esirable command; but Fortune did not favour his
little detachment. The convoys, which they had been sent to look out
for and protect, had arrived safely at the respective ports before the
squadron reached their destination, and they continued to cruise in
vain within the prescribed limits of their station, till at length
they were assailed by a tremendous gale from the south-east on the
17th of August, in which the Concorde parted company, the Thames lost
her bowsprit and bore up for England, while the Crescent sprung her
main-yard, and by a sudden shift of wind to the northward carried away
her main-top-mast, and, her orders for returning into port having
expired, she arrived at Spithead after an unsuccessful cruise.

The Crescent had not been in dock since the year 1785, and required
much refitting: Captain Saumarez, therefore, on reporting his arrival
to the Secretary of the Admiralty, sent also a statement of the
ship's defects; in consequence of which, an order was sent for her to
be docked at Portsmouth, and refitted for Channel service, while one
hundred of her crew were lent to the Vanguard. As this process
required a considerable time, Captain Saumarez sent for his family;
and, having taken apartments at Ryde, had a few weeks of enjoyment in
their society, and of relaxation from the arduous duties of his
profession. The Crescent was received into dock on the 25th August,
and was again fit for sea on the 10th October, when he received orders
to hold himself ready to proceed at a moment's notice.

CHAPTER VI.

1793.

Crescent refitted.--Sails for the Channel Islands.--Falls in
with the French frigate La Reunion.--Particular account of the
action.--Letters from Captain Saumarez to his brother.--Brings
his prize to Portsmouth.--Official letters.--Letters from
various persons.--Ship refitting.--Captain Saumarez obtains
leave of absence.--Is knighted for his gallant conduct.

The Crescent being now ready for sea, but with thirteen men short of
her complement, Captain Saumarez applied to have the number filled up,
as her masts and yards were of the same dimensions as those of a
frigate of thirty-eight guns; he also requested such increase as the
Lords of the Admiralty thought proper: but these applications were
unsuccessful, and on the 10th of October he received orders from Sir
Peter Parker, the port-admiral, to "hold himself in constant readiness
to put to sea at a moment's warning;"