Chapter XV · (continued 2)
Reading edition
English Fleet.
Ships' Names. Guns. Men. Killed. Wounded. Total.
Fortitude 74 620 20 67 87
Bienfaisant 64 500 6 21 27
Berwick 74 600 18 58 76
Princess Amelia 74 620 19 56 75
Preston 50 300 10 40 50
Buffalo 50 450 20 64 84
— —— ——
93 306 399
Dutch Fleet.
Ships' Names. Guns. Commanders. Killed. Wounded.
Admiral General 74 Com. J.S. Kinsbergen 7 41
Admiral de Ruyter 68 Rear-admiral Zoutman 48 90
Hollandia 64 Capt. Dedel 25 45
Erfprins 54 " J.S. van Braak 23 42
Batavier 54 " J.W. Bentinck 18 49
Admiral Piet Hein 54 " W. van Braam 9 58
Argo 54 " E.C. Staringh 11 87
Medenblik 54 " D.G. Rynveld No returns.
—— ——
141 412
141
——
553
——
From the most authentic accounts, however, the Dutch were known to have lost 1,100 men, although their published report was for only half that number.
APPENDIX C.
DUTCH ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION OFF DOGGER BANK.
"Sunday, August 5th, 1781, at break of day, between the hours of three and four in the morning, we saw a great number of strange ships to the N.N.W. of us; we got everything ready for an engagement: the wind was N.E. and our course was N.W. We made the signal to form the line of battle at a cable's length distance from each other as we advanced. The Ajax cutter, Captain Count Welderen, came up in the mean time to make a report that the fleet he saw was a convoy of the enemy, which had sailed on the 26th through the Sound, escorted by eleven English men-of-war and four cutters. At seven o'clock the ships-of-war hoisted their English colours, among which was a Vice-admiral's flag, and bore down upon us, their convoy remaining to windward. I made the signal to tack, and we came up thus in order of battle, and took our station to the E.S.E., and ordered our merchantmen to the westward. We saw that the eight English men-of-war that bore down upon us in a line, were sixty, seventy-four, ninety, and one of forty guns. At eight the English Vice-admiral being abreast to windward of me, they turned with us, and the action began. At that instant the fire was very brisk on both sides, and the whole line was engaged. I was constantly and very briskly cannonaded by two large ships. The engagement lasted till half-past eleven, and was very bloody. Our ships, mine included, were greatly disabled, and received so much damage that they could not be worked any longer. The English Admiral must have equally suffered, for he wore to the eastward. At noon we took down the signal to engage, and bore away to the westward to repair our ships as much as possible, all being extremely crippled by the constant fire of so long an engagement. We perceived also that the English Vice-admiral tacked about half-past twelve with his ships, and stood to the N.W., where he remained floating to repair also their damage. Among their ships we saw also a three-decker, whose main topmast fell by the board.
"We found ourselves at noon in fifty-five degrees, fifty-six minutes N. and consequently the point of Ternaus in Norway, N.N.E. 1/3 N. thirty leagues from us. All the ships-of-war were become unserviceable: we made the signal for the convoy to run it, with the frigates the Medenblik and Venus, and put themselves according to circumstances out of danger, to avoid being taken, or falling into the hands of the enemy.
"In bearing away the Batavier, whose mizen-yard was turned upside down, and who had lost her mizen topmasts, she almost fell on her side: one of her officers cried out to us her captain was wounded, and the ship so disabled she was no longer manageable. I sent two frigates to assist and take her in tow; but before they could come up with the Batavier, she drove before the wind, and came up to us.
"Captain Kinsbergen sent a boat with Captain Abreson and Captain Staring to report their situation, and that they were much crippled. I told them that as soon as we should be a little refitted and able to manage the ships, I would make the signal to return to port. Captain Dedel made the signal of being greatly damaged; Captain Van Braam that he was much embarrassed. I made the signal for the Zephyr frigate to come alongside. She reported having spoken to Captain Van Braam, and that his ship had some shots under water; I sent her off immediately to give all possible assistance to Captains Van Braam and Dedel.
"In the mean time Captain Dedel fired guns of distress, and steered his course southward towards the coast of Holland. I made the signal for Captain Van Weenzel to come to speak to me, and I despatched him to assist Captain Dedel, with orders to stay with him and to seek a port. Between four and five p.m. I made signal to sail, upon which all the ships near us repeated the signal to Captain Kinsbergen, and bore away as well as they could with what they could make use of. I came near to Captain Van Braam, who cried out to me that he had several shots under water; that his ship made much water, but was now much diminished by the help of the pumps. In the evening we saw all the ships under sail with us.
"The Admiral de Ruyter has many killed and wounded, and is, as well as the ships in general, damaged in their hull, masts, and rigging; but I hope, with the help of God, we shall be able to gain a port of the republic.
"I send this despatch by Count de Welderen, who can in person make a more ample report to your Serene Highness.
"I have the honour to commend myself to the gracious protection of your Serene Highness; and to subscribe myself with respect,
"Your Serene Highness's "Most humble and obedient servant,
"J.A. Zoutman."
"Dated on board the Admiral de Ruyter, 7th August 1781, Kykduyn, bearing south eighteen miles from us.
"N.B. All the officers and men on board the ships displayed a constant courage, fought like lions, as well as my own people, all of whom, I am extremely well satisfied with, from all the information I have received at present."
APPENDIX D.
LETTER WRITTEN BY H.S.H. THE STADTHOLDER, ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS.
"Noble, respectable, virtuous, well-beloved, and trusty subjects!—We have learnt with the highest satisfaction that the squadron of the State under Rear-admiral Zoutman, although much inferior in ships, guns, and men, to the English squadron of Vice-admiral Parker, did, on the 5th instant, so valiantly resist its attack, that the English fleet, after an obstinate engagement, which lasted from eight in the morning till half an hour past eleven, was obliged to cease firing and retire. The heroic courage with which Rear-admiral Zoutman, the captains, officers, and subalterns, common sailors, and soldiers, concerned in the action, and who, through the blessing of Almighty God, so well discharged their duty during the engagement, merits our particular approbation and praise; therefore we have thought proper, by this present, to write, to thank publicly, in our name, the said rear-admiral, captains, officers, subalterns, sailors, and soldiers, by causing it to be read on board every ship which partook in the action, and whose captains and crews fought with such valour; and that an authentic copy of it be delivered by the secretary of the fleet to the State, as well as to the said Rear-admiral Zoutman, as the commander of the ships under his orders with whose conduct the said admiral has reason to be satisfied; further testifying that we doubt not that they, and all the officers of the state, sailors and soldiers, will, on every occasion that may offer, give proofs that the State wants not defenders of their dear country and its liberty; and that the ancient heroic valour of the Batavians still exists, and will never be extinct.
"Wherefore, noble, respectable, virtuous, and well-beloved subjects, we recommend you to the Divine protection.
"Your affectionate friend,
"G. Pr. d'Orange."
APPENDIX E.
BY RICHD. KEMPENFELT, REAR-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE.
"You are with the utmost despatch to proceed with his Majesty's ship under your command to Barbadoes, and if any ships-of-war are there, you are to deliver to the senior officer one of those letters addressed to the commander of any of his Majesty's ships, acquainting him that you have one to the same purpose to the commander-in-chief, following such directions as he may think proper to give you.
"If none of his Majesty's ships should be at Barbadoes, you are then to inform yourself where the commander-in-chief is, and proceed with all diligence in quest of him.
"You are carefully to avoid coming near any vessel you may see on your passage.
"You are to communicate to all King's ships you meet with, or others of our nation, as also to all governors of islands you may touch at, the intelligence you are charged with, in order to its being as speedily and generally dispersed as possible.
"Richd. Kempenfelt.
"Dated on board his Majesty's ship Victory, at sea, 15th December 1781.
"To Capt. Saumarez, H.M.S. Tisiphone."
(circular letter.)
"Sir,—Having fallen in on the 12th instant (Ashurst bearing N. sixty-one degrees E. distance fifty-three leagues) with a squadron of the enemy's ships-of-war with about two hundred transports, having on board 12,000 troops, 10,000 of which, the prisoners I have taken inform me are designed for the West Indies, with such ships of the line as are marked in the enclosed list, I have therefore thought it expedient to despatch this intelligence to you. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
"R. Kempenfelt."
"To the senior Officer," &c.
List of ships of the line with the French convoy (agreeing with Admiralty intelligence).
Guns.
La Bretagne 110 Capt. Mons. Le Comte de Guichen.
L'Invincible 110
Le Majestueux 110 " Mons. Le Comte de Rochoin.
Le Royal Louis 112 " Mons. de Bausset.
Le Terrible 110
La Couronne 84 " Mons. de la Mothe Piquet.
Go as far as Madeira, then to Cadiz.
Le Triomphant 84 Capt. Le Marquis de Vaudreuil.
Le Pégase 74
Le Magnifique 74
L'Actif 74
Le Dauphin Royal 70
Le Bien-Aimé 74
Le Zodiaque 74
Le Brave 64.
Le Robuste 74
To separate off Madeira with convoy for the West Indies.
Le Fendant 74
L'Argonaute 64
Le Hardi L'Alexandre } Jamaica fleet.
Bound to the East Indies with 3,000 troops.
Le Lion 64
L'Indien 64
To go to Cadiz with de Guichen.
APPENDIX F.
ADMIRAL RODNEY'S LETTER.
"On the 5th of April I received intelligence that the enemy were embarking their troops on board the ships-of-war, and concluded that they intended to sail in a few days. Captain Byron of the Andromache, an active and diligent officer, watched their motions with such attention, that on the 8th inst. at day-light he made out the enemy's signal of coming out and standing to N.W. I instantly made the signal to weigh, and having looked into the Bays of Fort Royal and St. Pierre, I made signal for a general chase, and before day-light came up with the enemy under Dominique, where both fleets were becalmed, and continued so for some time. The enemy first got the wind, and stood towards Guadaloupe.
"My van division, under that gallant officer Sir Samuel Hood, received it next, and stood after them. At nine the enemy began to cannonade my van, which was returned with the greatest briskness. The baffling winds did not permit part of the centre division to get into action with the enemy's rear till half-past eleven; and then only the ship next me in line of battle, &c. The enemy's cannonade ceased upon my rear's approach, but not before they had done considerable damage to the ships in the van, and disabled the Royal Oak and Montague, &c.
"The night of the 9th inst. the fleet lay-to to repair their damages. The 10th they continued to turn to windward under a very easy sail, the enemy continuing to do the same; and always had it in their power to come into action, which they cautiously avoided, and rendered it impossible for me to force them in the situation they were in, between the Saints and the island of Dominique.
"On the 11th, the enemy having gained considerably to the windward, and the wind blowing a fresh steady gale, I made the signal for a general chase to windward, which continued the whole day; and towards sunset one of the enemy's ships, damaged in the late action, falling to leeward, the Count de Grasse bore down with his whole fleet to her protection, which brought him so near that I flattered myself he would give me an opportunity of engaging him next day. With that view I threw out the signal for the form of sailing, and stood with the whole fleet to the southward till two in the morning, then tacked, and had the happiness, at day-light, to find my most sanguine desire was near being accomplished, by my having it in my power to force the enemy to battle."
