iently near to silence them effectually; and,
the wind all the time leading us farther off, I was constrained
to abandon all hopes of success, and proceeded with the squadron
to this anchorage.

The Superb yesterday joined us, with the Thames. Captain Keats,
having seen the enemy coming out of Cadiz, appeared with the
signal of their being in sight, and they soon after came round
Cabrita Point. Two are three-deckers, and three are
seventy-fours, with three frigates. If it draws this force to
the Mediterranean, some good may come from it. A squadron is
hourly expected from Lord Keith, and probably some ships may
soon join us from England. We shall have all the ships in
readiness; and the junction of a few ships, would make us again
superior to the enemy's force. I must not forget to mention
that Captain Brenton has shown himself a brave and most able
officer.

It is with difficulty I have found a leisure moment to write
this. All I request of my friends is, to feel assured that the
failure of this enterprise has in no instance proceeded from
myself; and every one is ready to acknowledge that I did, in
every respect, all that depended on me. This, you will perceive,
is written in the midst of much bustle and a most active scene.

The despatches contained accounts of the arrival of the Spanish
squadron, and of Sir James's determination to attack them if they
attempted to put to sea, even with the force under his command. He
also sent despatches to Lisbon to delay any convoys which might be
sailing; and to Lord Keith, in the Mediterranean, to inform his
lordship of all the circumstances we have related. The Plymouth lugger
had already sailed, the wind being fair, with Captain Ferris, who, as
well as Lieutenant Hills, were bearers of the interesting details.

The intense interest which these circumstances created on the Rock of
Gibraltar is far beyond description; nor do we know whether the kind
and sympathising reception which the suffering heroes met with on
their return from Algeziras was more worthy of praise than the
unparalleled exertions made to renew the conflict. On the one hand,
had the squadron arrived after the most complete and glorious victory,
they could not have been received in a manner more gratifying to
their feelings; while, on the other hand, it was evident that every
man was worthy of such generous and such noble conduct.

The attenti