ook a house near Brixham, and Sir James continued for
some time to carry on the duty as usual; till at length Lord Gardner
apprised Sir James that he had applied for his old friend, Sir John
Duckworth, to be his second in command: on which Sir James wrote to be
superseded; and in August, the same year, he struck his flag, to
rehoist it on board the Inconstant at Guernsey. His old flag-ship was
during the winter prepared for him, and in February 1808 he proceeded
to Guernsey.

During this period, war with Russia broke out. Affairs in the north
wore a serious aspect, and it was evident that the Baltic must soon
become the seat of war.

Sir James received the following letter from Lord Mulgrave, offering
him the command in the East Indies, which was the most lucrative
station; but prize-money was always a secondary consideration with
the Admiral. He declined accepting the offer, as will be seen by his
answer.

Admiralty, January 23rd, 1808.

MY DEAR SIR,

Sir Edward Pellew having expressed a wish to be relieved from
the command in the East Indies, I am desirous (before I think
of another arrangement) to learn whether that station would be
agreeable to you; in which case I should have great
satisfaction in giving you that appointment.

I have the honour to be, with sincere regard and the highest
esteem, Dear sir,

Your most obedient and faithful servant,
MULGRAVE.

To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, K.B. &c.

Guernsey, 30th January 1808.

MY DEAR LORD,

I am honoured with your lordship's private and confidential
letter, and I cannot sufficiently express my grateful
acknowledgements for the obliging manner in which your lordship
has been pleased to propose to me the command in the East
Indies, which I should be most happy to profit by, did the
state of my health hold out any prospect of my fulfilling so
important a trust with satisfaction to myself or to the benefit
of my country. I am therefore, though reluctantly, compelled to
decline this mark of your lordship's kindness.

I have the honour to be, &c. &c.
James Saumarez.

To Earl Mulgrave.

CHAPTER VIII.

1808.

State of Affairs in Sweden.--Alarm of the King.--Sir James
selected to command the Baltic Fleet.--Correspondence with Lord
Mulgrave.--Sir John Moore's Expedition.--Arrives at
Gothen