Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez Volume I Part 25

You are hereby required and directed to take under your command the advanced squadron, composed of his Majesty's s.h.i.+ps named on the other side hereof, (whose captains are instructed to obey your orders,) stationed off the Black Rocks and in the Bay of Brest, for the purpose of watching the combined fleets in that port; adopting such measures as you shall judge necessary for gaining every possible information of their force, condition, and movements.

In the execution of this most important service, the line-of-battle s.h.i.+ps (composing the advanced squadron) are to be anch.o.r.ed during an easterly wind in the Iroise Pa.s.sage, as well to support the look-out frigates, as to intercept a squadron of the enemy which is held in constant readiness to slip out the very first opportunity that shall offer; and during a westerly wind, you are not to fail in making Brest every day, if possible, but at all events to take such precautions as will enable you to resume your former position in the Iroise, on the first appearance of easterly wind.

You are to communicate to me from time to time every intelligence you may obtain respecting the enemy; and in case he should come out in great force, while the squadron under my command is in this rendezvous, you are to give me immediate notice thereof, and also the officers commanding the detachments off the Pa.s.sage Du Raz, Isle Grois, and in Quiberon Bay; but, in the event of my being compelled by tempestuous weather to take shelter in Torbay, and of the enemy seizing that opportunity of putting to sea, you are to give me information thereof by every means in your power: taking under your command the detachments off the Pa.s.sage Du Raz, Isle Grois, and in Quiberon Bay, together with the s.h.i.+ps named in the margin,[25] which are directed to keep as near the Black Rocks as possible, under the orders of Captain Sutton, for the support of your s.h.i.+ps; and to hang upon and use your utmost endeavours to hara.s.s the enemy's rear until the approach of this squadron, which, you may be a.s.sured, will be in pursuit.

Given on board the Royal George, off Ushant, 7th August 1800.

ST. VINCENT.

To Sir John Borlase Warren, Bart. K.B. Rear-admiral of the Blue, &c. &c. &c.

By command of the Admiral.

BEN. TUCKER.

An exact copy. Given the 8th August 1800 JOHN BORLASE WARREN.

[25] Superb and Captain.

Sir James now proceeded, in the Caesar, to a.s.sume the important command off the Black Rocks, which had deservedly obtained the name of New Siberia, as being the least desirable of stations for a s.h.i.+p-of-war.

It is, indeed, scarcely possible to describe any situation more miserable; for, besides being at the very entrance of a port containing twenty-five sail of the line ready for sea, which might slip out and attack the squadron of six, the s.h.i.+ps are two-thirds surrounded with rocks and dangers, which afford no shelter; while they are open to the S.W. winds. They have often great difficulty in working out, sometimes against the tide as well as against the wind; and, in reconnoitring, they are exposed to the fire of the enemy on each side of Brest Water.

The following extracts of private letters written by Sir James to Lady Saumarez, will be found interesting, as they convey the best idea of his situation.

Caesar, off the Black Rocks, Sunday evening, 2d Sept. 1800.

_On dit_, but I do not believe it, that the French fleet is to be ordered out by the First Consul, at all risks. We may therefore expect to make _minced meat_ of them with our seventeen three-deckers. We remain in sight of the enemy unmolested by them. To-day I had the colours hoisted, to show them Sunday was not expunged from _our_ calendar; and divine service was performed on board.

Our boats have occasionally landed on some small islands near this. Captain Buller purchased two nice little cows, one of which he has spared me: it is so tame, the children could play with it. It supplies me with milk, and cost me only three guineas.

The Guernsey traders continue with the squadron; but, on account of the spirits they sell to the s.h.i.+ps, I wish them further off.

I have been obliged to be harsh with them, from this circ.u.mstance; and I expect they will give a very bad report of their countryman when they return to the island.

Caesar, off the Black Rocks, Sept. 12th 1800.

Sir Henry Harvey has joined the fleet, which makes up the complement of flags; and it remains to be proved if the Earl has influence to effect what he so strenuously aims at respecting the promotion. I form very sanguine hopes that peace will shortly extend its blessed influence over these countries; and that I shall have the satisfaction to enjoy, without interruption, the sweets of domestic comfort. I certainly shall avail myself of the earliest respite the service will enable me to pa.s.s in the island; and I think I may have that opportunity this winter; for if the war should be continued, there is no doubt that a promotion would give me, at least, six weeks interval from duty; at any rate, I see no reason for the future affording you anxiety, as whether there, or in England, I depend on our pa.s.sing a considerable portion of the winter together. I hope Master Saumarez knows his alpha, beta, &c. by heart. When convenient to the young gentleman, I shall be glad that he will take the trouble to transcribe it for me to Omega, as I have no Greek grammar by me. I can readily believe the difficulty that attends fixing the little ladies to the French grammar, whose particularly quick and lively temper is not much suited to so tedious a process. I think, notwithstanding, it is the best method, especially as the same grammatical rules are adapted to any language, which they will find useful hereafter. Dancing, no doubt, has more attractions. I trust they have quite got rid of their colds: their papa has also had a very severe one, and kept his cabin for two days; but he is now perfectly recovered.

September 18th. I admire N., with his comments on Colchester.

When you next write, recommend him to try the Black Rocks in a thick fog, and no chance of letters from England: he will find even Norman Cross preferable. I, however, believe I have done with that anchorage for some time, as the wind is set in to the westward; and I shall now cruise to prevent vessels going into Brest.

