severe one, and kept
his cabin for two days; but he is now perfectly recovered.

September 18th. I admire N., with his comments on Colchester.
When you next write, recommend him to try the Black Rocks in a
thick fog, and no chance of letters from England: he will find
even Norman Cross preferable. I, however, believe I have done
with that anchorage for some time, as the wind is set in to the
westward; and I shall now cruise to prevent vessels going into
Brest.

I am happy to say I am perfectly well. I trust my nerves will
prove equal to the task; as I have before often told you, they
generally strengthen with difficulties.

I mean to make this cruise long enough to entitle me to a
relief, therefore do not expect me in port as long as I can keep
the sea.

Sir James immediately gave such orders and regulations as would best
guard against, or overcome, the difficulties inseparable from such a
service; and, with the prospect of a long winter before him, he sent
these regulations, and a list of the rendezvous appointed by him, to
the commander-in-chief, whose letter to Sir James, in answer, is
expressive of the high opinion he entertained of him.

Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 15th Sept. 1800.

SIR,

Nothing can be more appropriate than the different rendezvous
you have sent me a copy of; your change of position must
fluctuate according to the sudden changes of the weather, which
are to be looked for soon. I repose such unbounded confidence in
your zeal and judgment that _I sleep as soundly as if I had the
key of Brest in my possession_.

Sir Richard Strachan and Captain Buller, in the Captain and
Edgar, will relieve two of the ships which last joined you as
soon as they return to this rendezvous, and the Canada will
relieve the third. As I have applied for Captain Foley's leave
of absence on very important private business, I wish the
Elephant to be the first sent to me. I am, sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,
ST. VINCENT.

Sir James Saumarez.

It was supposed that the Brest fleet would take advantage of the
equinoctial gales, which were now approaching, and slip out as before,
when the in-shore squadron was blown off, or compelled to bear up for
Torbay; but Sir James had determined on frustrating their attempt. On
the 23rd a heavy gale came on, which, in former instances, would have
obliged the in-shore squad