Note from Lord Rodney's narrative contained in a private letter.
"The 10th of April and the 11th were employed in endeavouring to bring the enemy to battle, and on the 11th, late in the afternoon, the enemy bore down to protect two of their own ships, who were in danger of being cut off. This brought them to the position the Admiral wished; he instantly issued orders to sail during the night in the order of sailing; to put out all lights; to stand to the southward till two in the morning, and then the whole fleet to tack without signal. This deceived the enemy, who had no conception that the British fleet should be so near them at day-light: we instantly formed the line of battle on our starboard tack, the enemy formed theirs on the larboard tack, and had made the signal to wear; but the nearness of the British squadron prevented its being put into execution; and the British fleet taking the lee gage, the Admiral made the signal to engage and close."
List of the French fleet commanded by the Comte de Grasse in order of battle 9th and 12th April, 1782.
white and blue squadron.
First Division Flag, half White half Blue at the Fore.
Ships. Guns.
Le Souverain 74 Le Commandeur de Glandive.
L'Hercule 74 " La Clochetterie.
L'Auguste 80 " Bougainville.
Le Northumberland 74 " De St. Cézaire.
Second Division, half White half Blue at the Main.
Le Zélé[21] 74 Chev. Gras. Preville.
Le Duc de Bourgogne 80 Commandeur Espinose.
Le Conquérant 74 " De la Grandière.
Le Marseillois 74 " Lombard.
Third Division, half White half Blue at the Mizen.
L'Hector[22] 74 Com. La Vicomté.
Le César[22] 74 " Marigny.
Le Magnanime 74 " Comte le Besgue.
Le Diadème 74
white squadron.
Fourth Division, White at the Fore.
Le Glorieux[22] 74 Com. Comte d'Escar.
L'Eveillé[22] 64 " Rilly.
Le Sceptre 74 " Comte de Vaudreuil.
Fifth Division, White at the Main.
Le Languedoc 80 Com. d'Arros.
La Ville de Paris 100 { Le Comte de Grasse Com. La Villeon.
La Couronne[23] 80 " Comte de Mithon.
Sixth Division, White at the Mizen.
Le Réfléchi 64 Com. Chev. de Boades.
Le S. Esprit 80 " Marquis de Chabert.
Le Scipion 74 " Grimouard.
Le Palmier 74 " Martelli.
blue squadron.
Seventh Division, Blue at the Fore.
Le Jason[24] 64 Com. Chev. de Villages.
Le Destin 74 " Goimpy.
Le Citoyen 74 " Comte d'Ethy.
Le Dauphin Royal[23] 74 " Montpéroux.
Eighth Division, Blue at the Main.
L'Ardent[22] 64 Com. Gourillon.
Le Triomphant[23] 80 " Marquis de Vaudreuil.
Le Neptune 74 " De Touches.
Le Bien-Aimé[23] 74
Ninth Division, Blue at the Mizen.
Le Caton[23] 64 Com. Comte de Fremond.
Le Brave[23] 74 " Marquis d'Amblimont.
La Bourgogne 74 " Champmartin.
Le Pluton 74 " D'Albert de Rions.
Frigates attached to each Squadron.
white and blue squadron.
L'Experiment 50 Com. De Langle.
La Sagittaire 50 " La Villebrune.
La Résolue 32 " La Pérouse.
La Hypocrite 32
Le Cornwallis 20
La Concorde 36 " Launay Tromlin.
L'Engageante 36 " La Taille.
white squadron.
Le Richmond 32
La Médée 36 Com. Marquis de Kerquiron.
L'Iris 32
Le Clairvoyant 20 " " Le Grass Simeront.
La Galathée 36
blue squadron.
La Friponne 36
L'Astrée[24] 36
La Cérès[24] 16
L'Amazone 36
Le Fier and Le Minotaure armé en flute.
Total, thirty-four sail of the line, two of fifty guns, thirteen frigates, seven armed brigs, two fire-ships, and one cutter.
The Ville de Paris had 1,300 men on board at the commencement of the action on the 9th.
List of Swedish Officers on board the French Fleet on the 12th April 1782.
Le Conquérant Lieutenant Blessing.
Le Magnifique Montell.
Le Destin Toll.
Le Glorieux Baron Rebinder.
Le Sceptre Baron Cederström.
La Couronne Baron Palmquist.
La Ville de Paris Rosenstein.
Le Languedoc Wergus.
L'Auguste Hohenhausen.
Le Northumberland { Nauckhoff. Tornquist.
Le Palmier Lieutenant Brunmark.
Le Souverain Baron Rayalin.
Le Hercules Zachan.
L'Astrée (frigate) Schults and Deborabur.
Memorandum of the author made at Carlscrona in 1808.
Captain Tornquist said, that after the Russell gave the Northumberland her first broadside, the helm was put up, and a great number of the crew ran from their quarters; the Couronne bore up also at the same time, and left the Ville de Paris, which had exchanged broadsides with several ships, but was never closely engaged but by the Russell. He says that the Barfleur did not fire a shot at the Ville de Paris.
Squadron sent under command of Rear-admiral Kempenfelt, to intercept the French West India convoy, which had sailed from Brest, under M. de Guichen, December 1781.
Names. Guns. Commanders.
Victory 100 { Kempenfelt, R.A. of the Red, Captain Cromwell.
Britannia 100 Capt. James Bradby.
Queen 98 " Hon. F. Maitland.
Duke 98 " Sir Walter Stirling.
Ocean 90 " George Ourry.
Namur 90 " John Dalrymple.
Edgar 74 { John Elliot, commodore. Captain Thomas Boston.
Alexander 74 Capt. Lord Longford.
Couragueux 74 " Honourable Charles Phipps.
Valiant 74 " Samuel C. Goodall.
Agamemnon 64 " Benjamin Caldwell.
Medway 60 " Henry Harmood.
Renown 50 " John Henry.
Arethusa 38 " Sir Richard Pearson.
Monsieur 36 " Honourable W.C. Finch.
La Prudente 36 " Honourable Wm. Waldegrave.
Tartar 28 " Robert M. Sutton.
Tisiphone fire-ship " James Saumarez.
French fleet under M. de Guichen, when it fell in with Admiral Kempenfelt, on the 12th of December 1781.
Names. Guns. Commanders.
La Bretagne 110 Com. Le Comte de Guichen.
Le Majestueux 110 Le Comte de Rocheaut.
Le Royal Louis 110 " M. de Beausset.
L'Invincible 110
Le Terrible 110
La Couronne 84 " Mons de la Motte Piquet.
Le Triomphant[22] 84 " Mons. de Vaudreuil.
Le Pégase 74
Le Magnifique 74
L'Actif 74
Le Dauphin Royal 74
Le Bien-Aimé 74
Le Zodiaque 74
Le Robuste 74
Le Fendent 74
Le Brave[22] 74
L'Argonaute 64
Le Lion 64
L'Indien 64
L'Alexandre armée en flute.
Le Hardi do. do.
A List of the British Fleet in the action of the 9th and 12th April 1782, commanded by Sir George Bridges Rodney, Bart. K.B.
Red Division.
Ships. Guns. Men. Commanders. Killed. Wound.
Royal Oak[25] 74 600 Capt. T. Burnet 8 30
Alfred 74 600 " W. Bayne 12 40
Montague 74 600 " G. Bowen 12 31
Yarmouth[25] 64 500 " A. Parry 14 33
Valiant[26] 74 650 " S.C. Goodall 10 28
Barfleur 98 767 { Sir S. Hood, Rear-adm. of the Blue Capt. John Knight } 10 37
Monarch 74 600 " F. Reynolds 16 33
Warrior[22] 74 600 " Sir J. Wallace 5 21
Bellequeux 64 500 " A. Sutherland 4 10
Centaur 74 600 " I.H. Inglefield
Magnificent[25] 74 600 " Robert Linzee 6 11
Prince William 64 500 " A. Wilkinson 0 0
Bedford 74 617 { E. Affleck, Esq. Com. Capt. Thomas Graves } 0 16
Ajax 74 550 " N. Charrington 9 40
Repulse[25] 64 500 " T. Dumaresq 3 11
White Division.
Canada 74 600 Capt. Hon. W. Cornwallis 12 23
St. Albans 64 500 " C. Inglis 0 6
Namur 90 750 " R. Fanshawe 6 25
Formidable[25] 98 780 { Sir G.B. Rodney, Bart. Admiral of the White. 1 Capt. Sir Charles Douglas, Bart. 2 Capt. J. Symonds. Lord Cranstoun, Volun. } 15 39
Duke 98 750 Capt. A. Gardner 13 60
Agamemnon 64 500 " B. Caldwell 14 24
Resolution 74 600 " Lord R. Manners 4 35
Prothée[25] 64 500 " C. Buckner 5 25
Hercules[25] 74 600 " H. Savage 7 19
America 64 500 " S. Thompson 1 1
Blue Division.
Russell 74 600 Capt. James Saumarez 10 29
Prudent 64 500 " A. Barclay (not in action)
Fame[26] 74 600 " R. Barber 3 12
Anson[26] 64 500 " W. Blair 3 13
Torbay 74 600 " Lewis Gideon 10 25
Prince George 98 750 " W. Williams 9 24
Princessa 70 577 { F.S. Francis Drake, Esq. Rear-adm. of the Blue Capt. C. Knatchbull. } 3 22
Conqueror[26] 74 600 " G. Balfour 7 23
Nonsuch 64 500 " W. Truscott 3 3
Alcade 74 600 " C. Thompson
Arrogant[26] 74 600 " S. Cornish 0 0
Marlborough[26] 74 600 " Tay. Penny 3 16
frigates attached to each division.
Red Division.
Ships. Guns. Commanders.
Lizard[27] 28
Le Nymphe[27] 36 Capt. J. Ford.
Champion (repeat signals) 24 " A. Hood.
Alecto, fire-ship " W. Fisher.
White Division.
Convert 32 Capt. H. Hervey.
Endymion 44 " E.T. Smith.
Alarm 32 " C. Cotton.
Andromache 32 " J.A. Byron.
Flora (to repeat signals) 36 " S. Marshall.
Alert, brig 14
Sibyl 28 " Rodney.
Pegasus[27] 28 " S. Stanhope.
Salamander, F.S.[27]
Fortune[27] 38 " H.C. Christian.
Zebra[27] 14 " J. Boucher.
Blue Division.
Germain[27] 14
Blast, F.S.[27]
Eurydice (to repeat) 24 " G. Wilson.
Santa Maria[27] 32 " J. Linzee.
List of officers killed and wounded on the 9th and 12th April 1782.
Royal Oak Mr. Gwatkin, 1st lieutenant, killed; Captain of the marines wounded.
Alfred Captain Bayne killed on the 9th.
Montague Mr. William Code, master, killed; Lieutenants Briedan and Buchan, R.M., wounded.
