hips' information, of your arrival in H.M.S.
Caesar, in Cawsand Bay, in pursuance of orders from Admiral
Cornwallis, a copy of which you have enclosed: and I have their
lordships' commands to signify their directions to you to use
every exertion in completing the stores and provisions of the
said ship, as also of the Spencer; and, having so done, remain
with the said ships in Cawsand Bay, in constant readiness to
proceed on service, when you shall receive their lordships'
orders for that purpose.

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

To Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez.

The following is the reply to Earl St. Vincent's letter of the 4th
June, dated

Caesar, Cawsand Bay, 6th June.

MY LORD,

Previously to receiving the honour of your lordship's letter, I
had been informed by Earl Spencer of his Majesty's gracious
intentions; and I beg to express my sincere acknowledgments for
the part your lordship has taken in obtaining for me this mark
of the royal favour.

I am much flattered by the communication your lordship has the
goodness to make of having nominated me for the command of a
squadron to be employed on a very particular service; and I beg
your lordship will be assured of my most zealous exertions for
the promotion of every part of it. I have the honour to be, &c.

JAS. SAUMAREZ.
To the Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent, &c.

On the 7th of June, Sir James received the following communication
from the Lords of the Admiralty, which could not fail to afford him
the highest gratification.

Most secret.

By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High
Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

Whereas we have received information that a squadron consisting
of five Spanish ships of the line, which lately sailed from
Ferrol, have arrived at Cadiz; and that great exertions are now
making at the last-mentioned place for the equipment of a
further naval force, for the purpose (it is alleged) of an
attack upon Portugal; we send you herewith copies of the several
letters containing the information mentioned: and do hereby
direct you, on the arrival of the Hannibal, Audacious, and
Thames, at Plymouth, to take them under your command, (their
captains being directed to follow your orders,) as also the
Spencer, and either the Juste, Pompee, or Courageux, now in