n that occasion.

Position of the hostile fleets on the morning of the 23rd June
1795, when the headmost ships brought the rear of the enemy to
action.

[Illustration]

No. 1. Orion, Capt. Sir J. Saumarez. 2. Queen Charlotte, Capt.
Sir A.S. Douglas. 3. Irresistible, Capt. Grindall. 4. Russell,
Capt. T. Luscom. 5. Colossus, Capt. Moncton. 6. Sanspareil,
Admiral Lord H. Seymour, Capt. Brown. 7. London, Capt. Griffith.
8. Queen, Rear-admiral Gardner, Capt. Bedford. 9. Prince George,
Capt. Edge. 10. Royal George, Admiral Lord Bridport, Captain
Domett.

The Orion was taken into Portsmouth harbour, and, as six weeks were
required to repair her damages, Sir James had another month's
relaxation from actual service. It was the 18th July before she was
reported ready for sea. On the 21st he wrote the following letter to
his brother, describing the service on which he was now to be
employed:

Ryde, 21st August 1795.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

Expecting to sail from day to day, I delayed writing till I
could acquaint you with the precise time of our departure. This
morning the wind proved easterly, but it has again veered to the
westward, and become as uncertain as ever, so that I yet hope to
hear from you. I understand that about four thousand troops,
_British_, and fifteen hundred emigrants, sail under our escort.
They are commanded by General Doyle, and it is supposed are
destined to take possession of Noirmoutier, to keep up
communication with Charrette's army. Monsieur, who you know is
embarked on board the Jason, accompanies them. It is to be hoped
that this last effort of ours to secure a footing on their own
territory to these unfortunate people, will prove successful; I
say this last, for, from what I learn, Lord Moira resigns with
the whole of his staff, and the rest of his army are to be,
under command of Sir R. Abercromby, destined for the West
Indies.

We are likely to have enough on our hands should war be
continued, as it is impossible but we must have the Spanish to
contend with. Several ships sailed this morning to reinforce our
squadron in the North Seas, which shows the Dutch are beginning
to stir themselves.

I write from Ryde, where Lady S. has been since yesterday, being
near Spithead, where I must be every day. As the wind is at
present, there is every reason to expect that we shall be here