nday morning, it would be generally
followed by all the fleet, as they would then know the Admiral's
intention to give time for that purpose.

I trust that your lordship will do justice to the motives that
have induced me to write on the present subject, which I have
long had in contemplation, and which I have now decided upon
from the apprehensions that seem to be entertained of
disturbances among the seamen of this fleet, as I know nothing
that will contribute more to keep them in the right line of
their duty than a proper attention to religious principles, the
example to which should be set them by their officers.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest regard,
Your lordship's most faithful
and obedient humble servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

The Right Hon. Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c.

DEAR SIR,

I have to acknowledge your letter of the 20th instant, and am
much obliged to you for the hint contained in it. You must be
aware how delicate a matter it is for me to interfere in a
detail of this description. I shall not, however, fail to make
such use of the suggestion as may appear to me to come within
the bounds of propriety, and may very probably produce the
desired effect.

I trust that the present alarm, which has been excited by
several circumstances of a suspicious nature, may prove
groundless; and I feel very strongly that nothing can more
probably contribute to make it so than every precaution being
taken in time to prevent an evil, which experience has already
proved to us, if suffered once to begin, is so very difficult to
remedy.

I am, dear sir,
Your very obedient humble servant,
SPENCER.
Admiralty, June 1800.

The Caesar arrived at Torbay on the 14th December, and on the 21st
reached Spithead, where she remained during the rest of the year
1800.

CHAPTER XIII.

1801.

Sir James Saumarez is promoted to the rank of
Rear-admiral.--Appointed to command the advanced
squadron.--Proceedings at the Black Rocks.--Douvarnenez
Bay.--Returns to England.--Appointed to command a squadron on a
very particular service.--His secret orders, &c. and letter of
approbation.--Ready for sea.--Is created a Baronet of the United
Kingdom.

On the 1st of January 1801, a promotion of flag-officers took place,
in order, it was said, to include the name of Sir James Saumarez; and
this flat