ced squadron.--Several
private letters.--Commands the advanced squadron off
Cadiz.--Mutiny in the fleet.--Anecdote and remarks thereon.

The Orion was ordered into harbour; and on examination it was found
she had been so much strained during the last cruise, particularly in
the November storm, subsequently known by the name of "Admiral
Christian's gale," besides having sprung her lower masts, that it
became absolutely necessary for her to be taken into dock. During the
next four months Sir James obtained, leave of absence; and it was not
until the 7th of May 1796, that, having rejoined his ship, he was
called into active service, the Orion being placed in Rear-admiral
Lord Hugh Seymour's division of the grand fleet which was fitted for
foreign service.

After a short cruise off Brest, the Orion proceeded to reinforce the
fleet under Sir John Jervis, off Cape St. Vincent. This squadron
consisted of the Sanspareil (flag-ship), Orion, Triumph, Juste,
Hector, and Theseus, of the line; Phaeton and Latona, frigates; and
Incendiary, fire-ship. On arriving off their station, Captain Saumarez
was detached to Fayall by Lord Hugh's order, dated the 13th June, to
obtain stock, wine, &c. for the use of the squadron; and was directed
to meet his lordship at ten leagues to the westward of that island;
after which the squadron returned to Cape St. Vincent, and from
thence, in the month of September, they joined the Channel fleet,
under Lord Gardner.

On the 11th of December the Orion returned to Spithead, in order to
refit and replenish in water and provisions, after a six months'
unsuccessful cruise. This occupied but a short time; and on the 17th
of the same month Sir James proceeded in the Orion, with a squadron
under the orders of Admiral W. Parker, to reinforce Sir John Jervis,
off Cape St. Vincent. This squadron consisted of the Prince George,
98; Namur, 90; Irresistible, Orion, and Colossus, of 74 guns; and
Thalia frigate. The junction with Sir John was effected on the 6th of
February. Thus reinforced, the Admiral had under his command--

Guns.
100 Victory, Admiral Sir John Jervis.
Captain Robert Calder.
Captain George Grey.

Britannia, Vice-admiral Charles Thompson.
Captain Foley.

98 Barfleur, Vice-admiral Hon. W. Waldegrave.