et after the Orion and Queen Charlotte, and
engaged the enemy as they came up. A French seventy-four, that
had taken fire on the poop, struck to the frigates. She is
called the Formidable, and is not materially damaged from the
fire. When the Queen, London, and finally the Royal George, came
into action, they kept up a most amazing fire; but by this time
the enemy were within three miles of their coast, and they all
escaped except the Tigre, which struck to the Royal George.

For further details I must refer you to the public accounts. Our
loss in this ship has been inconsiderable when I assure you we
were engaged with very little intermission the whole time of the
action, which lasted four hours. We have four killed, two since
dead, and eighteen wounded. The ship has suffered more in
proportion in the hull, masts, and sails. We regret not to have
had a few leagues' more space, as none could then have escaped.
Port Louis, near L'Orient, has afforded them this timely
shelter, but not till they had a severe drubbing.

You will show the contents of this letter to Mr. Le Mesurier, as
I have scarcely one moment to spare.

Adieu! Remember me most kindly to my sister; and believe me
truly, my dear Richard,

Yours affectionately,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

You will oblige Lady S. by inclosing this, after perusal, to
her.

This detachment of the Channel fleet, which was destined to protect
the ill-fated expedition to Quiberon Bay, under Sir J.B. Warren,
continued for some time on the coast; but the Orion, being one of the
ships which had suffered most, was ordered to Portsmouth. On his
arrival, Sir James wrote the following letter to his brother Richard.

Orion, off St. Helens, 12th July 1795.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, that I parted
from the fleet last Thursday, with the Charon, hospital ship,
which I saw safe into Portland this morning: Captain Grindall,
(the only captain wounded,) who took his passage on board her,
was much recovered. On the day I left the fleet, Admiral
Cornwallis, with the ships under his command, joined Lord
Bridport; and I imagine the Queen Charlotte, with the ships that
suffered most in the action, will go home. As the Orion requires
a new fore-mast and bowsprit, besides considerable repair, I
take it for granted she will be ordered into harbour.

A f