knowing how highly Sir James
Saumarez was qualified for such an important trust, gave him the
following order to take command of the in-shore squadron:

You are hereby required and directed to proceed without a
moment's loss of time, in his Majesty's ship under your command,
off the Black Rocks, where you may expect to find his Majesty's
ships named in the margin,[24] which you are to take under your
command; their respective captains being instructed to obey your
orders: and having received from Captain Knight, of his
Majesty's ship Montague, authenticated copies of all orders and
papers in his possession relative to the command of the advanced
squadron, carry the same into execution until you receive
further orders.

You will also receive from Captain Knight a sealed secret
instruction, addressed to the officer commanding the advanced
squadron off the Black Rocks for the time being, which is on no
account to be opened, but under the circumstances thereon
directed.

ST. VINCENT.

To Sir James Saumarez, &c.

[24] Magnificent, Defiance, Marlborough, and Edgar.

Copy of Instructions to the Senior Officer of the advanced
squadron off the Black Rocks.

You are hereby required and directed to take under your command
the advanced squadron, composed of his Majesty's ships named on
the other side hereof, (whose captains are instructed to obey
your orders,) stationed off the Black Rocks and in the Bay of
Brest, for the purpose of watching the combined fleets in that
port; adopting such measures as you shall judge necessary for
gaining every possible information of their force, condition,
and movements.

In the execution of this most important service, the
line-of-battle ships (composing the advanced squadron) are to be
anchored during an easterly wind in the Iroise Passage, as well
to support the look-out frigates, as to intercept a squadron of
the enemy which is held in constant readiness to slip out the
very first opportunity that shall offer; and during a westerly
wind, you are not to fail in making Brest every day, if
possible, but at all events to take such precautions as will
enable you to resume your former position in the Iroise, on the
first appearance of easterly wind.

You are to communicate to me from time to time every
intelligence you may obtain respecting the enemy; and in case he