ccounts.--Returns to
Portsmouth--Expedition to Isle Dieu.--Returns to Spithead.

Captain Saumarez, whose conduct in his late encounter with the enemy's
squadron had called forth the admiration of his country, and the high
approbation of the Admiralty, was continued in command of the squadron
destined to protect the Channel islands. Admiral McBride emphatically
said, "their defence could not be in better hands." Sir James left
Plymouth on the 16th of June 1794, and arrived at Guernsey on the
following day. The enemy's large ships escaped to Brest before any
force could be brought to intercept them. The station of Saumarez was
from Cape Barfleur to the Seven Islands; and, on the English coast,
between the Isle of Wight and the Start, having four frigates under
his command. The following letter to his brother gives an amusing
account of a false alarm, occasioned by the squadron while his Majesty
George the Third was at Weymouth:

Crescent, 18th September 1794.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

I was made happy yesterday by the sight of your handwriting, of
which I had for a considerable time been deprived. You will have
learnt from the Lord Mayor of our short cruise off Cherbourg. On
our return, Sunday evening, we caused an alarm I had little
expected: the Trusty, having fallen in with the four frigates,
made the private signal, which, not being distinctly seen,
remained unanswered. In consequence of which she proceeded to
Weymouth Road, making signals of an enemy. The troops were
ordered under arms, the batteries manned, and the royal
carriages got in readiness. At our approach to the road after
dark, a shot was fired from the Trusty. This ship was secured
with springs on her cables, and was ready to pour her broadside,
when I fortunately made the night-signal, to denote we were
friends. I immediately went on shore, and found the royal family
at the rooms, not without apprehension of the enemy's landing.

The King desired to see me, and very heartily laughed at the
circumstance. I remained near an hour in conference with their
Majesties in the tea-room; a very distinguished honour, I assure
you, as even the lords in waiting are scarcely ever admitted
during meals: I was highly flattered at the very gracious and
flattering reception I met with. The next day they were on the
water, and the King expressed himself much satisfied with the
manoeuvres of the