command in the Baltic.--Attack on Anholt
prevented.--Proceedings of the advanced squadron.--Arrival of
the Victory at Gothenburg.--Capture and destruction of a Danish
frigate and two brigs.--Captain Stewart's gallant
conduct.--Official letters.--Capture of a ship in Pillau
Roads.--L. Jones's gallant conduct.--Official letters.--Peace
with Russia.--Correspondence with Mr. Thornton and Earl
Cathcart, who is appointed Ambassador to the Court of St.
Petersburg.--Proceedings of the hostile armies on the frontiers
of Russia.--Admiral Byam Martin sent to co-operate.--Siege of
Riga.--Diversion made by Admiral Martin in Dantzig
Bay.--Capture and destruction of four French
privateers.--Ratification of peace with Russia and Sweden.--Sir
James named Knight Grand Cross of the Sword of Sweden.--His
Swedish Majesty's letter and the answer.--Emperor Alexander
sends the Russian fleet to England.--Defeat of the French at
Polosk, Borodino, Moscow.--Retreat of Buonaparte.--Archangel
fleet arrives.--Earl Cathcart.--Mr. Saumarez's tour to Abo and
St. Petersburg, and return to the Admiral with
despatches.--Afflicting news from England.--Sir James's conduct
on that occasion.--He is relieved by Sir George Hope.--Returns
to England.--Strikes his flag.

The state of Europe at the commencement of this year left no doubt
that a severe struggle for independence was approaching. It was
evident that under the pretence of conquering a maritime peace,
Buonaparte's ambition was nothing short of continental empire; his
armies had been gradually advancing, and, under various pretexts,
taking possession of every fortress in Prussia, and towards the
frontiers of Russia. Supposing himself in a position to enforce the
ruinous demands which he well knew could not be granted, he looked
forward with confidence to the subjugation of Russia, after which
Sweden would become an easy conquest. Alexander saw that the existence
of his empire depended on the exertions he was now compelled to make,
and before the conclusion of the last year, his intentions of
resistance were secretly made known both to the British and Swedish
cabinets. It was now deemed fortunate that the wise and temperate
policy of Sir James had been the means of forming that coalition,
which was subsequently the saving of Europe.

So important did Government consider the continuation of Si