f
the crew back as possible.

We shall now transcribe the Rear-admiral's official account of the
battle: this affords additional particulars, and proves that every
step had been taken to insure success; which, but from circumstances
that often blight the fairest prospects, would have had a very
different result. We shall venture to add, that, had the gallant
Admiral hesitated to make the attempt, he would have rendered himself
obnoxious to animadversions, not only from all the squadron under his
command, but from every one on the Rock of Gibraltar who witnessed the
enemy's squadron of inferior force setting, as it were, that of Sir
James at defiance; while it would have afforded the French and
Spaniards a just, or, at least a plausible subject of exultation. But
Sir James, with that decision of character and coolness, when in the
presence of an enemy, for which he was always remarkable, did not
hesitate one moment on the attack, which was made with consummate
skill, and maintained with a perseverance never surpassed.

Caesar, Gibraltar, 6th July 1801.

SIR,

I have to request you will be pleased to inform my Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty that, conformable to my letter of
yesterday's date, I stood through the Straits, with his
Majesty's squadron under my orders, with the intention of
attacking three French line-of-battle ships and a frigate that I
was informed were at anchor off Algeziras. On opening Cabrita
Point, I found the ships lay at a considerable distance from the
enemy's batteries; and having a leading wind up to them, every
reasonable hope of success in the attack was afforded.

I had previously directed Captain Hood in the Venerable, from
his experience and knowledge of the anchorage, to lead the
squadron, which he executed with his accustomed gallantry; and,
although it was not intended he should anchor, he found himself
under the necessity of so doing, from the wind failing,--a
circumstance so much to be apprehended in this country, and to
which I have to attribute the want of success in this
well-intended enterprise. Captain Stirling anchored, conformably
to the enclosed order of attack, opposite to the inner ship of
the enemy, and brought the Pompee to action in the most
spirited and gallant manner; an example which was followed by
the commanders of every ship in the squadron.

Captains Darby and Ferris, owing to lig