Valiant Mr. R. Wimbleton, 2nd lieutenant, killed; Mr. W. Brown, 5th lieutenant, Mr. Backhouse, master, wounded.
Warrior Mr. Stone, master, wounded.
Magnificent Captain Bagg, of marines, wounded.
Ajax Mr. John Elliot, 1st lieutenant, and Mr. Thomas Rositer, pilot, wounded.
Repulse Captain of marines and master wounded.
Formidable Lieutenant Hall killed; Captain Bell and Lieutenant Harris of marines wounded.
Duke Lieutenant Cornish, Mr. Cooper, master, Mr. Scott, boatswain, wounded.
Agamemnon Lieutenants Incledon and Brice wounded, the latter since dead.
Prothée Thomas Love, master, wounded.
Hercules Lieutenant Hobart killed; Captain Savage wounded.
America Lieutenant Colbonhill killed; Lieutenant Trelawney wounded.
Anson Captain Blair killed.
Torbay Lieutenant Monier, of marines, killed.
Princessa Lieutenants Dundas, McDonald, and Laban, of marines, wounded.
Centaur No return.
Alcide No return.
extract from the log of the russell.
Russell, 12th April 1782, off Dominica, E.S.E. 4 or 5 leagues.
Wind, East by North.
Friday 12th, fresh breezes and fine weather. At five p.m. the Admiral made the signal to close in the order of sailing. At six, the America's signal to go ahead and carry a light during the night. At half-past seven saw the flashes and heard the report of several guns to windward, supposed to be from the French fleet. At half-past one a.m. the Admiral made the signal to tack. At sunrise saw the French fleet to the northward about three leagues. At half-past five the Admiral made the signal to form a line ahead, and for the blue division to lead. At six, the Conqueror's signal was made to chase to the N.W. At half-past six the Admiral made the signal for the line to form N.N.E. and S.S.W, two cables' length asunder, and for the third in command to lead; the French fleet to windward forming the line ahead, standing to the southward. At seven the Admiral made the signal for all cruisers to come in and to close the line one cable's length asunder. At thirty-eight minutes past seven the Admiral made our signal for being out of our station; forty minutes past, the signal for the fleet to close in a line of battle; forty-three minutes past, repeated it; our fleet in a line ahead standing to the southward. At three quarters past seven the enemy began firing on our van. The Admiral made the signal for action—our van began to engage the enemy's van. Fifty minutes past seven we backed the main topsail, and began to engage. Fifty minutes past eight, engaging the enemy very close, backed and filled occasionally; at nine luffed up and backed the main topsail, and raked the enemy's sternmost ships. Having passed all their line, ceased firing, the centre and rear still engaging as they passed the enemy. Our masts, yards, sails, and rigging, very much damaged; the mizen-mast, dangerously wounded, struck the mizen yard, and sent topgallant-masts and yards down upon deck, unbent the mizen topsail, a spritsail, topsail, and a jib for a mizen. At twenty-five minutes past nine saw the Prince George to leeward without a fore-mast. Employed fishing the fore and mizen topsail yards, and fitting the rigging, and shifting powder from forward to aft, and cleared the decks up ready for action. At half-past nine wore to stand for the enemy. At ten the Admiral made the signal for the commander of the third post to tack and gain the wind of the enemy; the signal for engaging flying, and the signal for the line, hauled down. At three minutes past eleven the Admiral made the signal for the van to tack: saw one of the enemy's ships with all her masts and bowsprit shot away; Sir Samuel Hood's division and part of the centre still engaging the enemy's fleet: the rear, having been broke through, bore away.
13th p.m. Body of Dominica E.S.E. 9 or 10 leagues, Wind, Noon, E.S.E.
The van and centre, engaging at forty minutes past seven, wore to the southward. The topsail-yard being fished, set the fore topsail standing for the enemy's fleet; people employed repairing the rigging. At half-past one the Admiral made the Alert's signal to come within hail. At twenty minutes past two he made the Royal Oak's signal to take the French ship in tow that was dismasted, part of the fleet still engaging. The Admiral made the Bedford's signal to get into her station. One of the French ships struck to the van. Coming up with the enemy's fleet, beat to quarters. Forty minutes past three we began to engage some of the enemy's ships to leeward on contrary tacks. At ten minutes past four, having passed them, ceased firing and hauled up the courses; wore ship ahead of the Formidable two of the enemy's ships struck their colours. At half-past four the Admiral made the Conqueror's signal to make more sail. At a quarter past five he made the signal to close in line of battle; set the foresail. At six bore down, and ran under the Ville de Paris' stern, raked her, then hauled up after her; at twenty minutes past six saw her strike her colours. At seven p.m. the Admiral made the night-signal for the fleet to bring-to on the starboard tack; shortened sail, hauled our wind, and backed the main topsail, some of the fleet engaging to leeward. During the action we had ten men killed and twenty-nine wounded; the French fleet going away with all sail set to the N.W. At half-past eleven, saw a ship on fire blow up.
On the 4th of March, at half-past three, the Russell struck on a rock and damaged her rudder and stern frame; at eight weighed and run further out. On the 5th, at four, made the signal for assistance, and went to the Carenage. On the 6th, warped in and unhung her rudder, sent it on shore, and found that all the lower pentles were broken off. 11th, came out of the Carenage; fifteen men deserted; in coming out, she again struck on a rock. Before the action, she received twenty-three men from the Shrewsbury.
Signed on the 23rd September 1782, by
James Saumarez.
Lord Rodney's Victory.—Canada's Log, 12th April 1782.
April 12th, at daylight, six, moderate and cloudy. Quarter past seven the Admiral made the signal to call in all cruisers. At twenty-five past seven he made the signal for the line of battle ahead a cable's length asunder. The enemy formed a line of battle ahead on the larboard tack, standing to the south, and we formed the line of battle ahead on the starboard tack, and stood to the northward. At eight the Admiral made the Russell's signal to get into her station; at five past eight, he made the signal to close. At fifty past seven, the van of our fleet began to engage, as did all the other ships as they came abreast of enemy. There was a great interval in the enemy's line; our fleet cut through to windward about twelve ships of them. At twenty past eight the enemy's ships, as they passed, began firing at us; at twenty-five past eight we began to engage. At twenty past nine one of the enemy's ship's main and mizen-masts went over the stern just as she got abreast of our quarter, and soon after our fore-mast and bowsprit went also. At twenty-five past nine, having passed the enemy's fleet, some of whom went to leeward of us, the Admiral made the signal to tack. At thirty-eight past ten he hoisted signal for the commander of the third post to make more sail; observed the Duke's main topmast go over the side. At fifty past ten, observed the Prince George with her fore topmast gone. We ceased firing, as did most of the ships on both sides, except Sir S. Hood and some of the squadron who were to windward, who exchanged a good many shots with the enemy, as he bore down. At eleven, observed that the Admiral had hauled down the signal for the line; at five past eleven the Admiral made the signal to tack; wore at three quarters past eleven. We fired several shots at the enemy, to try the distance, but finding they did not reach, ceased firing. At fifty past eleven the Admiral made the Conqueror's signal to tack, and made and shortened sail occasionally. Wind, E. p.m. E.S.E. 13th (at noon) p.m., moderate and clear, inclinable to calm. At five p.m. the Admiral made the Endymion's signal to stay by a disabled ship in the N.W. At ten p.m. one of our ships ahead fired a good many shots at a frigate, which had a disabled ship of the enemy in tow; and soon after the frigate cast her off. We fired several shots, at times, to try the distance. At twenty-three, p.m. the Admiral made the signal that the van were at too great a distance from the centre; the ships astern exchanged a good many shots with the enemy as they came up with them. At fifty p.m. the Admiral made the Alcides and Marlborough signal to make more sail; at fifty-three, p.m. to engage close; fired several shots, at times, to try the distance. At a quarter past one, two of our ships to windward exchanged a good many shots with the enemy. At half-past one the Admiral made our signal to close; twenty-five past one, we began to engage; at fifty past one the Admiral made the signal to the Monarch to get into her station. At twelve past two he made the Alert signal to come within hail; half-past two he made the Royal Oak's signal to take the ship in tow that had struck her colours. At twenty-two past two the Admiral made the Resolution signal to tack, and we discontinued engaging. At twenty-three past two some of our ships upon our larboard beam began firing, as did the rest of the ships as they came up with the enemy. At three quarters past three the Admiral made the Repulse and Alcides signal to bear down. At four the Admiral made the signal to veer; at seven past four the Admiral made the Torbay signal to veer; at twenty past four a French line-of-battle ship struck to us after engaging her eighteen minutes. At a quarter past four the Admiral made the Repulse and Resolution signals to make more sail; at three quarters past, Sir S. Hood steering after some enemy's ships to the N.W. About this time the firing ceased on both sides. At fifty past four the Admiral made the signal for the first ships to bear down. At five we began to engage; at a quarter past five our ships engaging as they came up; at fifty-five past five observed another French line-of-battle ship had struck her colours. At five past six the Admiral made the signal to the Princess and Bedford to get into their stations. At thirty-five past six observed that the Ville de Paris had struck her colours. At forty past six discontinued the engagement. At seven beat the retreat. At nine, saw a ship on fire, and another soon after blow up, all without the main topsail. Wind, E.S.E.
(A true copy.) J. Ross.
Although in the above logs, and in several others which we have examined at the depôt, by permission from the Lords of the Admiralty, it does appear that the Canada was engaged with the Ville de Paris, yet we have no doubt of the fact, having the testimonies of Sir L. Halsted and Admiral Giffard, who were in the Canada on the 12th of April, extracts of whose letters we subjoin, which also prove that the Canada was not the ship that was engaging the Ville de Paris when the Barfleur came up, and when the French Admiral struck his colours. Sir Lawrence Halsted, in his letter to us, after giving a brief account of the capture of the Hector, and of the Canada's previous and subsequent attack on the Ville de Paris, relates, that the Canada, on seeing some ships bearing down on the Ville de Paris, of which, he believes, one was the Russell, "bore up in pursuit of a French Rear-admiral in the Triomphant 84;" and he concludes, "I trust that that part in Lord de Saumarez' letter is satisfactorily answered, as it is quite clear that the Canada was not near the Ville de Paris at the time she surrendered." Admiral Giffard, in answer to our application, says,
"I am of opinion the Canada was engaged with the Ville de Paris earlier in the day than the Russell."
Extract of a letter from Capt. G.W.H. Knight, R.N., son of the late Admiral Sir John Knight, K.C.B., who was captain of the Barfleur on the 12th April, 1782.
