act conformably to the last orders I received from
Sir John Warren,--which were, to hold the Genereux in constant
readiness to join him on his appearance off that port.

I beg leave to congratulate you, and the captains of your
squadron, on the great success which has attended your first
dash at the enemy in their strong position off Algeziras, and
the very important consequence of it.

At the same time Sir James received the first of the following letters
from Lord Keith, who had not yet received the accounts of the second
battle:

Foudroyant, Bay of Aboukir, 4th August 1801.

SIR,

I yesterday received your letters of the 7th and 9th ultimo, by
the Delight, from Minorca. The letter has given me much
concern, in consequence of the unfortunate issue of your
gallant endeavours. I am still in hopes that it will not turn
out so favourably for the enemy, and that some of their ships
will be lost.

You will know, before this reaches you, that Cairo is
evacuated. The greatest part of its garrison is now embarked.
When that is accomplished, I see nothing to prevent our
beginning to attack Alexandria; and I am sanguine that it
cannot hold out long: but, until it is in our power, I can
detach nothing from blockading that port, and covering this
immense fleet of transports, store-ships, victuallers, &c.
which have no other protection. Besides, the army cannot exist
without our protection.

Sir John Warren sailed from hence on the 12th May. I have since
heard from him, at sea and at Malta; and I have lately
understood that he was off Cape Spartavento, where he may have
heard of Gantheaume's squadron; but his ultimate orders are for
Mahon, at which place he must now be with seven ships of the
line. The Athenian must now be ready to join, from Malta.
Should the enemy sail up the Mediterranean, Carthagena or
Toulon must be their first rendezvous, where you will be able
to observe them, when joined to Sir John; and, from all
information, their objects of attack must be confined to
three,--Egypt, Turkey in Europe, or Sicily, in the event of a
renewal of hostilities: and to those objects I recommend the
strictest attention; because, after the island of Minorca is
sufficiently reinforced, it may be left, for a longer time than
before, witho