came up. I stood for a three-decker, which,
after engaging some time, struck her colours: she first had
showed a white flag, which, though I concluded to indicate a
truce, was not satisfactory to myself, and we continued firing
till they hoisted an English flag over the Spanish, on which we
ceased firing.

The enemy's ships, many of which had not been in action, at this
time came up and were forming to windward. The Admiral made the
signal to wear and come to the wind on the starboard tack;
wishing, I believe, to keep his squadron collected near the
prizes, as well as the Captain, that was much disabled, besides
the Colossus, which ship very unfortunately lost her fore-yard
very early in the action. This ill-timed, but doubtless
necessary manoeuvre, lost us the additional triumph of having
the Purissima Concepcion, to grace the ships already in our
possession, and I experienced the regret of again seeing her
resume the Spanish colours.

I have here related to you facts as they really occurred, and I
believe all my officers will vouch for the authenticity of this
account. I am happy to acquaint you that we have providentially
lost no man in the action; eight only wounded, all doing well;
amongst which number is Mr. Mansell, from a contusion in his
right shoulder by splinter. Our main and mizen-top-masts are
alone disabled, and the hull has not suffered materially. All
the officers, and every man individually, behaved as nobly as I
have ever witnessed; and you know it is not the first action in
which I have seen courage excited.

This is copied from the letter I write to my brother. My
amanuensis is a gentleman who acted as my aide-de-camp, and I
beg you will acquaint his good father that he acquitted himself
highly to my satisfaction, and showed himself deserving the
stock from which he sprung. I truly hope in due time to have the
opportunity of advancing a young man of his merit.

In case I have not time to write to my brother, as the above has
been copied only from the scraps of the letter I intended
writing, send him this letter, stating my great hurry and the
pressure of service at this crisis.

Adieu! nothing can equal my impatience to hear from you, and to
receive good accounts of my sister.

I am truly, most affectionately yours,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

Lagos Bay, 17th February 1797.