l the fleet are anchored about five miles
from us, and we lie between them and the entrance of Cadiz.

All private accounts from England agree with you in the prospect
of peace; and they are corroborated by those we occasionally
receive from Cadiz. It is certain that the Spaniards are
extremely tired with the war; and they are apprehensive of
insurrection amongst themselves. Mazarredo, who commands their
fleet, went off for Madrid a fortnight ago, and, it is said, to
represent the state of the fleet, and its insufficiency to cope
with ours.

We understand Lord H. Seymour is off Cape St. Vincent, and that
Admiral Frederick is on his way with five sail of the line. It
looks as if ministers meant to back the negociation with all
their force.

The Admiralty order respecting the increase of wages, &c. has
been read to the different ships' companies; and I am happy to
observe that in my ship no part of their conduct has hitherto
shown the least appearance of discontent. It is much to be
lamented that the disturbance which prevailed in the Channel
fleet was not timely prevented, as the same spirit of
disaffection may hereafter show itself when it may not be so
easily suppressed.

We begin to want the luxuries, yet abound in the essentials of
life,--having plenty of beef, mutton, fowls, &c. Seriously, I
have not had above twelve men in the sicklist since I left
Lisbon, and most of them slight complaints.

I want to hear that my sister has _dreamt_ of another
action,--or, what is still better, of galleons! It must be soon,
or the approaching peace will oblige us to restore what we may
capture. I am happy to hear from my brother Thomas that things
go on prosperously at Guernsey, and that he does not fear the
French, though the two regiments are taken from him.

Adieu, my dear Richard!
Affectionately yours,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

No part of the career of Sir James Saumarez is more deserving of
admiration than his conduct on the unfortunate disaffection which took
place in His Majesty's fleet; a calamity gently alluded to in the
above letter. This circumstance, which must ever redound to his
honour, was entirely owing to the high state of discipline of the
crew in his own ship, and to their unalterable attachment to their
commander, under whom the greatest part had served since the
commencement of the war. It was from a perfec