ntinues favourable, and to-morrow I
hope to anchor in Gibraltar Bay; and, as an opportunity may offer to
send you this tedious journal, I hold it in readiness accordingly. It
will give you some faint idea of the trial our patience has been put
to; and although our progress has not been attended with the same
anxiety as I described in my former journal, when we were in pursuit
of the enemy, still I have not been exempt from great uneasiness on
various accounts, particularly from the crippled state of most of the
ships, in a navigation some part of which is very hazardous, and where
contrary winds so invariably prevail. I now hope in a short time to be
released from so heavy a charge, and that I shall be permitted to
proceed, as I have been given to expect, _immediately for England_.

"Tuesday, 16th.--We have gained sight of Gibraltar this morning; but
westerly winds and the current prevent our approach to it. I hope,
however, to have communication with the Rock to-morrow.

"Thursday, 18th.--I received late last evening a very flattering
letter from Earl St. Vincent, in answer to mine of the 10th, which, he
says, diffused universal joy to the garrison, and the little squadron
with him: and his lordship has rejoiced my heart by informing me that
so soon as the wounded and sick are landed from the squadron, and the
wants of the ships are supplied, I shall proceed to Lisbon with them.
He adds that, in his judgment, our action stands foremost in the page
of naval history, having, beyond all dispute, achieved more than was
ever done before, &c.

"We are still struggling against adverse winds, not without hope of
gaining the anchorage to-morrow. I most sincerely wish it, on every
account; and, although my next rendezvous is not what I exactly
expected, it always brings me nearer England.

"Great is our uneasiness for the fate of the Leander. In the letter
above alluded to, Lord St. Vincent thinks it probable she may have
been dismasted, and have put into one of the islands of the
Archipelago. I own my fears for her are great." The following is Lord
St. Vincent's letter, with Sir James's answer.

Gibraltar, 16th October 1798.

SIR,

Your letter of the 10th instant, received yesterday, has
diffused universal joy through the garrison and little squadron
now here. I highly applaud and admire the measures taken by you
and Rear-admiral the Marquis de Niza to induce the French to
surrender their stronghol