red during the struggle
which we were anticipating. He was quite aware of the
difficulties we had to encounter, and fully determined to
overcome them if possible.[31]

[31] The following memorandum was communicated to the squadron
before bearing up for Gibraltar Bay:

Memorandum

Caesar, 5th July 1801.

If the Rear-admiral finds the enemy's ships in a situation to be
attacked, the following is the order in which it is to be
executed:

The Venerable to lead into the bay, and pass the enemy's ships
without anchoring;

The Pompee to anchor abreast of the inner ship of the enemy's
line;

The Audacious, }
" Caesar, } to anchor abreast of the enemy's ships
" Spencer, } and batteries;
" Hannibal, }

{ to keep under sail, and annoy the enemy's
" Superb, { batteries and gun-boats during the attack
" Thames, { assisted by the Plymouth lugger.

The boats of the different ships to be lowered down and armed,
in readiness to act where required.

Given on board the Caesar, off Tariffa,
5th July 1801.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

To the respective Captains.

At daylight we were off Tariffa, with light airs from the
westward, which at seven freshened to a strong breeze, and
enabled the Venerable to open the Bay of Algeziras, in which the
French squadron were discovered at anchor. On the Venerable
making the signal that she could weather the enemy, the Admiral
made another to take stations for mutual support. The Pompee,
Venerable, and Audacious were soon at an anchor, and at
thirty-five minutes after eight began the action with the enemy.
The Caesar at nine o'clock opened her fire, and at fifteen
minutes past nine came to an anchor ahead of the Venerable. The
Spencer and Hannibal passed under our lee, nearly becalmed, and
anchored without the Caesar, firing, as the smoke subsided,
through the openings between our ships at the enemy.

About ten o'clock the fire of the French ships appeared to
slacken so much that I ventured to suggest to the Admiral that a
flag of truce might be sent in, with a notice to the Spaniards
that if the British squadron were permitted to take away the
French ships without any further molestation from the batteries,
the town would be respected, and no furth