"I have never been able to lay my hand on my father's letter, wherein he gave me some account of the 12th of April 1782, but this I recollect quite well, that he said, 'he accompanied Sir Samuel (afterwards Lord Hood) on board Lord Rodney's ship the day before the battle of the 9th of April, (my father being captain of the Barfleur, Sir Samuel's flag ship,) and on that occasion not one word was said, or order given, for any attempt to break through the enemy's line in the expected engagement, nor was any order afterwards given previous to the 12th of April. That on the 9th, the van squadron, commanded by Sir S. Hood, which was most engaged, made no attempt to break the line, nor did the van or centre (the line being inverted) on the 12th make any such attempt; and my father attributed the Formidable, and those that followed her, getting through, to the circumstance of a change of wind, which brought those ships up with the rest of the rear of the British fleet, while it broke off the ships in the French line, and consequently left openings.' He further said, 'that from the density of the smoke they could see nothing, and that the first intimation they had (the Barfleur) of passing through the enemy's line was, from receiving fire on both sides.' He gave another reason for supposing it was altogether accidental, which was, that no attempt was made or order given by signal to double on the enemy, and that the advantage gained by passing through the line was never made use of when my father took possession of the Ville de Paris, and received Count de Grasse's sword, and afterward conveyed him to his Admiral; no remark was made upon any circumstance having taken place different from the usual practice. These are the heads of what I recollect."
APPENDIX G.
List of the English squadron, commanded by Vice-admiral Sir J. Saumarez, off Port Baltic, 1st September 1803.
Capt. B. Martin, 1 Capt.
Ships. Guns. Captains.
Victory 100 { Dumaresq. Sir S. Hood.
Centaur 74 Webley.
Implacable 74 Pipon.
Goliath 74 Puget.
Mars 74 Lukin.
Africa 64 Barrett.
Salsette 32 Bathurst.
Ariel 18 T. White.
Rose 18 T. Mansell.
Cruiser 18 McKenzie.
Erebus 18
Baltic 10
Thunder Bomb.
List of the Swedish fleet, commanded by Rear-admiral Nauckhoff.
Ships. Guns.
Gustaf IV. Adolf 78
Adolf Frederick 74
Manligheten 74
Dristigheten 74
Tapperheten 74
Forsigtigheten 74
Gustaf den Tredje 74
Fäderneslandet 74
Uladesloff 74
Frederick Adolf 64
Bellona 40
Camilla 40
Euridice 40
Yarramus 32
Wänta Litet 18
Komma Straxt 18
Russian Fleet.
Ships. Guns. Commanders.
Blagadod. 110 Admiral Henikoff.
Angel Gabriel 100 Rear-admiral Müller.
Ships. Guns.
Amgallen 74
Boreas 74
Eagle 74
Michael 74
North Star 74
Sewolod (taken) 74
Argus, Hero, and Rapid 50
APPENDIX H.
List of the French Fleet opposed to the English, 23rd June 1795.
Ships. Guns.
Le Peuple 120
Le Nestor 80
Le Redoubtable 80
Le Mucius 80
Le Tigre (taken) 80
Le Fougueux 80
Le Zélé 74
Le Formidable (taken) 74
Le Jean Bart 74
Les droits de l'homme 74
L'Alexandre (taken) 74
Name unknown 74
Le Brave, rasé 56
Le Scævola, rasé 56
Frigates.
La Virgine 44
La Fidelle 44
L'Insurgente 44
La Fortitude 44
La Régénéré 44
La Naute 44
La Fraternité 44
La Proserpine 36
La Cocade 36
La Dryade 36
Le Renard 36
Corvettes.
La Constance 22
La Talente 18
La Senseure 22
Le Papillon 18
List of the Fleet under the command of Admiral Lord Bridport, June 23rd 1795, with the number of killed and wounded.
Ships. Guns. Killed. Wound.
Royal George 110 { Lord Bridport, Admiral of the White. Captain Domett. } — 7
Queen Charlotte 110 Capt. Sir A.S. Douglas 4 32
London. 98 " E. Griffiths — 3
Queen. 98 { Sir A Gardner, Bt. Vice Admiral of the White: Captain Wm. Bedford }
Prince of Wales. 98 Capt. J. Bazely.
Prince George. 98 " W. Edge.
Barfleur 98 " J. Richard Dawes.
Prince 98 " C.P. Hamilton
Sans Pareil 80 { Lord Hugh Seymour, Rear Adm. of the Blue. Capt. H. Browell } 10
Orion 74 Capt. Sir James Saumarez. 6 18
Valiant. 74 " Jos. Larcom (acting).
Killed. Wounded.
Orion 6 18
Irresistible 3 11
Queen Charlotte 4 32
Sans Pareil 10 2
Colossus 6 30
Russell 3 10
London 0 3
Royal George 0 7
— —
Total 31 113
The above statement shows the total numerical loss sustained by each of the ships that were so fortunate as to get into action.
APPENDIX I.
Orion, St Helen's Roads, 30th December 1796.
My Lord,
I have had it in contemplation for some time past, to lay before your Lordships the enclosed plan for the establishment of a Marine Artillery for the service of the Navy, but was prevented from doing it by the late prospect of a peace; at present, as the haughtiness of our enemies seems to have removed that desirable object to a distant period, and as a further augmentation to our forces may in consequence take place, it may not appear unseasonable.
If it has the good fortune to meet with your Lordship's approbation, I shall think myself amply recompensed for the time I have bestowed upon it.
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient And very humble servant,
James Saumarez.
a plan for forming a corps of artillery for his majesty's naval service.
"In consequence of the present great increase of the royal navy, it becomes from time to time necessary to augment proportionably that very useful body of men, the Marines,—but that very respectable corps would be rendered of far greater importance to the service, were they trained up and exercised in the management of the great guns; for which purpose it is humbly submitted, that a division be established at either Woolwich or Deptford, to be composed of drafts from the divisions of Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham, in order to be instructed in the exercise and use of artillery; and thereby become expert gunners when ordered to be embarked on board His Majesty's ships; their numbers to consist of one man to every four guns in each line-of-battle ship, which would compose about one third of their present complement. In addition to which, two companies should be quartered at the other three divisions, to complete such vacancies as occasionally would occur on board the fleet.
"The great utility of this corps must appear obvious when it is considered that the only person supposed to be qualified and experienced in gunnery on board His Majesty's ships, is the gunner, who, too often ignorant of his own duty, is totally unable to instruct others. In the quarter bills of most ships, it is well known that a very small proportion of the marines are reserved for musketry, the greater part being in general divided on the different batteries. With what advantage would they not go to their quarters, after having been well practised and exercised as artillery-men; and how soon would not the rest of the ship's company become also expert gunners in emulating their example.
"These men would also be found particularly useful on expeditions abroad, in landing or making a descent on the enemy's coast, when a well-served artillery is often of the greatest importance.
"The officers might be appointed from the other divisions, and should consist of those who, from their age and services, were incapable of being engaged in actual duty;—they would here find a comfortable asylum during life, and end their days in the service of their country.
"The expenses incurred by this establishment would be inconsiderable; and no doubt can be entertained of its proving a lasting advantage to His Majesty's service, and adding strength to the great bulwark of this country,—the Royal Navy.
"James Saumarez, Orion."
"The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c."
"Admiralty, 2nd January 1797.
"Dear Sir,
"I hazard a line in the uncertainty whether you may not have sailed before this reaches Portsmouth, to thank you for your paper on the establishment of a Corps of Artillery for the naval service. The idea is one which I have often heard discussed, and in many points of view a very good one; but I fear that there would be so many difficulties in point of official arrangements to overcome in carrying it into execution, that no very sanguine hopes can be entertained of its succeeding.
"It is, however, a subject well worthy of attention, and which, at a less pressing moment, it may perhaps be worth while to renew.
"I am, "Dear sir, "With great regard, "Your very obedient, humble servant,
"Spencer."
"To Sir James Saumarez."
APPENDIX K.
"Madrid, 10th March 1797.
"The following account of the action with the British squadron, on the 14th day of February last, has been received by D. Juan de Langara, in a letter addressed to his Excellency by D. Joseph de Cordova, commander-in-chief of the Squadron, dated del Oceano, the 2nd of March, at the entrance of Cadiz Bay.
"From the instant of my proceeding to sea, after securing the gun-boat at Algeziras, I had the winds E.N.E. to S.E. that drove me to the latitude of Cape St. Vincent; however, on the morning of the 14th, it changing to the west, I steered to the E.S.E., and formed in three separate columns, in the order of sailing with convoy. Several vessels from the left, at nine o'clock in the morning, observing a strange sail, I ordered the Principe de Asturias to chase; shortly after, the St. Firmin and the Pearl frigate discovered the number to increase to eight sail, and although the foggy weather prevented their being seen from the Trinidad, I forced the whole squadron to a press of sail; but counting already at ten o'clock from fifteen to eighteen of the enemy's ships, besides several frigates, I ordered our squadron to form immediately the line of battle, in the best manner possible, on the larboard tack, to maintain the weather gage. In tacking, the ships Principe, Conde-de-Regla, and Oriente, fell so much to leeward, that they were unable to join in the line without the risk of being cut off by the enemy, that now, but at a short distance and under a press of sail, met us in the most regular order: in consequence, I ordered these vessels to tack that they might fall in the rear of the line, which, although done by the two first, could not be effected by the Oriente, and she ran to leeward of the enemy.
"At a quarter before eleven, from the position of the squadron, the enemy's headmost ship commenced the action with the nearest situated to her ahead of the Trinidad, running along the whole of our rear, and successively bearing up before the wind. The Trinidad happened to be the last of our line, and consequently the centre and van remained out of the action.
"The rear of the enemy sailed but slowly, and for this reason, as well as to benefit by some means the fire from our van, I made a signal at half-past eleven for all the ships ahead to tack, in order to come round the enemy and attack their rear. My ordering this manœuvre appeared the most opportune for many weighty reasons; but, misunderstood by the ships to which it was directed, I now looked upon the loss of the Principe, Regla, and the whole of our rear, as unavoidable. The favourable moment for this movement being lost, I made a signal for the whole squadron to bear up at the same time, with a view to contract our distance with the enemy, and to bring into action several other ships in our centre and van. At the time of bearing up, the Trinidad was ahead in close action with the enemy, within musket-shot, and having been engaged by the whole English line, was very much damaged.
"So soon as their headmost ship had passed athwart our stern, she tacked, followed by five or six others passing our line to windward; the remaining ten ships, that were before on our larboard side, then bore up at the same time, and passed through our line in different positions, and consequently remained on the other tack fighting us in great order, with a heavy and well-directed fire: this manœuvre decided the action in their favour. I did not fail to guard against this from the commencement, and anticipated it by ordering the ships ahead to tack and gain the enemy's rear to leeward; and if the commanders of the Principe, Regla, Oriente, and Firmin had availed themselves of the opportunity to join six or eight ships of the van, they would have placed the enemy between two fires, and terminated the action in a very different manner.
"Although the Principe and Regla were not able to fall into the rear of our line, they notwithstanding did their utmost from their situation, engaging the enemy at the time of passing our line, till they had obtained the weather gage. The attack of the enemy was now principally on the Trinidad, which, from the crippled situation of her mast and rigging, fell to leeward. By word of mouth, and by signals, the Salvador, San Josef, Soberano, and San Nicholas were ordered to shorten sail, and to form in our rear, which they executed with celerity, maintaining a severe action. The van continually remaining to windward, at two I made them a signal to shorten sail, and bear down for a general attack.
