Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez Volume I Part 23

Alexander, at sea, 11th Oct. 1798.

MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

I have the satisfaction of sending you, by the Colossus, a case containing six fan-mounts, two boxes of perfumery, four large and two small of Naples soap, amounting to eighteen Spanish dollars and a half. I hope to collect from Sicily some ornamental figures for a table, which I will forward to you, by the first safe conveyance, with some Neapolitan shawls. I shall not draw upon your agent, as I expect, when I return to Naples, to receive nearly forty pounds as your share of the cotton and articles taken out of the Spanish polacre we captured. Pray let me know to whom I shall remit the balance. I sincerely hope that you had a good pa.s.sage down, and have not suffered from the fatigue and anxiety you must have experienced. I make no doubt but you will have the pleasure of convoying the s.h.i.+ps to England, where you will be amply recompensed by a joyful meeting with Lady Saumarez and your family. When you get your second medal, beware of the ladies, if they hear such a story of you as of our friend Collingwood. I shall feel very much flattered whenever you will favour me with a line; and you may be a.s.sured that I shall never lose an occasion of testifying to you my great esteem, and how very much I value your friends.h.i.+p. I enclose herewith a translation of Admiral Blanquet's account of the battle of the Nile, with his plans, which he is to present to the French Minister of the Marine. One of my officers copied them unknown to him, but his aide-de-camp allowed everybody to read them.

It would be difficult to describe to you the very flattering reception we met with at Naples. Our gallant Admiral was hailed as the saviour of Italy. He daily receives from all parts congratulatory addresses and verses, celebrating his fame. The King visited him before he anch.o.r.ed, and he gave him and all the captains a very elegant dinner on board one of his s.h.i.+ps of the line. We dined on the p.o.o.p; the party very select, consisting of the hereditary Prince and one of his brothers, the Minister of Marine, three of the Lords in waiting, Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and the captain of the Neapolitan s.h.i.+p. After dinner, the King gave as a toast, "Sir Horatio Nelson and the brave English nation," with a salute from his lower deck guns. Sir William Hamilton gave a fete that cost more than a thousand pounds. It was much admired for its taste and magnificence.

There was nothing to be seen or heard of but "Viva Nelson!" The English nation never stood so high in the estimation of the Italians as at this present moment: and I believe the French were never so universally execrated and despised as they now are. The Emperor and King of Naples will make an effort to drive them out of Italy. General Mack was daily expected at Naples to arrange the plans.

We have to regret the capture of the Leander by the Genereux.

She is carried into Corfu. Of course all our letters by her are destroyed, and our friends will suffer much anxiety until the arrival of Capel, who could not get there before the 20th of last month. The grand Seignior declared war against the French the 1st of last month. He did not receive the Admiral's official account of the action until the 6th ult. He has ordered a costly diamond to be presented to him for the important victory.

Buonaparte's career is nearly finished. He will soon be surrounded by sixty thousand men. One of his colonels, whom Foley took very lately, says that the whole army will soon perish. He sent to Alexandria for all the troops in garrison to join him without loss of time, which they refused doing. The seamen marched to retrieve their character, but I do not think many will return to tell of their exploits. A Turkish fleet is gone for Alexandria. Our Envoy at Constantinople, Sir Sidney Smith's brother, has gained great credit by his ability and judicious conduct. I had great satisfaction in reading some of his correspondence. We expect very soon to be in possession of Malta, Corfu, Zante, and Cerigo. I shall then hope to go to England, Sir H. Nelson having given me reason to expect the pleasure of carrying home Sir William and Lady Hamilton.

I am now in company with the Colossus, going off Malta, which we are in sight of. Captain Murray talks of staying to ascertain the state of the island. He is then to proceed to join Lord St.

Vincent. He has this moment made the signal for Gibraltar; I must therefore refer you to him for the state of Malta. The French must surrender in a few days. Their s.h.i.+ps mean to slip out and trust to their sailing. Believe me,

With true esteem and regard, My dear Sir James, very sincerely yours, ALEX. M. BALL.

Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c.

To return to Sir James's journal:

"19th October.--Your valued letters of the 21st July and 29th August I received the morning of my arrival, and they gave me real comfort after so long a privation. I now trust that, in a few weeks, we shall be re-united, no more to part! It is my firm intention to remain, for some time at least, entirely abstracted from active service. If I can do so, and retain the command of the s.h.i.+p, well and good; if not, I shall apply to be superseded.

"An expedition under Sir John Duckworth is now sailing from this bay; various are the conjectures on its destination. I need not tell you, after what I have noticed respecting the Earl, that we are on a very good footing. Indeed, the solicitous attention he shows to me almost overwhelms me, as I wish to keep clear of laying myself under obligation, except as far as concerns the promotion of my officers.

