St. Vincent_) rose to
move the thanks of the House to Admiral Sir James Saumarez for
his gallant and spirited conduct in his late actions with the
united fleets of France and Spain, in which he had destroyed
two Spanish men-of-war and taken a ship belonging to France.
His lordship, with much feeling, stated the particulars of the
engagement in the Bay of Algeziras, in which, notwithstanding
the loss of one of his Majesty's ships, owing to a matter which
Sir James could not prevent, that meritorious officer displayed
the most dauntless courage and energy: that in the first
engagement the fleet of Sir James was much crippled and
disabled; but that, nevertheless, he made such wonderful
exertions to repair his damages, that he was soon afterwards
enabled to pursue the French and Spanish fleets, and to engage
them with the most decisive success, although greatly his
superiors in numbers and weight of metal. The gallant
achievement, he declared, surpassed everything he had met with
in his reading or service; and when the news of it arrived, the
whole Board, at which he had the honour to preside, were struck
with astonishment to find that Sir James Saumarez, in so very
short a time after the affair of the Bay of Algeziras, had been
able, with a few ships only, and one of them disabled,
especially his own, to come up with the enemy, and, with
unparalleled bravery, to attack them, and obtain a victory
highly honourable to himself, and essentially conducive to the
national glory.
His lordship said, the merit of the brave Admiral spoke so
strongly for itself, that it would be unnecessary for him to
take up more of their lordships' time respecting it. He should
also move the thanks of the House to the captains who served
under Sir James; but he could not forbear to give his highest
applause to the captains whose conduct was so gallant and
successful on that day. There was no invidious distinction in
this. Every captain on that service, he was persuaded, would
have done his duty in the same signal manner had he been
fortunate enough to get into action. But it was not less his
duty to notice the conduct of these gallant officers, on whom
the fortune of the day fell, and who contributed to make the
event so glorious by their conduct. Lord St. Vincent then
formally moved the thanks of the House to Rear-admiral Sir
James Saumarez.
_Lord Viscount Nelson_ immediately rose to support the
character and conduct of Sir James Saumarez, on which his
noble friend had just expressed himself in such handsome terms.
He said he was under particular obligations to that gallant
officer, who had been second in command under him in one of his
most important and successful engagements; that in the action
in Algeziras Bay he was persuaded Sir James would have achieved
his object, and carried the enemy's ships into Gibraltar, but
for the failure of the wind; an accident which the Admiral
could not prevent, and which enabled the enemy to haul their
ships so close within the shore as to defeat his purpose.
Nothing dismayed or dispirited, however, with the unfortunate
event of that attempt, Sir James made wonderful exertions to
put his few ships into a condition to sail after a fleet of the
enemy and to attack them, though their fleet consisted of ten
ships, and Sir James had but five, and his own ship greatly
disabled. The glorious result their lordships well knew. But he
was not surprised at the matchless intrepidity and skill of his
gallant friend when he considered the professional school in
which he had been bred, viz. the late Lord Howe, Lord Hood,
Lord Bridport, and his noble friend the noble earl who sat next
him. (Earl St. Vincent, feeling the full force of the
compliment, made the noble and gallant lord a very low bow.)
From such masters he could not but have learned everything that
was courageous, spirited, and magnanimous. His lordship added
some further panegyrics; and, after apologising to the House
for having intruded on the time of their lordships, concluded
by saying it was with the greatest satisfaction he voted for
the thanks of the House to that meritorious officer.
_Earl St. Vincent_ next moved the thanks of the House be given
to Captains Hood and Keats, and such of the officers as
principally distinguished themselves in the two engagements in
the Bay of Algeziras and off Gibraltar. The _Duke of Clarence_
rose, and said he should have given his testimony in an ample
manner, both of the gallant officer Sir James Saumarez, and the
captains who had the good fortune to be in the action, if the
noble lord at the head of the Admiralty and the hero of the
Nile had not been present to do them greater justice than his
praise could afford. He could not, however, give a silent
assent to the motion. He rose now, as a professional man, to
express his entire concurrence with every syllable that had
fallen from his two noble friends in commendation of the
gallant Sir James Saumarez, and to declare the satisfaction he
felt in the thanks of the House being voted, to those brave
officers Captain Hood and Captain Keats, for their
distinguished conduct in the two engagements. They were both as
deserving officers as any in his Majesty's service; but he
could speak more particularly to the merit of Captain Keats,
having served under him for four years and a half during a
former war as midshipman in the same watch. He was persuaded,
whenever the country should be engaged in another war, Captain
Keats would eminently distinguish himself.