"The Mexicano formed upon our bow about three in the afternoon, and engaged the foremost ship of the enemy's line; they now for the remainder of the day fixed their whole attention against the San Josef, Mexicano, San Nicholas, and San Yisidro, which were the only ships that bore the principal and hottest part of the action against the whole enemy's squadron.
"In this situation it would have been highly expedient that our centre and van should have come to our support, but it was out of my power to intimate to them the necessity of this movement, the ships being in want of masts, rigging, and every necessary for making signals. I cannot refrain from giving due praise to the valour of the above-mentioned ships formed at my stern, and expressing the gallant manner in which they behaved during the engagement: but at length, being dismasted and destroyed, some struck, and others left the action. The Trinidad was attacked the whole afternoon by a three-decker, and three ships of 74 guns, that raked her fore and aft at pistol-shot; and notwithstanding her having upwards of two hundred men killed and wounded, she still continued the action for a full hour longer. Such was the dreadful situation of the Trinidad at six o'clock, after an uninterrupted engagement, when the San Pablo and Pelayo, that in the morning had been detached by my orders, and crowded every sail from the moment of observing the action, now reached the squadron.
"The reinforcement of these two ships happened at the opportune junction of the Conde-de-Regla; the Principe arrived shortly after, and the enemy, observing our van standing towards them, immediately retired together, covering the captured ships San Josef, Salvador, San Yisidro, and San Nicholas.
"No one will be surprised at the ultimate consequences of the action, when the series of misfortunes and unforeseen events from the moment of our seeing the enemy is considered; and further, that when cruising, they should sail in a readier condition to form the line of battle than could be performed by our squadron, in the order of sailing with convoy, with the wind on our quarter. For the above reason, scarcely were they discovered, than they formed in regular order of battle, and so near as to oblige my forming the line hastily, without attention to posts, or the consequences that might result from this bad position of the ships and commanders; to which must be added, that the Pelayo and San Pablo were ahead by order,—that the Firmin and Oriente remained to leeward of both lines,—that notwithstanding the exertions made by the Principe, Regla, and Firmin, they did not enter into the line till the afternoon, the latter wanting a foretop-mast. So that of all the ships of my squadron, only seventeen formed in the line of battle, the St. Domingo included in the number, loaded with quicksilver, and of very inconsiderable force. Of the seventeen above mentioned, some were in action only at intervals, and many did not fire a gun; resulting from the circumstance of the enemy's line being entirely engaged against six Spanish ships, and their defence is the more praiseworthy, as they were all in want of men. The Trinidad remaining entirely dismasted, without the power of making signals with flags or lights, I desired Lieutenant General D. Juan Joachim Moreno to reestablish the line of battle close on the larboard tack, and gave orders that jury-masts should be fixed on the Trinidad and the Moredes frigate, to protect her to Cadiz, profiting by the wind and the situation of the enemy at night-fall.
"I embarked in consequence, with my Major General and Adjutants, on board the Diana frigate, and ordered several frigates along the line, that they should observe the order given, and repair the damages with all haste in order to return again to action. The squadron remained the whole night on the larboard tack, with the wind at W. to W.N.W. till six o'clock a.m. of the 15th, when I formed on the other tack, close hauled to the wind.
"My next attention was to inquire by signal the situation of the ships for action,—and it proved that the Concepcion, Mexicano, and Soberano were not in a state to renew the action; and that the Regla, Oriente, San Pablo, Pelayo, and San Antonio could enter into action, without my being able to gain any information regarding the others. Nevertheless I continued my course towards the enemy, that to the number of twenty ships had been seen since eight o'clock at S.S.W. My opinion as to the state of the ships of the squadron remaining still indecisive, in the afternoon I desired to know if it was advisable to attack the enemy; the ships Concepcion, Mexicano, San Pablo, Soberano, San Domingo, San Ildefonso, Nepomuceno, Atlante, and Firmin replied in the negative; the Gloriose, Pablo, Regla, and Firmin, that it was advisable to delay the attack; and only the Principe, Conquistador, and Pelayo, positively asserted that the attach was advisable. From the diversity of opinion, and considering the reply of each commander as an indication of the true state of his respective ship, I did not think it proper to force a press of sail towards the enemy, having likewise been informed that the Mexicano, San Domingo, and Soberano were considerably damaged, and the Atlante in want of men, which was general in every ship.
"At three o'clock in the afternoon the enemy was still to the E.S.E. I directed our course S.E. and varied it at five, to S.E. 74 S. to double Cape St. Vincent; and that every exertion should be made by day and night to repair the ships that were not very considerably damaged, I ordered the line at half-past eleven to close on the starboard tack. On the 16th some of the enemy's cruisers were seen to the S.E. 74 S. which route I followed at seven o'clock in the evening, with light winds at S.W. with hopes to see them again the next day, supposing their destination for Gibraltar. But at ten o'clock in the morning the Concepcion made a signal that the enemy were at anchor on the left side of the coast, and informed me she had seen four large ships in Lagos Bay. Believing that all the enemy's squadron might be likewise there, I ordered the line to form close on the starboard tack, and then despatched the Brigida frigate to reconnoitre; she returned, acquainting me that she had counted the whole force of the enemy at anchor in the bay.
"The squadron remained, close in-shore the whole afternoon, and part of the night, when the wind changing to S.E. I left it under an easy sail.
"No regular account has been received of the killed and wounded, not having obtained the respective returns from the commanders at the time of writing: but it was known that in the Conde-de-Regla a cannon ball at the commencement of the action killed the Xefe de Esquadra, Conde d'Amblemont, and the splinters wounded the commander, Brigadier D. Geronime Bravo, and H.D. Cadlos Sellery.
Soberano Killed, Captain de Fragata D. Francisco Luis, Lieutenant Bernardino Antillon, and another officer, name unknown.
Mexicano Mortally wounded, and died on the 4th day, her Commander, Brigadier D. Fernando Herravay Crurat.
Trinidad Killed, second Lieutenant D. Herculas Guchi, and a Midshipman; wounded, Captain of Fragata, D. Franco Alvarez, two Lieutenants de Fragata, the Master, and an inferior officer."
"By advices from Brigadier D. Pebra Poneda, late Commander of the San Josef, the following account is likewise received relating to the captured ships:—
San Josef Killed, second Lieutenant D. Miguel de Doblas.— Mortally wounded, Xefe de Esquadra, D. Francisco Wenthysen, who lost both legs ten minutes after the action commenced, and died the same night; the Master D. Santiago Campomar. Slightly wounded, two second Lieutenants, and 152 seamen killed and wounded.
Salvador Killed, the Commander, Brigadier Antonio de Tepes, two Lieutenants, and two other officers. Wounded, Captain de Fragata D. Manoel Rinz, and an inferior officer; 200 seamen killed and wounded.
San Nicholas (boarded by one of the enemy's ships that engaged her.) Killed, the Commander, Brigadier D. Tomas Geraldino, two second Lieutenants, one Midshipman. Wounded, three Lieutenants of Infantry; 120 seamen killed and wounded.
San Yisidro Killed, one Lieutenant and an inferior officer. Wounded, the Commander D. Teadoro Argunato; his second, D. Telepe Tournelle, two Lieutenants, and two second Lieutenants; mortally, one first Lieutenant; 104 seamen killed and wounded.
APPENDIX L.
london gazette extraordinary.
"Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 3rd August 1798.
"My Lord,
"Almighty God has blessed his Majesty's arms in the late battle by a great victory over the fleet of the enemy, whom I attacked at sunset on the 1st of August, off the mouth of the Nile. The enemy were moored in a strong line of battle for defending the entrance of the bay of shoals, flanked by numerous gun-boats, four frigates, and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van; but nothing could withstand the squadron your lordship did me the honour to place under my command. Their high state of discipline is well known to you; and with the judgment of the captains, together with their valour, and that of the officers and men of every description, it was absolutely irresistible. Could anything from my pen add to the characters of the captains, I would write it with pleasure, but that is impossible.
"I have to regret the loss of Captain Westcott of the Majestic, who was killed early in the action, but the ship continued to be so well fought by her first lieutenant, Mr. Cuthbert, that I have given him an order to command her till your Lordship's pleasure is known.
"The ships of the enemy, all but their two rear ships, are nearly dismasted, and those two, with two frigates, I am sorry to say, made their escape; nor was it, I assure you, in my power to prevent them. Captain Hood most handsomely endeavoured to do it, but I had no ship in a condition to support the Zealous, and I was obliged to call her in.
"The support and assistance I received from Captain Berry cannot be sufficiently expressed. I was wounded in the head, and obliged to be carried off deck, but the service suffered no loss by that event. Captain Berry was fully equal to the service then going on, and to him I must beg to refer you for every information relative to this victory.
"He will present you with the flag of the second in command. That of the commander-in-chief being in the L'Orient.
"Herewith I transmit you lists of the killed and wounded, and the lines of battle of ourselves and the French.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
"Horatio Nelson."
"To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, Commander-in-chief, &c. &c. &c. off Cadiz."
The Rear-admiral was created Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Burnham Thorpe, in the county of Norfolk. The thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted to him, the officers and crews, in the usual manner. Gold medals were presented to each of the Captains. A pension of 2000l. a year for life was settled on Nelson. The Irish Parliament voted him 1000l.; the East India Company 10,000l.; the city of London a sword, value two hundred guineas, and a sword to each of the Captains; that to Sir E. Berry was accompanied by the freedom of the city in a gold box. But Sir James Saumarez received no distinguished honour, as has been usual, for being second in command, although no one ever more highly deserved such a mark of approbation.
LIST OF THE HOSTILE FLEETS OFF THE MOUTH OF THE NILE on the 1st of August, 1798.
British Commanded by Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. Rear-admiral of the Blue.
Abbrevations used in the table below: O = Officers S = Seamen M = Marines
Killed Wounded
No. Ships' Names. Captains First Lieuts. Remarks Guns Men O S M O S M Total
1 Culloden T. Troubridge Chas. Bullen not in action 74 584 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Theseus. R.W. Miller. R. Hawkins. – – 74 584 0 5 0 1 24 5 35
3 Alexander A.J. Ball John Yule – – 74 584 1 13 0 5 48 5 72
4 Vanguard { R.A. Sir H. Nelson. E. Berry } Edw. Galwey starboard squadron 74 589 3 20 7 7 60 8 105
5 Minotaur Thos. Louis C. M. Schomberg – – 74 643 2 18 3 4 54 6 87
6 Swiftsure B. Hallowell J.L. Waters – – 74 584 0 7 0 1 19 2 29
7 Audacious Davidge Gould Thos. White – – 74 584 0 1 0 2 31 2 36
8 Leander T.B. Thompson W. Richardson where most efficient 50 338 0 0 0 0 14 0 14
9 Defence John Peyton Richard Jones – – 74 584 0 3 1 0 9 2 15
10 Zealous Samuel Hood W.H. Webley – – 74 584 0 1 0 0 7 0 8
11 Orion Sir J. Saumarez J. Barker – – 74 584 1 11 1 5 18 6 42
12 Goliath Thomas Foley G. Jardine – – 74 584 2 12 7 4 28 9 62
13 Majestic G.B. Wescott R. Cuthbert – – 74 584 3 38 14 3 124 16 193
14 Bellerophon H.D.E. Darby R. Cathcart – – 74 584 4 32 13 5 126 17 197
Mutine brig. T.M. Hardy – – assisting the Culloden 14 70 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1066 8064 16 161 46 37 562 78 895
Emerald. Terpsichore. Alcmene. T.M. Waller. W.H. Gage W. Brown } not in the action.
