heir quarters, after having been well practised
and exercised as artillery-men; and how soon would not the rest
of the ship's company become also expert gunners in emulating
their example.

"These men would also be found particularly useful on
expeditions abroad, in landing or making a descent on the
enemy's coast, when a well-served artillery is often of the
greatest importance.

"The officers might be appointed from the other divisions, and
should consist of those who, from their age and services, were
incapable of being engaged in actual duty;--they would here
find a comfortable asylum during life, and end their days in
the service of their country.

"The expenses incurred by this establishment would be
inconsiderable; and no doubt can be entertained of its proving
a lasting advantage to His Majesty's service, and adding
strength to the great bulwark of this country,--the Royal Navy.

"JAMES SAUMAREZ, Orion."

"The Right Honourable Earl Spencer,
&c. &c. &c."

"Admiralty, 2nd January 1797.

"DEAR SIR,

"I hazard a line in the uncertainty whether you may not have
sailed before this reaches Portsmouth, to thank you for your
paper on the establishment of a Corps of Artillery for the
naval service. The idea is one which I have often heard
discussed, and in many points of view a very good one; but I
fear that there would be so many difficulties in point of
official arrangements to overcome in carrying it into
execution, that no very sanguine hopes can be entertained of
its succeeding.

"It is, however, a subject well worthy of attention, and which,
at a less pressing moment, it may perhaps be worth while to
renew.

"I am,
"Dear sir,
"With great regard,
"Your very obedient, humble servant,
"SPENCER."

"To Sir James Saumarez."

APPENDIX K.

"Madrid, 10th March 1797.

"The following account of the action with the British squadron, on the
14th day of February last, has been received by D. Juan de Langara, in
a letter addressed to his Excellency by D. Joseph de Cordova,
commander-in-chief of the Squadron, dated del Oceano, the 2nd of
March, at the entrance of Cadiz Bay.

"From the instant of my proceeding to sea, after securing the gun-boat
at Algeziras, I had the winds E.N.E. to S.E. that drove me