The motion was agreed to, _nemine dissentiente_; as were
likewise two other motions, made of course in applause of the
men serving in the fleet of Sir James Saumarez, and to request
that gallant Admiral to communicate the sense the House
entertained of the other officers, seamen, and marines.
In the House of Commons Mr. Pitt said he would make a motion in which
he was sure he was anticipated by the expectations of the House and of
the public: it was for the thanks of the House to Rear-admiral Sir
James Saumarez. On the merits of the gallant Admiral, and those who
served under him, there could, he was sure, be no difference of
opinion. He was equally sure that there was no difference of opinion
respecting the merit of Sir James Saumarez in the attack which he made
upon the French squadron in Algeziras Bay a few days previously to the
signal advantage which he obtained over the combined squadrons of
France and Spain, and for which he would now, he trusted, receive the
thanks of the House. It was impossible for him, in making this motion,
not to advert to the attack, in which the zeal and ability of the
commander, and the spirit and intrepidity of the officers who served
under him, were so eminently displayed. That attack failed; but the
failure was owing, as Sir James Saumarez stated, to the failure of the
wind and a sudden calm which came on. It was the misfortune of the
gallant Admiral on that day to lose one of the ships under his
command; but the officers and crew of that ship defended her until
they had lost half their numbers. Sir James Saumarez was not
disheartened, as must always be the case with men of true courage and
vigour. He waited for an opportunity to make amends for his failure;
that opportunity offered; and he availed himself in a manner worthy of
him who had been the companion of, and sharer in the glory of, Lords
St. Vincent and Nelson on the 14th of February and in the Bay of
Aboukir. These events were still so fresh in the memory of every man
that it would be unnecessary for him to enlarge on them. He should
therefore conclude with moving
That the thanks of the House be given to Rear-admiral Sir James
Saumarez, Bart. and Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the
Bath, for his alacrity and zeal in pursuing, and for his able
and gallant conduct in the successful attack on, the combined
squadrons of the enemy in the Straits of Gibraltar on the 12th
and 13th days of July last, by the squadron under his command.
In like manner the thanks of the House were voted to the
captains, officers, seamen, and marines, _nemine
contradicente_; as also that the Rear-admiral should
communicate the same, and that the Speaker do send the
resolutions to Sir James Saumarez.
The thanks of the House of Lords were conveyed to Sir James in the
following letter from the Lord Chancellor, dated 30th October 1801:
SIR,
I have the honour to obey the commands of the House of Lords in
transmitting the enclosed resolutions.
In communicating these resolutions, whilst I obey their
lordships' orders, I cannot but feel most highly gratified by
the opportunity which the discharge of this duty affords me of
expressing to a person to whom the country is so deeply
indebted the personal interest and veneration with which I have
the honour to be, &c.
ELDON, C.
To which Sir James returned the following answer:
Caesar, Gibraltar, 6th January 1802.
MY LORD,
I yesterday had the honour of your lordship's letter,
transmitting to me the resolutions of the House of Lords on the
victory obtained by the squadron under my orders, on the 12th
and 13th of July last, at the entrance of the Straits of
Gibraltar.
Having on four occasions been honoured with the thanks of their
lordships when commander of a line-of-battle ship in different
general actions, this very high mark of distinction cannot but
be more particularly gratifying to my feelings when entrusted
with the command of his Majesty's squadron; and I am at a loss
to express the deep sense I entertain of so flattering an
instance of their lordships' approbation.
I shall have great satisfaction in conveying to the captains,
officers, and men under my orders the vote of the august House,
expressive of the sense their lordships are pleased to
entertain of their general conduct.
In returning my most particular thanks for the very polite and
obliging manner in which your lordship has been pleased to
signify the resolutions of the House of Lords, I beg to assure
you of the profound respect and veneration with which I have
the honour to be, &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
To the Right Honourable Lord Eldon, &c. &c. &c.
