edient and most humble servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.

His Majesty's ship Montague, with the Naiad, and Suwarrow
schooner, went through the bay yesterday evening.

Ville de Paris, Torbay, 4th October, 1800.

SIR,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters of the
25th, 26th, 28th ultimo, and 1st instant, detailing your
proceedings with his Majesty's ships under your orders; the
whole of which I very much approve, particularly the taking
under your command Captains Sutton and King, with the ships and
vessels attached to them: and you will herewith receive orders
to their respective captains and commanders to put themselves
under your command, and obey your orders for their future
proceedings in the important duty of watching the combined
fleets.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
ST. VINCENT.

Sir James Saumarez.

By this bold and unexpected step, (which the French have since
characterised as a piece of _impudence_,) Sir James completely
frustrated the meditated escape of the combined fleets, which were
now thirty-two in number, seven of which were three-deckers. He had,
moreover, the honour of being the first to defy the enemy in his own
anchorage, proving at the same time that it would not be so easy as
formerly to elude the vigilance of the advanced squadron.

The weather having moderated after the second return to Douvarnenez
Bay, the squadron resumed the anchorage near the Black Rocks, daily
reconnoitring the enemy, destroying several small vessels which
attempted to get in, and keeping under sail when the wind was
westerly. In continuation to Lady Saumarez he writes:

Oct. 4th 1800.

The anxiety inseparable from this cruise is very considerably
alleviated from knowing the fleet is in port, which must prove
of the greatest benefit both to officers and men, and to the
service in general. I find the rumours of peace are vanished,
and that war is determined upon. I trust events will be
favourable to this country. There is no doubt the French are
much distressed for provisions in the neighbourhood of Brest,
and that discontent prevails among their troops, who are
ill-paid, ill-fed, and badly clothed. It is horrid to see the
leading men of all nations so infatuated for war, at a time
peace is so much to be desired for the sake of humanity.