for some time on the same tack,
which may account for her having sustained little injury, although it
mentions that she shipped several heavy seas. So tremendous was the
rolling of the ship, that her lower yard-arms were at one time under
water, while the carpenters stood by with their axes, to cut the masts
away, if she had not righted. She did not bear up for Torbay with the
rest of the fleet, but followed two days after, and, having
replenished her water and provisions, resumed her station, from whence
Sir James wrote a letter to Lady Saumarez, of which the following is
an extract:

"Caesar, 26th June, 1800.

"Of the enemy in this neighbourhood we know nothing, except of
their inactivity. I hope they do not mean to leave so fine a
fleet, as we have here, useless all the summer. Fear not my
complying with your injunctions. I shall more than ever strive
against _ennui_,--my greatest enemy, I believe, whilst in this
inactive state. I read when I can, but anxiety to hear from you,
and to have accounts of our darling children, has its share in
withdrawing my attention and fixing it on more interesting
subjects. Of one thing, however, be assured, that with respect
to the ship and all thereto belonging, I am as well situated as
possible. I enjoy the satisfaction of having a very quiet and
well-disposed ship's company, who are kept orderly, and, I
flatter myself, well regulated, without exercising severity or
rigour. The officers continue as I wish them. Captain Maxwell,
who joined some time ago, is an active, diligent officer in his
corps; and Mr. Packwood, as well as Mr. Holliday, our new
chaplain, are very good men in their respective stations.

"Although I find amusement in books, believe me your letters
form my sole delight, and tend more to lighten the time than all
the volumes in Hoxland's library."

Sir James, after another cruise, returned on the 24th of July, to
prepare for a service of more responsibility and importance.

The French had now a large fleet at Brest, which appeared to be in a
state of great forwardness; and, as they had before eluded the
vigilance of the blockading ships, it was necessary to place a strong
squadron near the Black Rocks to watch their motions, and to give the
command of this advanced detachment to an officer of skill,
experience, and intrepidity. Earl St. Vincent, who was now
commander-in-chief of the Channel fleet,