to her; it embarrasses me as much as if it were a
mournful subject. One observation is incumbent on me to make,
namely, that Captain Yorke used every possible exertion to join
us sooner, and that he has most readily afforded us every
assistance we required,

I now remain, your ever affectionate brother,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

Captain Saumarez had now realized his ardent desire for an opportunity
of distinguishing himself, such as was afforded to his gallant
brother-officer of the Nymphe; and it is a singular coincidence that
each should have written to his brother on the day of action, under
similar circumstances of triumph and excitement. These interesting
documents seem to have decided the superiority of the British over the
French navy, at the commencement of the French revolution, and in
reference to that of Saumarez, we cannot but dwell with admiration on
the humility and acuteness of feeling with which it is replete!

The Circe, which had joined four hours after the action, was
despatched to Guernsey to execute the service on which Captain
Saumarez had been ordered; but the Crescent and her prize, in
proceeding to Spithead, were detained by light winds and calms. On the
22nd, she arrived off the Isle of Wight, when Lieutenant Otter was
sent to Portsmouth in the boat with the following official letter:

Crescent, off the Isle of Wight, 22d Oct. 1793.

SIR,

I BEG you will be pleased to inform my Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, that, being unable to gain Spithead from the
prevailing calms, I have thought it expedient to despatch
Lieutenant Otter with the intelligence I have the honour to
convey to their lordships.

Having been prevented by the action with La Reunion from
complying with their lordships' orders, I directed the Hon.
Captain Yorke, who joined me in his Majesty's ship Circe, to
proceed with the pacquets I was charged with for the commanding
officers of his Majesty's troops at Guernsey and Jersey, and
from thence to proceed to St. Maloes, and return to Spithead,
agreeable to their lordships' orders.

I beg to observe, that Captain Yorke gave me every possible
assistance, and has taken one hundred and sixty prisoners from
the Reunion, which I directed him to land in the island of
Guernsey.

I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most humble servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

To Philip Stephens, Esq.

The Crescent arrived