ron to abandon the post; but, instead of
bearing up for Torbay when no longer able to maintain his position,
Sir James steered for Douvarnenez Bay, where he anchored with the
whole squadron, just out of range of the enemy's mortar batteries,
which soon tried their shells, but without effect.

Here his squadron struck top-masts and lower yards, and rode out all
the equinoctial gales, actually in the enemy's harbour, within a few
miles of their whole fleet of four times his force, and in perfect
safety! The gale had been very severe; and although Earl St. Vincent,
who was obliged to run with his fleet for Torbay, had no fears for the
safety of the in-shore squadron, relying as he did on the experience
and skill of Sir James, yet the Admiralty were in a considerable state
of alarm until the following account of his proceedings was received:

TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCER.
Caesar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th Sept. 1800.

MY LORD,

On the supposition that the fleet may have been driven from
their station by the late tempestuous weather, and as some
anxiety may be excited for the safety of this squadron, I take
the opportunity by the Marlborough to inform your lordship of my
having anchored in this bay last Tuesday evening, with the ships
under my command, where we have ridden the gale out in perfect
safety, together with the Montague and Naiad, which ships
anchored here on Wednesday.

This is a most spacious bay, and may be considered safe
anchorage in any weather: it lies about four leagues to the
southward of Brest; from which port it is only separated about
five miles by land, over a mountainous and hilly country. As the
same winds that enable the enemy's fleet to put to sea, also
lead out of this bay, we can always be in time for them; and
this appears the most favourable position to prevent their
coasting convoys coming from the southern ports. The enemy has
endeavoured to annoy the squadron with shells, but at too great
a distance to reach any of the ships, and the whole fleet may
lie in perfect safety from any of the batteries.

I purpose to remain here until the weather becomes more
moderate, to enable me to resume the station off the Black
Rocks. In the mean time, ships will occasionally be detached to
watch the motions of the enemy in Brest Water. I have the honour
to be, &c.

JAS. SAUMAREZ.

In answer to this, Sir James rece