e object might warrant an
attempt in which nothing was to be risked but a few frigates. The
conception was in the highest degree daring, but there is a faith in
naval affairs which works impossibilities, and it has been generally
found, that the officer who can plan a bold action, has shown himself
equal to accomplish it. Relative strength is almost thrown out of
calculation by a well concerted and unexpected attack, conducted with
that impetuosity which effects its object before the enemy can avail
himself of his superior force. Thus, Sir Charles Brisbane, with four
frigates, at Curacoa, and Sir Christopher Cole, with a few boats' crews
at Banda, achieved, with little or no loss, what would have been justly
deemed proud triumphs for a fleet of line-of-battle ships. Sir E. Pellew
was never a man to commit himself rashly to what he had not well
considered. "There is always uncertainty," he would say, "in naval
actions, for a chance shot may place the best managed ship in the power
of an inferior opponent." Hence he would leave nothing to chance, which
foresight could possibly provide for. With such a character, and with
his intimate knowledge of Brest and its defences, which were almost as
familiar to him as Falmouth harbour, his own confidence affords strong
presumption that he would have succeeded.

The First Lord took an opportunity to submit this proposal to Lord
Bridport at Torbay, and Sir Edward was in consequence called on board
the flag-ship by signal. The Admiral received him on the quarter-deck
with a very low and formal bow, and referred him to Earl Spencer, in the
cabin, whom he soon found not to be influenced by any arguments he could
employ.

Lord Bridport was never pleased that independent frigate squadrons were
appointed to cruise within his station. It was, indeed, an irregularity
which nothing but the emergency could have justified, when it was
desirable to relieve the commander-in-chief from lesser
responsibilities, and enable him to devote all his attention to the
fleet which threatened the safety of the country. Their successes had
made the squadrons so popular, that the system was continued when they
might, perhaps, have been placed, with equal advantage, under the
orders of the Admiral; and it would naturally give pain to that officer
to find himself denied the privilege of recognizing and rewarding the
most brilliant services performed within his own command. Lord Bridport
would occasionally evi