ht winds, were prevented
for a considerable time from coming into action. At length, the
Hannibal getting a breeze, Captain Ferris had the most
favourable prospect of being alongside one of the enemy's ships,
when the Hannibal unfortunately took the ground; and I am
extremely concerned to acquaint their lordships that, after
having made every possible effort with this ship and the
Audacious to rescue her from the enemy, I was under the
necessity to make sail, being at the time only three cables'
length from one of the enemy's batteries.

My thanks are particularly due to all the captains and men under
my orders; and, although their endeavours have not been crowned
with success, I trust the thousands of spectators from his
Majesty's garrison, and also the surrounding coast, will do
justice to their valour and intrepidity, which were not to be
checked by the fire from the numerous batteries (however
formidable) that surrounded Algeziras.

I feel it incumbent upon me to state to their lordships the
great merits of Captain Brenton of the Caesar, whose cool
judgment and intrepid conduct, I will venture to pronounce, were
never surpassed. I also beg leave to recommend to their
lordships' notice my flag-lieutenant, Mr. Philip Dumaresq, who
has served with me from the commencement of this war, and is a
most deserving officer. Mr. Lamborn and the other lieutenants
are also entitled to great praise; as well as Captain Maxwell of
the Marines, and the other officers of his corps serving on
board the Caesar.

The enemy's ships consisted of two of eighty-four guns and one
of seventy-four, with a large frigate: two of the former are
aground, and the whole are rendered totally unserviceable.

His Majesty's ships have suffered considerably in their masts
and rigging; but I hope will soon be refitted, and in readiness
to proceed on service.

Inclosed is the return of the killed and wounded from the
different ships of the squadron. Amongst other valuable men I
have most sincerely to lament the loss of Mr. William Grave,
master of the Caesar. I cannot close this letter without
rendering the most ample justice to the great bravery of Captain
Ferris: the loss in his ship must have been very considerable
both in officers and men; but I have the satisfaction to be
informed that his Majesty has not lost so valuable an