squadron under my directions. Lady S. and
Mrs. Le Marchant, of Bath, were on board the Crescent, and I was
happy in the company of Mr. G----. All dined on board, and
seemed well satisfied with the day.

I expect Admiral McBride the beginning of next week; at which
time we shall either go to Plymouth or Portsmouth, to complete
our provisions. The weather is so bad that we must not expect
the packet from Guernsey, and it prevents the one from Weymouth
putting to sea. Love to my sister and children.

Yours most affectionately,
Jas. Saumarez.

The Crescent continued on Channel service until the 10th of October,
when she returned to Cawsand Bay; and, after a short cruise in the
entrance of the Channel, she came to Plymouth to be refitted on the
4th of November. On the 8th she was taken into dock, not having been
coppered since 1784. Sir James had now an opportunity of enjoying
repose for two months, (his ship being in course of repair,) till the
15th of January 1795, when he was immediately attached to the grand
fleet under Earl Howe.

The following instructions will show the nature of the arduous service
on which Saumarez was destined to be employed for a considerable time:

Instructions for the conduct of ships appointed to obtain
intelligence of the state of the enemy's naval force at Brest.

Two frigates, supported by one or more ships of the line, will
be most generally appointed for obtaining intelligence of the
enemy's naval force, from time to time, when the wind has been
favourable to their fleet, or detachment thereof, to put to sea.
The frigates so appointed are meant to stretch from Ushant
inward to the Black Rocks, together or in succession, as
requisite for their mutual support, and better means of
communicating with the covering ships; and off St. Matthew's
Point, or so as to discover whether the enemy's fleet are still
in Brest water, and, if easily practicable, the number and
situation of the enemy's ships of war there, and in the adjacent
anchoring bays without the Goulet. The covering ships of the
line, it is supposed, will generally answer the purpose of their
appointment by keeping off, or a little within, the Black Rocks,
whilst the frigates are advanced to the more eastern situation
before mentioned. The several captains so employed are,
nevertheless, to be governed on this service by the state of the
we