French, commanded by Admiral Gantheaume.
No. Ships' Names. Captains. Guns. Men. Remarks.
1 Le Guerrier. J.F.T. Trullet (sen.) 74 700 Taken and burnt by the British.
2 Le Conquérant. E. Dalbarde. 74 700 Taken.
3 Le Spartiate. M.J. Emerine. 74 700 Ditto.
4 L'Aquilon. H. Alex. Thevenard. 74 700 Taken and called the Aboukir; Captain killed.
5 Le Peuple Souverain. P.P. Racoora. 74 700 Taken and called Le Guerrier.
6 Le Franklin. Blanquet (Rear-admiral) 90 800 Taken and called the Canopus.
7 { L'Orient (formerly) Le Sans Culottes. { Brueys (Admiral) Gantheaume (R.A.) Casa Bianca, Captain. } 120 1010 { Blown up: the Admiral and the whole crew, excepting seventy men, perished.
8 Le Tonnant. Du Petit Thouars. 80 800 Taken; her Captain killed.
9 L'Heureux. J.P. Etienne. 74 700 Taken and burnt by the British.
10 Le Timoléon. Trulet (jun.) 74 700 Driven on shore, and burnt by her own people.
11 Le Mercure. Cambon (acting). 74 700 Taken and burnt by the British.
12 Le Guillaume Tell. { Villeneuve, (R.A.) Captain Sinclair. } 80 800 { Escaped; taken in 1800 by Foudroyant, Lion, and Penelope.
13 Généreux. Le Joille. 74 700 { Escaped; taken in 1800 by the squadron under Lord Nelson, off Malta.
La Sérieuse. Clavele Jean Martin. 36 250 Sunk by a broadside from the Orion; crew saved.
L'Artémise. Pierre Jean Standelet. 36 250 { Struck her colours, and burnt by her crew, who escaped in their boats.
La Diane. R.A. Decrès, Capt. Soleil 48 300 Escaped, but taken in 1801 off Malta.
La Justice. — Villeneuve. 44 300 Escaped, but taken in 1801 at Alexandria.
Besides bombs, brigs, gun-boats, and batteries.
—— ——
Total. { French British 1200 10810 1066 8064
—— ——
134 2764
Thus it appears that the French were superior by more than a fourth to the British, and certainly still more in weight of metal; and when the size of the shot is taken comparatively into consideration, and that a French eighty is equal to a British ninety-eight, the superiority in the broadsides would be even greater.
APPENDIX M.
Letter sent by Captain —— Gage.
"Orion, off Pantalaria, 27th Sept. 1798.
"My Dear Admiral,
"Captain Gage has this instant joined and communicated to me his orders to proceed off Malta for intelligence; my letter, of yesterday's date, with which I have charged him, so fully answers the purport of his mission with respect to that island and the Colossus, with the store ships and victuallers, that I have directed him to return to join you at Naples with all possible despatch. I shall send the Minotaur and Audacious the moment we are clear of the west end of Sicily.
"The proposals to the French Garrison were first written by me, but it being thought advisable to send them in the French language, they underwent some alteration in the translation; but upon the whole, I hope they will be approved of. I laid a great stress with the Marquis, before I left him, of the practicability of the William Tell escaping, and wished much I could have left two of our ships off the island to watch her and the two frigates more closely. There exists no doubt of the Genereux being lost. I am all anxiety to hear from you to know that you approve of my different movements; at all risk, you will do me the favour to let me hear from you either at the Flat, or in England.
"James Saumarez."
"To Sir Horatio Nelson, &c. Bay of Naples."
APPENDIX N.
The Portuguese squadron consisted of the Principe Réal, Rainha de Portugal, San Sebastian, and Alphonso Albuquerque, of 74 guns, under the Marquis of Niza, a Rear-admiral, Captain Puysigur; Captains Stone, Michell, and Campbell (English officers), commanded the other three; to which were added, the Lion, 64, Captain Manley Dixon; the Incendiary, fire-ship, George Barker (English); and the Portuguese brig Falcao, Captain Duncan. Sir James having fallen in with them off Malta, it fell calm, when a deputation from the principal inhabitants of the island waited on them to request a supply of arms and ammunition, and having informed the Commodore that the French garrison at Valetta were subjected to great distress, and that there was reason to believe that the appearance of the combined squadron would induce the French to surrender, if summoned, accordingly, on the 25th of September 1798, with the concurrence of the Marquis of Niza, a flag of truce was sent in, with the following formal summons.
"Une division de l'armée de sa Majesté Britannique dans la Mediterranée, commandée par le Contre-Amiral Sir Horatio Nelson, étant arrivée devant Malte sous les ordres de Sir James Saumarez, et reunie à l'escadre de sa Majesté Très-fidelle, commandée par le Contre-Amiral le Marquis de Niza; dans le dessein de rétablir les habitans de l'isle de Malte et dépendances dans la libre jouissance de leurs isles, sommons conjointement la garnison Françoise de la ville et ports de Malte de nous remettre la ville et les ports et dépendances, ainsi que les vaisseaux, frégates, et batimens de quelques especes qu'ils soyent et qui peuvent s'y trouver, à fin que les habitans de l'isle de Malte puissent se mettre en possession de leurs villes et ports, et rentrer dans leurs droits de propriétés. En consequence, le Contre-Amiral Marquis de Niza, au nom de sa Majesté Très-fidelle la Reine de Portugal, et Sir James Saumarez, au nom de sa Majesté Brittanique le Roy d'Angleterre, s'engagent et promettent de laisser à la garnison Françoise la liberté de retourner en France sur les batimens qui leur seront procurés à cet effet, de les convoyer et escorter; sous la condition que cette même garnison ne servira pas dans cette guerre contre les deux puissances dénommées et leurs alliés, jusqu'au moment où elle seroit regulièrement changée contre les sujets des deux puissances denommées ou de leurs alliés. La garnison Françoise maintenant enfermée dans les murs de la ville de la Cité Valete doit mûrement refléchir aux conséquences funestes qu'entraineroit pour elle un refus à cette sommation, puisqu'il la laisseroit à la merci des traitemens que peut inspirer au peuple de l'isle de Malte la haine et l'animosité que leur a fait naître les mauvais traitemens qu'ils ont éprouvés des François; et la garnison, après avoir éprouvée les horreurs de la famine, seroit forcée de s'en remettre à la discrétion d'un peuple qui ne montrera que les sentimens de sa vengeance. La garnison Françoise doit savoir que les escadres ne cesseront de bloquer l'isle de Malte; qu'une autre est devant Alexandrie, employée à aider les forces navales et de terre du Grand Seigneur à réduire les troupes Françoises que la disette et les maladies ont pu épargner en Egypte; et qu'enfin une autre escadre est devant Toulon, dont il ne peut venir aucun secours.
"A bord du vaisseau le Prince Royal, le 25 de Septembre 1798.
"Signé, Le Chef de Division, Sir James Saumarez." "Le Contre-Amiral, M. de Niza."
"Copie de la Réponse à la Sommation du 25 Septembre.
"Vous avez oublié sans doute que ce sont des François qui sont dans Malte; le sort de ses habitans ne doit pas vous regarder. Quant à votre sommation, les François n'entendent pas ce style.
Vaubois,
"Le Général Commandant en chef des Iles de Malte and de Goza, le 4 Vendémiaire, An 7 de la République une et indivisible."
Sir James having the prizes under his protection, with orders to convey them to Gibraltar, had no alternative but to proceed, leaving the Marquis de Niza and his squadron to blockade the port; but before leaving he supplied the inhabitants with 1500 muskets and a suitable quantity of ammunition, to which seasonable supply the success which attended the Maltese in their subsequent efforts to recover their liberty was mainly attributable.
Translation of Don Mazarredo's Letter.
"My Dear Sir,
"In your letter of yesterday, you were pleased to inform me of the orders which you have received from his Excellency Sir John Jervis, to deliver the officers and prisoners who came from the frigates Ninfa and Helena to the person appointed by me. I name for this purpose Don Juan Deslobbes, lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who will appear before you, sir, with this credential, in order to treat and settle respecting the disembarkation of the said prisoners: he will make the proper report and give a receipt for them on board. I assure you, sir, that the said officers, or men, shall not serve in war until they shall be legally allowed. Of this, the officers may pledge their word of honour on board, or I will receive it when they appear before me.
"You will imagine, sir, much better than I can express, the sense of gratitude which I feel in hearing of the kind assistance and attention which you show to the brave men who were wounded, and of the good accommodation which the officers and men in general have met with. Together with my gratitude on this account, do me the honour, sir, to receive the real estimation and respect with which I offer myself to your services. God guard you, sir, many years!
"Your respectful obedient servant,
"Jos. de Mazarredo."
"Ship Concepcion, at Cadiz, 29th April 1797."
APPENDIX O.
James, (now the Right Honourable and Reverend Baron de Saumarez,) eldest son of Lord de Saumarez, was born at Guernsey on the 9th October 1789. Being brought up, almost from infancy, under the impression that he was intended for the church, and being naturally of a mild disposition, no idea of any other profession ever entered his mind—a circumstance which has excited general regret and considerable surprise in the naval service; as there can be no doubt that, instead of being at this day rector of a small living, he would have been at the very top of the profession of which his heroic father had been so bright an ornament. Although of the profession which was chosen for him, and in which his family had little interest, he has proved himself an excellent and useful member; still it must be confessed that there is a general feeling of disappointment among the officers of the navy, that the eldest son of their "acknowledged chief" had not embraced that honourable service.
In consequence of his father's frequent absence, and change of station with his ship, it became necessary to send him to a place of instruction at an earlier age than usual, to avoid the danger of his being carried about from port to port,—a circumstance which could not but be felt severely by his mother. He was accordingly placed at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, with the Rev. George Richards, where he remained till the commencement of 1799. It was, however, before he was sent to school, in the year 1793, that the following occurrence took place, which will give the reader some idea of the feelings of such a family, under such circumstances, in time of war. The happiness that the gallant captain felt in visiting his family when obliged to put into port, can only be justly appreciated by the affectionate husband and father who knows the value of such happy moments, snatched as it were from the fatigue of service, and how great and substantial is the relief they afford to the anxiety of a naval life! Lady Saumarez was at this time living at Stonehouse, that she might be at hand to receive her husband when he put into Plymouth; their eldest son was his mother's companion. One evening, tidings were brought to her that the Crescent had arrived and anchored in Cawsand Bay; the boy was playing in the passage with his nurse, awaiting the appearance of his father, when at length the short hasty rap was heard! All ran to the door, and in the hurry of opening it the light was extinguished, and total darkness obscured the objects of his affection; but the eager, parental tone with which the words "Where art thou, my darling boy?" were uttered, left such an impression on the mind and feelings of the son as never to have been forgotten.
