s, Thames,
Phaeton, and Plymouth, hired lugger.

[29] See list already given.

The squadron continued to cruise off Cadiz, and frequently to
reconnoitre the harbour; while the Superb was stationed off Lagos as a
look-out ship to westward, and the Thames in the Straits of Gibraltar
to the eastward.

Nothing of importance occurred until the 5th, when intelligence was
received as to the situation of a French squadron. Sir James
accordingly despatched the Plymouth lugger with the following letters
to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and to Mr. Frere, the English
ambassador at Lisbon:

Caesar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801.
SIR

In my letter of the 29th ultimo, I acquainted you, for the
information of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, of my
arrival before Cadiz with the squadron under my orders, and of
my having been joined by the Venerable and Superb.

You will please to inform their lordships, that, early this
morning, a despatch-boat joined me from Gibraltar, with
intelligence that three French line-of-battle ships and a
frigate were seen, on the 1st instant, endeavouring to pass the
Straits from the eastward; and the Plymouth lugger has since
joined me, whose commander informs me that they anchored
yesterday off Algeziras. As from the different accounts I form
great hopes of being able to attack them with success, I am
proceeding to the eastward, and I hope to reach the bay early
to-morrow morning. The ships in Cadiz are getting in forwardness
to put to sea. Eight appeared this morning with top-gallant
yards across and sails bent, and four others with their
top-masts rigged. I have directed the commander of the Plymouth,
hired lugger, after having landed this letter at Faro, to cruise
off Cape St. Mary's to apprise any of his Majesty's ships of my
rendezvous, giving them such further information as he may be
possessed of.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.

Caesar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801.

SIR,

I have the honour to acquaint you with my having this instant
received information, by an express from Gibraltar, that three
sail of French line-of-battle ships and a frigate had anchored
yesterday in Algeziras Bay, after being three days in
endeavouring to pass the Straits from the eastward. They are
supposed to be destined for Cadiz. I am