From the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir James at the same time
received the following letter:
Palace-yard, 31st October 1801.
SIR,
In obedience to the commands of the House of Commons, I have
the honour of transmitting their vote of thanks for your
alacrity and zeal in pursuing, and able and gallant conduct in
the successful attack on, the combined squadron of the enemy in
the Straits of Gibraltar, on the 12th and 13th days of July
last, by the squadron under your orders; and also their thanks
to the captains and officers of that squadron, and their
acknowledgment and approbation of the services of the seamen
and marines.
I feel the highest personal satisfaction in transmitting these
resolutions to an officer who has on so many occasions done
distinguished honour to his country, and to a service in which
the nation feels the most important and anxious concern, and in
the character of which I must individually be much interested.
I have the honour to be,
With the highest respect and esteem,
Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN MITFORD, Speaker.
Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c.
The next flattering compliment which Sir James received was of a more
substantial nature, and not less honourable, being the thanks of the
lord mayor, aldermen, and commons of London with the freedom of the
city, &c. accompanied by a sword, value one hundred guineas. The
resolutions were conveyed to Sir James in the following letter from
Sir John Eamer, then lord mayor:
Mansion House, 2nd December 1801.
SIR,
I feel a peculiar satisfaction in having the honour of
transmitting to you the unanimous thanks of the lord mayor,
aldermen, and commons of the city of London, in common council
assembled, for the very important services you have rendered
your country, as expressed in their resolutions; agreeable to
which I have the honour to request you will have the goodness
to communicate to the officers, seamen, and marines under your
command the unanimous thanks of this court for their bravery
and uncommon exertions displayed in those memorable
engagements.
On your return, sir, to this country, I shall be proud in
having the opportunity of presenting you with the sword so
deservedly voted to you, with the freedom of this great city,
in which we shall have the honour of having your name enrolled
amongst us; and I trust you will permit me to nominate you as a
brother-liveryman in the worshipful company of salters, of
which I have the honour to be a member.
I have the honour to be,
With the highest esteem and respect,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN EAMER, Mayor.
To Sir James Saumarez, Bart. &c. &c. &c.
A Common Council holden in the chamber of the Guildhall of the
city of London, on Friday the 27th day of November 1801;
John Eamer, Esq. Lord Mayor.
Resolved, unanimously, that the thanks of this court be given
to Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. Knight of the Most
Honourable Order of the Bath, for the very important and
splendid victories obtained by the squadron under his command
over a Spanish and French fleet of superior force, on the 6th,
off Algeziras, and on the 13th July last, off Cape Trafalgar.
Resolved, unanimously, that the freedom of this city, with a
sword of the value of one hundred guineas, be presented to
Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. Knight of the Most
Honourable Order of the Bath, as a testimony of the opinion
this court entertain of the eminent services rendered by him to
his country.
Resolved, unanimously, that the thanks of this court be given
to the several captains, officers, seamen, and marines, for
their brave exertions on the days of the above celebrated
victories.
Resolved, unanimously, that the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor
be requested to transmit the above resolutions to Sir James
Saumarez, and to request him to communicate the same to the
officers, seamen, and marines of his squadron.
Resolved, unanimously, that the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor
be requested to provide the sword on this occasion.
Signed, by order of the Court,
EDWD. BOXLEY.
His Majesty's ship Caesar, Gibraltar Bay, 6th January 1802.
MY LORD,
I have received the letter your lordship has done me the honour
to write to me, transmitting the unanimous thanks of the lord
mayor, aldermen, and commons of the city of London, in common
council assembled, for the successful attacks made by the
squadron under my orders upon the superior forces of the enemy,
on the 6th and 12th of July last, off Algeziras, and at the
entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar.
I beg leave to return my most grateful acknowledgments for so
flattering a mark of distinction; more particularly for the
high honour conferred upon me in the freedom of the city of
London, and permitting my name to be enrolled with its loyal
and brave citizens.
