tre, and the squadron followed. A line-of-battle ship was seen
at anchor in Bertheaume Bay on the evening of the 4th. The _Diamond_
persevered in working up through the night, and at eight next morning
was seen returning to the squadron.

Sir Sidney reported that he had completely reconnoitred Brest at
daylight, and ascertained that the enemy's fleet was at sea. On his
return, he was under the necessity of passing very near the French
seventy-four, but having disguised his ship with French colours, and a
_bonnet rouge_ at her head, he went boldly under the enemy's stern, and
hailed her in French. She was the ship from L'Orient, _Le Caton_, which
had been obliged to return to port disabled, and her pumps were going as
she lay at anchor. Sir Sidney gave the name of his own ship as _La
Surveillante_; and having offered assistance, which was declined, he
took leave, and made sail for the squadron.

The enemy's fleet, thirty-five sail of the line, thirteen frigates, and
sixteen smaller vessels, had put to sea towards the end of December.
Some of them were driven back by a gale, but the fleet continued to
cruise until the end of January, when they were obliged to return to
port, with the loss of five ships.[6]

The squadron, having effected their principal object, arrived off
Falmouth, and landed despatches on the 6th. They afterwards continued
their cruise until the 22d, when they returned to port.

Sir Edward now left the _Arethusa_, and joined the _Indefatigable_, one
of three 64-gun ships which had lately been cut down to heavy frigates.
One part of the plan was to reduce their masts and rigging in proportion
to the diminished size of their hulls. All of them proved slow and
unmanageable ships; and Sir Edward, who had satisfied himself of the
cause of the failure, applied to the Navy Board for permission to alter
the _Indefatigable_. The Comptroller of the Navy was much offended at
the request, denying that the plan of the Navy Board had failed; and
when Sir Edward alluded to the notorious inefficiency of the ships, he
said that it arose entirely from faulty stowage of the ballast and hold.
They parted, mutually dissatisfied; and Sir Edward appealed immediately
to Lord Spencer, who, a short time before, had been placed at the head
of the Admiralty. This nobleman showed every desire to meet Sir Edward's
wishes, but expressed very great reluctance to involve himself in a
difference with the Navy Board; and requested him