Early in 1799, young Saumarez was removed to the Rev. Mr. Morgan's grammar school at Bath. Mr. Morgan had the reputation of being an excellent master to boys of any promise; it may be inferred that he was of this denomination, as his pupil not only left the school with an excellent character, but on his going to Harrow, in the autumn of 1801, he was immediately placed on the fourth form, which had the privilege of being exempt from fagging. We have heard him express the highest gratification at having been there with Lord Byron and Sir Robert Peel, who were in the form above him.
At Harrow he employed his time so well, that he reached the head of the school; having throughout conducted himself to the satisfaction of Dr. Drury, and afterwards of Dr. Butler, who succeeded as head-master, for both of whom he entertained a sincere regard.
In the year 1807 he went to Christ Church, Oxford, where, after three years, he passed his examination for academical honours in a manner which not only gained him great credit, but, we were told, would have ensured him the honours of the first class if he had aimed at obtaining them. In December 1812 he was admitted into deacon's orders by Dr. Bathurst, bishop of Norwich; and in the year following the Bishop of Oxford ordained him priest.
In the interval he did duty as curate of Bicester, and afterwards in the same capacity at Benson; at both which places he so endeared himself to the parishioners, that the late Dr. Barrington, the revered and excellent bishop of Durham, told his father that "he had not left a dry eye in the place." Nor was he less respected and beloved at Ewelme, where he lived after his marriage, than he was at Staverton, in Northamptonshire, to which place he removed, and where he resided several years surrounded by a flock for whom he had the sincerest regard, preferring to labour in his sacred profession as a curate than to remain an idle servant in his Master's vineyard. His health becoming impaired, he was on the point of quitting Staverton, when he was appointed by Lord Eldon to the living of Huggate in Yorkshire.
His gallant father once paid him a visit at Oxford, when he was an under-graduate of Christ Church, on which occasion he called on the celebrated Doctor Jackson, then dean, who manifested great pleasure at seeing Sir James; and on parting, took him by the hand, and, shaking his full-bottomed wig, said, "Mind, Sir James, that you act up to your instructions, and burn, sink, and destroy every Frenchman you meet with."
On the 5th October 1814, the present Lord de Saumarez married Mary, the amiable daughter of the late Vice-admiral Lechmere.
Thomas Le Marchant Saumarez, the second son, was born at Teignmouth, on the 2nd September 1799, and died 2nd November following.
The Honourable Thomas Le Marchant Saumarez, third son, was born at Guernsey, 30th October 1803; he was educated for the army, and was a lieutenant in the seventy-first regiment. He was married, on the 1st October 1829, to Catherine Spencer Beresford, youngest daughter of Colonel Spencer Thomas Vassall, and died 4th July 1834, without issue.
The Honourable John St. Vincent Saumarez, the fourth son, was born at Guernsey on the 30th May 1806; he was named after the illustrious and distinguished Admiral Earl St. Vincent, at a time when his lordship's friend, the heroic father, was named to command the Channel fleet.
He chose the army for his profession, in which he has served in America, and other places, and is now a Captain in the Rifle Brigade. Married on the 2nd July 1838, to Caroline, eldest daughter of William Rhodes, Esq. of Bromhope Hall, and Kirskill in the county of York.
Mary Dobrée Saumarez, the eldest daughter, was born at Bath on the 7th December 1792. This beautiful and accomplished young lady was cut off in the twentieth year of her age, in September 1812, to the inexpressible grief not only of her affectionate and disconsolate parents, but of all who had the happiness to be acquainted with her amiable and excellent qualities.
The Honourable Martha Harriett, second daughter, was born at Bath, and is residing with her now only parent.
Carteret, the third daughter, was born at Bath the 26th November 1796, and died young.
The Honourable Amelia, the fourth daughter, was born at Dartmouth, and was married on the 3rd September 1822, to William Young Herries, Esq. of Spotts, in Kirkcudbrightshire; they have one son (Alexander), who is now ten years of age, and is the only grandchild of the illustrious lord.
FOOTNOTES:
INDEX.
A.
Abercrombie, Sir Ralph, notice of his death, ii. 35.
Aboukir Bay, French fleet discovered in, i. 215.
Addenda, ii.332.
Admiralty, communications of the Lords of, to Sir J. Saumarez respecting the destruction of the French squadron, i.327; determination of, respecting the command of Cadiz and the Mediterranean, ii. 24; opinion of, respecting the address of Sir J. Saumarez to the Emperor of Russia, 128.
Ætna, Mount, description of, i. 205.
Alexander, Emperor of Russia, letter of Sir J. Saumarez to, ii. 118; sends the Russian fleet to England, 287.
Alexandria, remarks on the surrender of, ii. 36.
Algeziras, description of the town of, i. 340; battle of, 342, 348; controversy between different authors respecting, 353, 368; Spanish official account of, 375; French account of, 379; sufferings of the unfortunate men wounded in the battle off, 386; list of the squadrons which sailed from, on the 12th July, 1801, 419.
Allen, Captain William, his instructions to Captain Saumarez, i. 53.
American colonies, breaking out of the war with the, i. 24.
—— Congress, order of, respecting the Captains taken prisoners with the army under Earl Cornwallis, ii. 341.
Amherst, Lord, congratulates Capt. Saumarez, upon his success in capturing the French frigate La Réunion, i. 114.
Anholt, capture of the island of, ii. 146; remarks of Sir J. Saumarez concerning, ib.; attack on, 223; gallant defence of the garrison of, ib.; letters concerning, 225; threatened attack of, by the Danes, prevented, 273.
Anson, Com. proceeds on his intended voyage round the world, ii. 351; remarks respecting, ib.; notice of his voyage, 356, 357; arrives at Macoa, 360; return of his squadron to England, 361.
Appendix, ii. 369.
Asgill, Capt. Sir C. account of, ii. 342.
Atkins, Captain, his death, ii. 263; remarks concerning, 264.
Audacious, copy of the journal of the, i. 370; observations upon, 373.
Augusta, description of the town of, i. 261.
B.
Baird, Mr. death of, i. 221.
Ball, Captain Sir Alexander, directs the negotiation for landing prisoners on parole, i. 225; his conversation with Sir J. Saumarez, respecting the battle of the Nile, 228 n.; his letter to him, 275; account of his flattering reception at Naples, 276; his letter to Sir J. Saumarez, 294.
Baltic fleet, under Sir J. Saumarez, arrives at Gothenburg, ii. 101.
—— Port, see Port Baltic.
Bathurst, Capt. report of, relative to the position of the Russian fleet, ii. 122; account of his extreme sufferings, 130.
Bayne, Captain, death of, i. 69.
Bedford, Captain, anecdote of his men, ii. 93.
Bernadotte, General, Prince of Ponte Corvo, elected Crown Prince of Sweden, ii. 208; remarks of Admiral Krusenstjerna respecting, 213; his arrival in Sweden, 217; his implicit confidence in Sir J. Saumarez, 249.
Bertie, Rear-admiral A., commands under Sir J. Saumarez in the Baltic fleet, ii.99.
Berry, Captain, sails for England, with Admiral Nelson's despatches, i. 234.
Black rocks, command off the, assumed by Sir J. Saumarez, i. 300; description of, ib. 302.
Blanquet, Admiral, notice of his account of the battle of the Nile, i. 275.
Brenton, Admiral, father of Sir Jahleel Brenton, notice of his death, ii. 60.
—— Capt. afterwards Sir Jahleel, appointed to the Cæsar, i. 321; remarks of Sir J. Saumarez respecting, 325; his account of the battle of Algeziras, 341; extract from his Naval History, 382 n.; orders of Sir J. Saumarez to, 383; professional abilities of, 395; his description of the flag of Sir J. Saumarez being rehoisted in the Cæsar, 403; his account of the battle of the 12th July 1801, ib.; notice of his account of the wrecks of the St. George and Defence, ii. 266; his sketch of the professional character of Lord de Saumarez, 326.
Brest fleet, escape of, i. 290; proceeds to the Mediterranean, 291; observations respecting, 304.
Bridport, Lord, account of his action, i. 151; his opinion of the British squadron, 152; of Capt. Domett, ib.; joins the Channel fleet, 289; takes command of the fleet, 296; list of the fleet under his command, June 23rd, 1795, ii. 398.
Brimstone Hill, surrender of, i. 65.
Brisbane, Capt. John, orders issued by, to the squadron at Rhode Island, i. 38; division of sailors under, 41; returns to England in the Leviathan, 42; narrowly escapes shipwreck, ib.
British heroism, anecdote of, i. 382.
—— fleet, perilous situation of the, i. 65; loss of men in, 81; loss sustained by, in the battle of Algeziras, 363; list of the, under Sir John Jervis, 166; account of the battle with the Spanish Fleet, off Cape St. Vincent, 168; ii. 402; mutiny in, i. 182; proceedings of the, ii. 128, 184; rejoicings in Sweden, upon their triumph over the Russian flotilla, 162; disposition of the, 244; list of the, commanded by Admiral Sir George Rodney, in the actions of the 9th and 12th April 1782, 386; officers killed and wounded in, 389; list of the, under Admiral Nelson, at the battle of the Nile, 411.
—— seamen, perseverance of, i. 367.
—— squadron commanded by Sir J. Saumarez, victory of the, over the French and Spanish squadrons, on the 12th July 1801, i. 419.
Buonaparte, Napoleon, remarks upon his career, i. 277; his extraordinary exertions to invade England, ii. 84; observations of Lord Nelson respecting, 87; remarks on his success in Austria and Prussia, 98; notice of his marriage with the Arch-duchess Maria Louisa, 188; his designs upon Holland, ib.; orders of, respecting the Swedish commerce, 190; declaration of, relating to the navy of England, 223; his position at the commencement of 1812, 272; retreat from Russia, 292.
—— Joseph, declared King of Spain, ii. 188.
Brueys, Vice-admiral de, gallant conduct and death of, i. 225.
Brunswick, William Duke of, his letter to Sir J. Saumarez, ii. 227; Sir James's letter in answer, ib.
Brydone, Mr. notice of his travels through Sicily and Malta, i. 205.
Burrows, Captain, death of, ii. 89.
Byron, Captain, communicates with Admiral Rodney, respecting the enemy's approach, i. 67.
C.
Cadiz, squadron off, i. 178; bombardment of the city of, 189; armament preparing for sea in, 331, 333; squadron off, reinforced, ii. 14; blockade of, resumed by Sir J. Saumarez, 20.
Cæsar, log of, respecting the battle of Algeziras, extract from, i. 360.
