passage.--Letters from Earl St. Vincent and Nelson.--Arrives at
Gibraltar.--Reception there from the Admiral, Governor,
&c.--Sails thence.--Arrives at Lisbon.--Sails thence.--Arrives
at Spithead.--Paid off at Plymouth.--Remarks on his treatment,
and explanation of it.

The fleet was employed in repairing the damages it had received, and
in fitting the prizes that were deemed worthy of being sent to
England. This occupied the whole week after the battle. On the 5th,
the Leander, having on board Captain Berry with the Rear-admiral's
despatches, sailed for England; and, on the 12th, the Emerald,
Alcmene, and Bonne Citoyenne arrived. On the same day Sir James
received the following order:

(1st Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c.

You are hereby required and directed to take the ships named on
the margin[16] under your command, their captains having orders
for that purpose; and to proceed with them with all possible
despatch down the Mediterranean. On your arrival near Europa
Point, you will send a boat on shore to the Commissioners'
office to receive any orders that may be lodged there for your
further proceedings. In case you find no orders at Gibraltar,
and learn that the commander-in-chief is off Cadiz, or at
Lisbon, you will join him at either place with all possible
expedition.

To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c.

[16] The captains of his Majesty's ships to take charge of the
prizes as under:

Orion to take charge of Le Souverain Peuple.
Bellerophon do.}
Majestic do.} Le Spartiate.
Minotaur do. Aquilon.
Defence do. Franklin.
Audacious do. Conquerant.
Theseus do. Tonnant.

To the captains of above-mentioned ships. H.N.

(2nd Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c.

You are hereby required and directed to take charge of the prize
ships; putting a sufficient number of men on board each to
navigate the said prize, with six weeks' provisions. You are
never to separate from her without orders in writing from the
officer under whose command you are for the time being; and you
are hereby required and directed to put yourself and the prize
under the command of Captain Sir James Saumarez; and follow all
such orders and instructions a