anchored at some distance from the batteries. I made sail
yesterday with the intention to attack them, if found
practicable. We got round the point of the bay at about seven
this morning, and at half-past eight the action began, and
during the first hour, promised the most favourable hopes of
success; when, by a most unfortunate circumstance, the Hannibal
got aground, and at once destroyed all my expectations, though
the action was continued for nearly four hours after.

Every possible effort was made to rescue her from the enemy's
fire; and after repeated attempts, and a very great risk of this
ship and the Audacious getting on shore under the enemy's
batteries, I was under the necessity of abandoning the Hannibal
to her fate. Although we have not succeeded in bringing off the
enemy's ships, they are, we believe, very seriously damaged. Two
of them are aground, and it is not expected they will be got
off.

Wednesday, 9th July 1801.

Having found a conveyance by way of Tangier, I sent you a
duplicate of this. The Superb and Thames have just made their
appearance, with the signal for the enemy being out of port. I
think it is a good thing to have drawn them this way, as I trust
the first Levanter will bring us ships from the Mediterranean.
Captain Ferris goes by this opportunity, and has promised to
forward this immediately to you. He will be heard of at the
Admiralty, or at the Adelphi Hotel. Great praise is due for the
brave defence of his ship.

10th July 1801.

It is incalculable how much I have on my hands, night and day;
but, thank God! my health is good, though my anxiety is great. A
fresh Levanter having sprung up, the lugger sails immediately.
Phil. Dumaresq is very well, as are all the others. Poor Graves
is the only person we have lost of the class of officers. I also
wrote to you, by way of Lisbon, only an hour since, and just
before the easterly wind set in. I trust none of my friends will
suffer anxiety on my account. This will be addressed to you, my
dear Richard, and you will forward it to my brother. He will be
happy in being able to satisfy those who have friends on board
that they have all escaped unhurt. H. Brock, with the young men
from the island, are all well. I am, &c.

JAS. SAUMAREZ.

To Richard Saumarez, Esq.

Extracts of letters written on the 7th July 1801, to