nately yours,

JAS. SAUMAREZ.

The details of the failure of this expedition need not be dwelt upon;
it was finally determined on the 13th of December to withdraw the
troops, and Sir James Saumarez consequently received the following
order:

By Henry Harvey, Esq. Rear-admiral of the Red, &c.
To Sir James Saumarez, Captain of H.M.S. Orion.

You are hereby required and directed to take under your convoy
all the transports, store-ships, victuallers, and other vessels
lying in this bay, and put to sea in company with his Majesty's
squadron under my command. You will have under your direction
his Majesty's ship Porcupine, whose captain is directed to
follow your orders. You are to use your utmost endeavours to
keep company with me; but, in case of separation, make the best
of your way to Spithead, leaving off Plymouth such of the
victuallers as may have sailed from that port.

Given under my hand, on board the
Prince of Wales, 17th December 1795,
Houat Roads.
H. HARVEY.

Admiral Harvey parted from the convoy off Brest, and Sir James arrived
at Spithead, after having looked into Brest, on the 30th December, and
reported his arrival to the Secretary of the Admiralty; to which he
received the following answer:

Admiralty Office, 31st December 1795.

SIR,

I have received, and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, your letter of yesterday's date, informing them
of your arrival at Spithead in the ship you command, with part
of the transports under your convoy, from Quiberon Bay; and I
have their lordships' command to acquaint you that they are
pleased with your proceedings.

I am, sir, your obedient humble servant,
EVAN NEPEAN.

To Captain Sir James Saumarez,
H.M.S. Orion, Spithead.

CHAPTER IX.

1796, 1797.

Orion taken into dock.--Is refitted, and joins the Channel
fleet.--Detached on a particular service.--Returns.--Proceeds to
reinforce Sir John Jervis.--List of his fleet.--Battle with
Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent described in a private
letter.--Conduct of Saumarez in the action.--Salvador del Mundo
strikes to the Orion, and is taken possession of by her
lieutenant.--Engages the Santissima Trinidada.--She strikes to
the Orion.--Remarks on that occasion.--Lagos Bay.--Lisbon.--Sir
James sails on a cruise with Admiral Sir H.
Nelson.--Returns.--Commands the advan