e those who knew the value which
naval officers attach to a crew long accustomed to act together, would
be the better enabled to appreciate the skill and exertions of Lord
Exmouth, and the difficulties he had to contend with, in rendering
crews, collected as he had stated, efficient for his purpose. To that
object Lord Exmouth devoted his daily, his hourly attention, and
accomplished it in a manner which reflected the highest credit on his
judgment and ability. He then proceeded with his squadron on the
appointed service. He proposed certain terms to the Dey of Algiers,
according to his instructions, and no satisfactory reply being given,
the ships took their positions. It was due to Lord Exmouth here to state
a circumstance not generally known. An opinion had prevailed in many
quarters that accident and the elements had been very favourable to Lord
Exmouth in the execution of the enterprise: but the fact was, that when
Government had determined on the undertaking, many persons, and among
them several naval officers, were of opinion that the defences were so
strong that the attack could not succeed. Not so Lord Exmouth, though he
was perfectly aware of the difficulties with which he had to contend. He
had himself formed the plan of his operations, and gave it as his
opinion that the object might be accomplished, not from any idle
confidence, but founded on the reasons which he stated and the plan
which he had formed. He had in this plan settled the position which
every ship was to take, and when the despatches came, he (Lord Melville)
had noticed that the positions actually taken were exactly those which
had been before settled. The whole scheme of attack was before prepared
by him, and exactly followed; and the whole transaction reflected the
highest credit upon Lord Exmouth as a naval officer, as well as upon his
perseverance and gallantry." After describing the battle and its result,
and descanting upon the enthusiasm which animated every officer and man,
and the gallantry they displayed, Lord Melville alluded to the
co-operation and effectual assistance afforded by the Dutch squadron, to
which also he moved the thanks of the House. "The flag of the
Netherlands had long been distinguished in Europe, and the officers and
seamen had acquired a high renown for skill and valour. In this
enterprise that flag had again appeared, and a noble emulation prevailed
between the two squadrons as to which of them should most strenuo