tain of the fleet, ordered
Lieutenant Barker on board the Admiral for the purpose of inquiring
after his safety, and of receiving his further instructions. He
shortly returned with the melancholy detail that Sir Horatio was
severely wounded in the head. At this period, several of the ships of
the squadron were still warmly engaged with the centre and part of the
rear of the enemy's fleet. Sir James therefore sent a boat to such
ships as appeared to be in condition, with directions to slip their
cables and assist their gallant companions. These orders were
immediately put in execution by that distinguished officer Captain
Miller, of the Theseus, and by the other ships that were in a state to
renew the action. It has been already stated that the masts of the
Orion were too much damaged to admit of that ship getting under way.
In the course of the day the whole of the enemy's fleet had
surrendered, excepting two ships of the line and two frigates, which
escaped from the rear.

Sir James being unable, from the effects of his wound, to wait on the
Admiral and offer his congratulations personally, sent him the
following letter:

Orion, 2nd August 1798.

MY DEAR ADMIRAL,

I regret exceedingly being prevented from congratulating you in
person on the most complete and glorious victory ever yet
obtained,--the just recompense of the zeal and great anxiety so
long experienced by you before it pleased Providence to give you
sight of those miscreants who have now received the just
punishment of their past crimes. You have been made the happy
instrument of inflicting on them their just chastisement; and
may you, my dear Admiral, long live to enjoy, in the approbation
of the whole world, the greatest of earthly blessings!

I am ever your most faithful and obedient servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

To Sir Horatio Nelson, &c. &c. &c.

From the character which has already been portrayed of Sir James, the
reader will not be surprised to find that the Orion was the first to
hoist the pendant at the mizen-peak, and thereby to show an example to
the fleet worthy of imitation, in returning thanks to the great
Disposer of events and Giver of all victory for that which they had
just obtained over their enemies. A discourse on this occasion was
delivered by the clergyman of the Orion, which must have made a great
and lasting impression on the hearers; but the circumstance, which is
much easier to be im