I also beg to offer my sincere thanks for the present of a
sword, which I shall ever consider it my greatest pride to
have been found deserving of; and I trust to use it with every
success in the service of my King and country on any future
opportunity requiring its being unsheathed. I shall not fail to
communicate to the captains, officers, and men under my orders
the resolutions you have been pleased to enclose to me; and I
beg to express how truly gratifying it is to me to have the
honour of being nominated a brother liveryman in the worshipful
company of salters, of which your lordship is a member.
I have the honour to be,
With sentiments of the most respectful regard and esteem,
Your lordship's most obedient
and most humble servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
To Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, &c. &c. &c.
The inhabitants of the channel islands, justly proud of their heroic
countryman, were not behind in acknowledging the high sense they
entertained of his services. The following is a copy of the resolution
of the States of the island of Jersey:
Aux Etats de l'ile de Jersey.
L'an Mil huit cent un, le vingt-deuxieme jour d'Aout, les
Etats, a leur premiere tenue depuis la nouvelle de la victoire
qu'a remportee l'Amiral Sir James Saumarez sur la flotte
combinee de la France et de l'Espagne, dans les Passages de
Gibraltar, ont un devoir de manifester la joie et la
satisfaction que leur inspire cet heureux evenement. Les divers
exploits qui ont signale les armes de sa Majeste ont toujours
excite la plus vive allegresse dans le coeur des habitans de
cette ile. Mais ce qui releve infiniment a leurs yeux le prix
de cette derniere victoire est la consideration qu'elle est
due a un natif de l'ile de Guernesey, a laquelle ce pays se
sent etroitement attache par les liens d'une commune origine,
de la proximite, de l'amitie. Cette assemblee n'a pu manquer de
remarquer les actions eclatantes qui ont distingue la carriere
navale de Sir James Saumarez dans sa qualite de capitaine. Elle
voit enfin que, parvenu au premier rang, il a su y briller d'un
nouveau lustre, et s'y acquerir de nouveaux droits a la
reconnaissance de la patrie. On a surtout admire l'etonnante
celerite avec laquelle cet amiral a repare les damages de son
escadre apres la sanglante journee d'Algeziras; l'intrepidite
avec laquelle il a ose poursuivre une flotte doublement
superieure par le nombre, la grandeur, et l'equipement parfait
des vaisseaux; la promptitude avec laquelle il a saisi le
moment favorable de l'attaque dans l'obscurite d'une nuit
orageuse; et finalement le succes decisif qui a couronne ces
nobles efforts. Considerant tout ce qu'a d'honorable pour l'ile
de Guernesey d'avoir mis au jour un de ces grands hommes qui
ont illustre leur nation en la defendant, et dont la Providence
s'est servie pour reprimer l'insatiable ambition de l'ennemi,
les Etats ont unanimement resolu d'offrir dans cette occasion
aux habitans de la dite ile leurs sinceres et cordiales
felicitations; et, afin de leur faire connaitre la part que
prend cette assemblee a cet evenement memorable, le greffier
est charge de transmettre le present acte a Robert P. Le
Marchant, ecuyer, bailli de Guernesey, pour qu'il veuille bien
le communiquer a ses compatriotes de la maniere la plus
convenable.
JEAN DE VEULLE, Greff.
The address of the loyal inhabitants of the Channel islands was
followed by a liberal subscription for the wounded, and the widows and
orphans of those who fell in the actions. Large sums were also
subscribed for the same purpose in Great Britain; while the island of
Guernsey presented Sir James with a very handsome silver vase, being
the second time the high sense entertained of his services had been
thus expressed. The inscription on the first vase, which has not been
before given, is as follows:
_Presented to Sir James Saumarez, Knt._
of his Majesty's frigate the Crescent,
by the subscribers to the fund for encouraging
the capture of French privateers, in testimony
of their sense of his gallant conduct in the
action of the 20th October last with La Reunion,
French frigate, of considerable force, and the
protection thereby afforded to the
commerce of Great Britain.
London, 14th Nov. 1799.
On the second vase the following inscription:
The
Inhabitants
of _Guernsey_
to their gallant countryman,
Rear-admiral
_Sir James Saumarez, Bart. and K.B._
whose suavity of manner and private virtues have long
engaged their esteem and affection,
and whose brilliant achievements have not only immortalized
his name, but will for ever reflect lustre on his native isle,
and add to the glory of the British empire.
June 1802.