Cairo, General O'Hara's notice of the capitulation of, ii. 35.
Canning, Mr. remarks relating to, ii. 117 n.
Carl August, Crown Prince of Sweden, ii. 188; lamentable event at Stockholm in consequence of his death, 189.
Carlscrona, arrival of Sir J. Saumarez at, ii. 107, 125; mortality among the seamen at, 129; orders respecting the fleet of line-of-battle ships fitting out there, 273.
Carlsham, orders of Admiral Puké respecting the defence of, ii. 229.
Casa-Bianca, Commodore, death of, i. 225.
Catania, remarks upon, i. 261.
Cathcart, Earl, nominated Ambassador to the Court of St. Petersburg, ii. 282; sails from England, ib.; letter from Sir J. Saumarez to, 289; his despatches to Sir James, 289.
Caulfield, Captain Thomas Gordon, anecdote of, ii. 73,
Charles XIII. Duke of Sudermania, succeeds Gustavus Adolphus as King of Sweden, ii. 132; elected King by the States, 157; confers on Sir J. Saumarez the grand cross of the order of the sword, 162, 286; his message to the Diet, upon the death of the Crown Prince, 207; his letter to Sir James,286; presents him with a portrait of himself, 318; description of, 319.
Charlestown, notice of its surrender in 1780, ii. 334.
Chatham, Lord, his letter of congratulation to Captain Saumarez, i. 113.
Cherbourg, port of, object of the French government respecting, i. 85.
Clarence, Duke of, visits Guernsey, i. 86; dines with Sir J. Saumarez, 87; his eulogiums on the conduct of Sir James in his actions with the united fleets of France and Spain, ii. 46; ascends the throne of England, 310; raises Sir J. Saumarez to the Peerage, ib.
Clephane, Major-General William Douglas Maclean, his communication with Sir J. Saumarez, on the subject of the evacuation of Minorca, ii. 64; takes his passage to England, on board the Pomone, 67.
Clinton, Lieut.-Gen. sails for South Carolina, to besiege the city of Charlestown, ii. 334.
Cockburn, Capt. chased by two Spanish line-of-battle ships, i. 167.
Collins, Michael, bravery of, i. 382 n.
Connolly, Colonel, statements of, respecting the loss of the Hannibal, at Algeziras, i. 356.
Continental Sovereigns, notice of their visit to London, ii. 304.
Corbett, Thomas, his letter to Capt. P. Saumarez, ii. 362.
Cordova, Don Josef de, commands the Spanish fleet, in the battle off Cape St. Vincent, i. 167; list of his fleet, ib.; his account of the battle, ii. 402.
Cornwallis, Earl, order of the American Congress relative to the Captains taken prisoners with his army, ii. 341.
Crescent, action between the, and La Réunion, i. 101; force of the two frigates, 110.
Croker, J.W. Secretary to the Admiralty, letters of Sir J. Saumarez to, ii. 233, 278, , 295; his letter to Sir James, 294.
Crown, Adm. list of his fleet, ii. 290.
Curtis, Sir R. his arrival off Cadiz, i. 199.
D.
Dalrymple, Capt. narrow escape of, from shipwreck in the Leviathan, i. 42.
Danes, audacity of the, ii. 245.
Danish frigate, account of the capture of the, ii. 275.
—— troops, number of, in the Island of Zealand, ii. 103; account of their attack on Anholt, 223.
Dantzig Bay, diversion made by Adm. Martin in, ii. 283.
Darley, Mr. killed at the attack upon Fort Sullivan, i. 28.
Dashwood, Capt. protects the island of Anholt from the Danes, ii. 273.
Defence (Capt. Atkins), wreck of the, ii. 263.
Dixon, Rear-admiral M. placed under the command of Sir J. Saumarez, in the Baltic fleet, ii. 99.
Dobree, Lieutenant (nephew of Sir J. Saumarez), despatched to England with news of peace with Russia, ii. 282; promoted to the rank of commander, ib.
Dogger Bank, battle off, i. 47; Dutch account of, ii. 374.
Domett, Capt. Lord Bridport's approbation of his conduct, i. 152.
Douglas, Sir Charles, his calculations respecting the French and British fleets, i. 81.
Douvarnenez Bay, description of, i. 305, 307.
Drake, Rear-admiral, commences the engagement of the 12th of April, 1792, i. 71.
Duckworth, Sir John, account of the expedition under, i. 278; application of Lord Gardner respecting, ii. 98.
Dumaresq, Mr. Philip, remarks of Sir J. Saumarez concerning, i. 350; despatched to England with accounts of the victory of the 12th July 1801, 414; his reception at the Admiralty by Earl St. Vincent, ii. 2; promoted to the rank of commander, ib.
Dundas, Hon. Geo. H.L. appointed captain of the St. Antoine, ii. 9.
Du Petit Thouars, Capt. dying commands of, i. 226.
Durham, Capt., his remarks respecting the French fleet, i. 291.
Dutch, declare war against England, i. 46; account of their squadron, 47; commencement of the action, 49; account of 50.
—— fleet, list of the, under Admiral Zoutman in the battle off Dogger Bank, ii. 373.
E.
East Indies, command in the, offered to Sir J. Saumarez, ii. 96.
Eamer, Sir John, his letter to Sir J. Saumarez, ii. 50.
Engerstrom, Baron, remarks respecting, ii. 174, 178.
England, enthusiasm in, upon receiving news of the splendid victory of the 12th July 1801, ii. 1.
English fleet, list of the, under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, in the battle off Dogger Bank, ii. 372; under Admiral Lord Bridport, 23rd June 1795, 398; number of killed and wounded in, ib.
—— squadron, commanded by Sir J. Saumarez off Port Baltic, ii. 396.
Essen, Baron, his interview with Sir J. Saumarez, ii. 293.
Europa, British squadron assembled off, i. 405.
Europe, state of, in 1812, ii. 271.
Exmouth, Lord, see Pellew.
F.
Ferris, Capt. remarks of Sir J. Saumarez upon the bravery of, i. 351; his letter to Sir James, 352; narrative of, at his court-martial, 354; returns to England in the Plymouth lugger, 387.
Fersen, Count, assassination of, at Stockholm, ii. 189.
Finland, exertions of the Swedish army in, ii. 123.
Fleets, junction of the, i. 66.
Foote, Capt. E. perseverance of, i. 168.
Fort Sullivan, attack upon, i. 26.
Foster, Mr. Augustus, appointed British minister, and chargé d'affaires at Sweden, ii. 136; correspondence between, and Sir J. Saumarez, 137, 140; his account of the Russian forces, 144; of the situation of Norway, 151; remarks on the character of the Duke of Sudermania, 152; his correspondence with Sir J. Saumarez, 169 to 185, 192 to 202; his observations respecting the Swedish government, 199.
France, commencement of hostilities with, ii. 72.
French fleet, at anchor off Sandy Hook, i. 40; failure of their plans for the reduction of Rhode Island, 42; equipment of, under Comte de Grasse, 67; loss of men in, 81; take possession of Alexandria and Cairo, 211; position of, in the bay of Aboukir, ib.; situation of, in the battle of the Nile, 218; escape of, at Brest, 290; proceeds to the Mediterranean, 291; remarks respecting, 301; amount of, at Bayonne, 330; discovered at anchor in Algeziras Bay, 342; loss of men in, at the battle of Algeziras, 365; list of the, commanded by Comte de Grasse on the 9th and 12th April 1782, ii. 381; opposed to the English, 23rd June 1795, 397; list of the, under Admiral Gantheaume in the action off the mouth of the Nile, 412.
—— garrison, summoned by Sir J. Saumarez at Malta, i. 262; ii. 414.
—— government, endeavours of the, to form a naval port in the British Channel, i. 85.
Frenchmen, singular custom of, in battle, i. 356 n.
French privateers, account of the capture and destruction of, ii. 284.
—— ships, comparison between, and the British, i. 81.
—— squadron, attacked in the bay of Brehat, i. 120; gallant action of Sir J. Saumarez with, off Guernsey, 131; force of, 132; list of the, which sailed from Algeziras on the 12th July 1801, 419.
Frere, J.H. English ambassador at Lisbon, letter of Sir J. Saumarez to, i. 339.
G.
Gantheaume, Admiral, list of the French fleet under, in the action off the mouth of the Nile, ii. 412.
Gardner, Sir Alan, remarks concerning, i. 293; appointed to command the Channel fleet, ii. 95; applies for Sir John Duckworth to be his second in command, 96.
George III, King of England, visits the squadron under Admiral Parker, on its arrival at the Nore, i. 51; inquiries of, respecting Lieutenant Saumarez, 52; expresses his satisfaction to Sir J. Saumarez with the manœuvres of the squadron under his command, 144; creates Sir James a Baronet of the United Kingdom, 336; commissions General O'Hara, governor at Gibraltar, to invest him with the Order of the Bath, ii. 36; illness of, 223.
—— Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV. appointed Regent, ii. 223.
Gibraltar, arrival of Admiral Nelson's squadron at, i. 271; ball given at, ib.; occurrences at, 401; animating scene upon the arrival of the British squadron at, 411; conduct of the governor and garrison at, ii. 9; joy of the inhabitants of, upon Sir J. Saumarez being created a Knight of the Bath, 36.
Goodall, Samuel Cranston, kindness of, to Mr. de Saumarez, i. 21; visits the Mediterranean, ib.; ordered to return to England, ib.
Gothenburg, arrival of the Baltic fleet at, ii. 101; of Sir John Moore, ib.; of Sir J. Saumarez, 274.
Græme, Capt. returns to England in the Leviathan, i. 42; providential escape of, from shipwreck, ib.; commands the Preston, 46; loses his arm in action with the Dutch, 51.
Graham, Col. (Lord Lynedoch) his successful endeavours to effect the release of Sir John Moore, from his confinement at Stockholm, ii. 103.
Granville, attack and bombardment of, ii. 78; remarks of Sir J. Saumarez respecting the inhabitants of, 82.
Grasse, Comte de, abandons his plan of attacking Barbadoes, and arrives at St. Kitts, i. 58; takes possession of part of that island, ib.; reinforcement of his fleet, 65; equips his fleet to carry into execution the reduction of Jamaica, 67; ability displayed by, 69; his conversation with Captain Saumarez, 81; removed to the flag ship, ib.; sails for England, 82; list of the French fleet commanded by, on the 9th and 12th April 1782, ii. 381.
Grave, William, death of, i. 363.
Great Britain, peace declared between, and Russia, ii. 281.
Grey, Lord, visits Plymouth, ii. 308; his speech upon Sir J. Saumarez proposing his health, 309.
Griffith, Com. Walter, secret order of, to Lieut. Saumarez, i. 34.
Guernsey, important changes in the island of, i. 86; visited by Prince William Henry, (afterwards William IV. King of England,) ib.; inhabitants of, present Sir J. Saumarez with a silver vase in testimony of their sense of his gallant conduct, ii. 55; benevolence of Sir J. Saumarez in, 303; his residence there, ib.; his reception, and rejoicings there, 313.