ommunicates an account of an action which has been fought
between six sail of the line, and other vessels of war,
belonging to the English, and the French squadron of three ships
of the line, and one frigate, lying at anchor in the harbour of
Algeziras; and of the glorious result which has taken place for
his Majesty's arms, and those of the Republic, his ally.

About eight in the morning of that day, (viz. the 6th,) there
were seen, coming out of Gibraltar, one ship of eighty-four
guns, five of seventy-four, a lugger of sixteen, another of ten,
and a polacre of ten, two armed launches, and fourteen boats.
This force, under the command of a Rear-admiral, stood into
Algeziras, for the purpose of attacking the French squadron then
anchored in that port, which, as has been already stated,
consisted of three sail of the line, and one frigate. The
commanders of this squadron, being aware of the enemy's
intention, made their dispositions for defence, placing
themselves, as well as they were able, under the cover of our
batteries, and waiting in this position for his approach.

The action commenced at nine; it was very obstinate and bloody
on both sides, and likewise on the part of our batteries, which
decided the fate of the day. The action was continued till two
in the afternoon, at which hour the English drew off with the
loss of one ship of the line; taking in tow another, which was
dismasted and damaged in the hull; and having sustained very
great loss and damage in the rest of their vessels. Their loss
in men must have been considerable, as it is certain that a
great number were killed and wounded on board all the ships. The
French also have been equal sufferers, the killed and wounded
in their squadron being estimated at eight hundred: that of our
troops has been less; out of the whole, only the royal regiment
of Ronda has lost eleven men.

The fire of our batteries was so hot and well supported, that
the enemy suffered most from them; and particularly it is to
that of St. Jago we owe the capture of the English ship, for her
bold manoeuvre of attempting to pass between the French
Rear-admiral's ship, the Formidable, and the shore, made her
take the ground; and, notwithstanding the utmost exertion to put
her afloat, it being found impossible to move her, the fire from
the battery very soon dismasted her,