proportions. It is by no means unworthy of remark, however, that
not a single British gun burst.

"The Captain fired more shot than are usually given to a ship of
her rate, at her first equipment in England: and it was observed
that, when shot or grape were wanting, on board this ship, for the
carronades, the tars substituted, in their place, nine-pounds shot,
seven of which were frequently discharged at one time; and this at
so short a distance, that every shot of the seven must have had
effect.

"I could wish to convey, in some adequate manner, the merits of the
chief personages in this glorious engagement; but the praise of
those who were most conspicuous will, after all, be best collected
from this faithful narrative of their actions: to express it, is
far above the power of my pen. I confess, the admiration with which
I viewed their conduct, would not permit me to be silent; or to
suppress the strong feelings excited in my mind, by all the glories
of that memorable day--if it were not for a real despair of
reaching the extraordinary merits of some, and for a sincere
apprehension of doing injustice even to those whom I might name, as
well as to those whom I might, from ignorance, omit. Certain it is,
that while the admiral, and some distinguished actors in this
scene, are covered with never-fading laurels--if others of the
squadron had not the same important share in the transactions of
the day, it was owing to circumstances not dependent on themselves,
and to no want of ardour or personal exertion.

"If I may be permitted to hazard an opinion, the whole squadron
have gained immortal honour; for the victory of the 14th of
February stands, in all it's circumstances, first and unparalleled
in naval history.

"The time mentioned in the narrative is taken from the minutes kept
on board the Victory. Some difference occurs between them and
those kept on board other ships; but I have thought proper to
follow the former, conceiving them to be the most correct."

Such is the account of this glorious victory, as described by Colonel
Drinkwater; who not only had the best possible view of the transactions
in general, but was favoured with many particulars from some of the most
intelligent officers who commanded or served on board the respective
ships.

The officia