"24th October, Orion, off Cadiz.--Yesterday I got clear of Gibraltar Bay with the Theseus and five of the prizes, it having been decided, the morning before we sailed, to leave the Souverain for a hulk at Gibraltar, which I had strongly recommended before.

"I was fortunate in the arrival of the Transfer brig, in ten days from Naples, a few hours previous to our sailing. She brought the sad news of the capture of the Leander, with the despatches; but having long before given her over for lost, and being apprehensive for the safety of all on board, the account rather gave me satisfaction, especially as she is said to have well supported the fame of the Nile squadron, though the details of the action are not known.

"Earl St. Vincent afforded me the perusal of several interesting letters that came by the Transfer from Naples, particularly from the envoy and our gallant Admiral: he was on the point of sailing for Malta, which, there is scarcely a doubt, is by this time, entirely in possession of the inhabitants.

"We are going on with a fine breeze for Lisbon, which I hope to reach before Sat.u.r.day. This morning I gained sight of our squadron off Cadiz; and, although within a few miles of one of the s.h.i.+ps, (the Hector,) they had not the curiosity to join us, and I was unwilling to be delayed by going to them, although I should have been happy to have had communication with some of the s.h.i.+ps. I hope my stay at Lisbon will be but short; as, after I embark the Duc d'Havre, and have seen the prizes taken care of, I proceed immediately for Portsmouth. Judge then of my feelings. My only regret is, being unable to impart them to you!

"Thursday.--Early this morning I fell in with the Barfleur and Northumberland. Although not without great difficulty, I persevered in my endeavours to join them; but, to my great concern, I found no letters for me on board either s.h.i.+p. Captain Dacres tells me he wrote to Ryde, thinking you were there, but in vain. Lady Parker, however, a.s.sured him that she had a letter from you very lately.

"I was glad to hear Captain Capel had reached England with the accounts of our action, the news of which were received at Portsmouth the day before the Barfleur sailed.

"Fortune has, as usual, proved propitious this month. What think you of two vessels, with valuable cargoes from Genoa, which promise to give, at the most moderate computation, at least 10,000 between Captain Miller and myself![21] The Theseus joined me with one yesterday noon, and we brought the other to, some time after; both under Greek colours, but unquestionably laden with the property of Genoese merchants. More are on their way, which we expect to fall in with. But indeed, my dearest love, we require not riches to add to our happiness. Let us but have peace and tranquillity, and we have enough for every earthly enjoyment whilst it pleases Heaven to bless us with good health. Alas, poor Lady W.! how sensibly I feel for the misfortune that has deprived her excellent husband of all prospect of ever again enjoying comfort in this life. She was, indeed, all you have said of her.

[21] This was never realised.

"To-morrow I depend on arriving at Lisbon, with the hope of being detained a few days only, and where I rely on being cheered with letters from you. _A propos_: Miss R. is there, and will not be sorry to hear the Leander is at last heard of, although in possession of the enemy. She is going to England with General and Mrs. Trigge.

"27th October.--I had hoped before the arrival of this _blessed_ day to acquaint you with our being safe in the Tagus; but the light winds prevented our getting round Cape St. Vincent before yesterday evening, and it now blows so strong from the westward that there is no possibility of getting over the bar. To-morrow, I trust, we shall be more fortunate; or, what would prove still better, that it will blow so strong as to compel me to bear up for the Channel, which I certainly would do in case of a south-west gale.

"Sunday, two o'clock.--I now congratulate you on our safe arrival in the Tagus, in the midst of very boisterous weather; but, thanks to Divine Providence! without an accident to any of the s.h.i.+ps; I have but once more to weigh anchor, and then I trust in its mercy to bring me to the haven where I would be, and to find all my precious treasures in complete possession of health and happiness.

"A packet arrived this morning with Commissioner Coffin. The only letter I have been so fortunate as to receive is one from Mr. Le M.

dated the day Captain Capel arrived. What would I not give for one of as late date from you! Another is soon expected, this packet having had nearly three weeks' pa.s.sage."

The extract of the following letter from Sir James to the commander-in-chief continues this narrative:

Orion, Tagus, 1st November, 1798.

MY LORD,

I have the honour to acquaint your lords.h.i.+p of the safe arrival in the Tagus of this s.h.i.+p and the Theseus, with five of the prize-s.h.i.+ps lately taken in his Majesty's service.

His grace the Duc d'Havre embarks on board this s.h.i.+p on Monday next; and the Marquis de Mortemart having solicited a pa.s.sage to England, I have consented to receive him on condition of his being considered in the suite of the duke. Captain Tyler also takes his pa.s.sage in the Orion. I should have been happy to have made the like offer to General Trigge, but it was not possible to accommodate him and the ladies of his family without considerable inconvenience to the Duc d'Havre. His grace is a n.o.bleman of the first distinction and consideration, and he expresses himself very sensible of your lords.h.i.+p's attention in providing for him so good a conveyance.