I am happy to say I am perfectly well. I trust my nerves will prove equal to the task; as I have before often told you, they generally strengthen with difficulties.

I mean to make this cruise long enough to ent.i.tle me to a relief, therefore do not expect me in port as long as I can keep the sea.

Sir James immediately gave such orders and regulations as would best guard against, or overcome, the difficulties inseparable from such a service; and, with the prospect of a long winter before him, he sent these regulations, and a list of the rendezvous appointed by him, to the commander-in-chief, whose letter to Sir James, in answer, is expressive of the high opinion he entertained of him.

Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 15th Sept. 1800.

SIR,

Nothing can be more appropriate than the different rendezvous you have sent me a copy of; your change of position must fluctuate according to the sudden changes of the weather, which are to be looked for soon. I repose such unbounded confidence in your zeal and judgment that _I sleep as soundly as if I had the key of Brest in my possession_.

Sir Richard Strachan and Captain Buller, in the Captain and Edgar, will relieve two of the s.h.i.+ps which last joined you as soon as they return to this rendezvous, and the Canada will relieve the third. As I have applied for Captain Foley's leave of absence on very important private business, I wish the Elephant to be the first sent to me. I am, sir,

Your most obedient humble servant, ST. VINCENT.

Sir James Saumarez.

It was supposed that the Brest fleet would take advantage of the equinoctial gales, which were now approaching, and slip out as before, when the in-sh.o.r.e squadron was blown off, or compelled to bear up for Torbay; but Sir James had determined on frustrating their attempt. On the 23rd a heavy gale came on, which, in former instances, would have obliged the in-sh.o.r.e squadron to abandon the post; but, instead of bearing up for Torbay when no longer able to maintain his position, Sir James steered for Douvarnenez Bay, where he anch.o.r.ed with the whole squadron, just out of range of the enemy's mortar batteries, which soon tried their sh.e.l.ls, but without effect.

Here his squadron struck top-masts and lower yards, and rode out all the equinoctial gales, actually in the enemy's harbour, within a few miles of their whole fleet of four times his force, and in perfect safety! The gale had been very severe; and although Earl St. Vincent, who was obliged to run with his fleet for Torbay, had no fears for the safety of the in-sh.o.r.e squadron, relying as he did on the experience and skill of Sir James, yet the Admiralty were in a considerable state of alarm until the following account of his proceedings was received:

TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCER.

Caesar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th Sept. 1800.

MY LORD,

On the supposition that the fleet may have been driven from their station by the late tempestuous weather, and as some anxiety may be excited for the safety of this squadron, I take the opportunity by the Marlborough to inform your lords.h.i.+p of my having anch.o.r.ed in this bay last Tuesday evening, with the s.h.i.+ps under my command, where we have ridden the gale out in perfect safety, together with the Montague and Naiad, which s.h.i.+ps anch.o.r.ed here on Wednesday.

This is a most s.p.a.cious bay, and may be considered safe anchorage in any weather: it lies about four leagues to the southward of Brest; from which port it is only separated about five miles by land, over a mountainous and hilly country. As the same winds that enable the enemy's fleet to put to sea, also lead out of this bay, we can always be in time for them; and this appears the most favourable position to prevent their coasting convoys coming from the southern ports. The enemy has endeavoured to annoy the squadron with sh.e.l.ls, but at too great a distance to reach any of the s.h.i.+ps, and the whole fleet may lie in perfect safety from any of the batteries.

I purpose to remain here until the weather becomes more moderate, to enable me to resume the station off the Black Rocks. In the mean time, s.h.i.+ps will occasionally be detached to watch the motions of the enemy in Brest Water. I have the honour to be, &c.

JAS. SAUMAREZ.

In answer to this, Sir James received the following letter from Earl Spencer, then First Lord of the Admiralty.

Admiralty, 30th Sept. 1800.

DEAR SIR,

I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 26th, dated from Douvarnenez Bay, and was much pleased to find that you had got hold of that anchorage, as I felt very uneasy at your absence during the late gales. I should rather doubt whether that bay could be capacious enough for a large fleet to anchor in without danger from the batteries; but I have always hoped that some of our small squadron might avail themselves of that resource on such an occasion as that which has presented itself to you; and I have no doubt that the doing so will much a.s.sist the occupation of our fleet off Brest.

Believe me, dear sir, Your very faithful humble servant,

SPENCER.

To Sir James Saumarez.

Sir James, at the same time, wrote to Earl St. Vincent by the Marlborough, giving his lords.h.i.+p an account of his proceedings, which could not but be highly satisfactory.

Caesar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th September 1800.

MY LORD,

The weather not having admitted the stores and provisions to be taken out of the Marlborough whilst under sail, I bore up for this anchorage with the squadron; and early Wednesday morning the boats were all employed in conveying the water and provisions to the squadron: but it having continued to blow excessively hard from that time, it was not until this morning we have been enabled to accomplish this service.

The Montague and Naiad anch.o.r.ed in the bay Wednesday morning, and are now under sail. It has blown a very severe gale of wind at north-west the last two days, and we have saved considerable wear and tear to all the s.h.i.+ps by having taken this anchorage in good time.

I propose to remain here during the continuation of westerly winds, or until the weather enables me to resume the station off the Black Rocks; detaching s.h.i.+ps occasionally to watch the enemy's motions.

I have the honour to be Your lords.h.i.+p's most obedient and most humble servant,