I beg to offer my most sincere and fervent wishes for health and every happiness to attend your lords.h.i.+p; and, with my unfeigned thanks for all your lords.h.i.+p's favour,

I remain, &c.

Sir James, having now fulfilled the anxious charge entrusted to him, and, with great professional skill and unremitting vigilance, brought the prizes in safety to Lisbon, is at length setting sail for England: and who will not share the feelings of the husband and the father, on approaching his home after so long an absence! The following extracts from his letters will convey some impression of what those feelings were.

Lisbon, Nov. 3rd, 1798.

I am now rejoicing in the hope of being in England nearly as soon as this letter can reach you. I propose to sail from this place the beginning of next week, and I trust my arrival will shortly follow. Let me find a letter from you at Portsmouth. I depend on your being ready to set off as soon as you hear the Orion is there. The post will arrive sufficiently early to allow of your leaving Bath the same day. I may possibly be able to meet you on the road, as I shall have had time to despatch Monsieur le Duc d'Havre (who is a very polite Frenchman) and to make arrangements against our return. I think it right to mention that unless the wind admits the s.h.i.+ps getting over the Bar of Lisbon, I may be detained. But I hope for a quick pa.s.sage.

"Sunday, November 25th, Spithead.--I wrote to you, this morning, from St. Helens. The happy moment is at length arrived when I can despatch a letter from Spithead. Yours of yesterday is in my hand. To-morrow you will be setting off; but I fear the service will prevent our meeting till the day after.

"I have despatched Dumaresq to Newport for our dear boy; and I depend on seeing him to-night. _Le Duc est empresse de le voir._ I hope to get the party on sh.o.r.e, _de bonne heure_, to-morrow: but we are still in quarantine whilst I am making these arrangements.

"Tuesday morning.--Great is my disappointment at being kept thus long in quarantine: it is a cruel _contre temps_, and the more so from its being unforeseen. What adds to my disappointment is, that I am at a loss to know if our _pratique_ has been received by this day's post, the weather having prevented all communication with the sh.o.r.e. It will rejoice you to learn that our beloved boy has been with me since ten, yesterday morning, and that I find him all you have described. I expect to hear every moment of your arrival at the Fountain. Mr.

Maxwell writes there is no doubt of our being released to-morrow.

"One o'clock.--If our _pratique_ is not received by this post, request Sir Peter to set the telegraph at work, now that the weather has cleared up. 8 P.M. Your letter has this instant reached me. The tidings of your arrival have relieved my mind from great inquietude.

The messenger has orders to wait your commands until after the post hour to-morrow; and if we are not then admitted to the privileges of _Christian charity_ after our _Egyptian bondage_, we must _endeavour_ to submit to our fate. James is by my side, and glows with thankfulness at being so soon likely to embrace his beloved mamma. He has indeed been a real comfort to me under this sad contrariety of events. I have placed Monsieur Le Duc, and the rest of the party, at cards, to send these lines in time _pour ton reveil demain. Encore adieu, ma tres chere_! Write every hour of the day, and send your letters to Mr. Maxwell.

"Wednesday morning.--Grieved as I am to be a prisoner still another day, there is consolation in the _certainty_ of our being released to-morrow. Ardently as I aspire for the moment of our meeting, I must delay going on sh.o.r.e until after the performance of divine service in this s.h.i.+p:[22] and I know this arrangement will have your full concurrence. Your note is just received: how well have you antic.i.p.ated my thoughts, and met my wishes even before they were expressed. Please G.o.d, to-morrow we shall be compensated for a separation of two long years; and on a day in which none can have greater mercies to commemorate than ourselves.

[22] November 29th, the day appointed for a general thanksgiving for the great naval victories.

"Wednesday evening.--I have just ascertained that the Duke and the Marquis do not proceed to town before Friday; therefore expect to receive them at dinner, and desire Mrs. Fielding to prepare for eighteen or twenty guests."

Sir James remained at Portsmouth, until the 15th December, when he sailed for Plymouth, at which place he arrived on the 22nd: and on the 6th of January 1799 the Orion was paid off, when Sir James went to Bath, where he was once more free and happy in the bosom of his family.

CHAPTER XII.

1800.

Sir James writes to Earl Spencer.--Is appointed to the Caesar, of 84 guns.--Joins the Channel fleet.--The Brest fleet having escaped, proceeds to the Mediterranean.--English fleet at Bantry Bay.--Return of the French fleet.--Caesar at Lisbon.--Sir James returns to Spithead.--Rejoins the Channel fleet.--Earl St.

Vincent takes the command.--Appoints Sir James to command the advanced squadron.--Black Rocks.--Earl St. Vincent's letter of approbation.--Douvernenez Bay.--Various letters.--Complete success of the blockade--Enemy's fleet laid up Sir James returns to Spithead.--Conclusion of 1800.