s occasion, until broken by the roar of the enemy's
destructive engines.

Captain (now Admiral Sir Jahleel) Brenton, who was flag-captain of the
Caesar, has kindly transmitted the following particular and authentic
account of all that took place on that eventful day, which afforded
the enemy a short-lived triumph. We shall make no apology for giving
it in his own words:

On Sunday, the 5th July 1801, a despatch-boat was seen in the
S.E., and at two P.M. came alongside the Caesar, with
intelligence of a French squadron having anchored in Algeziras
Bay, consisting of three sail of the line and a frigate.[30] The
Admiral immediately decided on attacking them; and ordered the
Thames frigate to proceed off St. Lucar to recall the Superb,
and make sail with the Pompee, Hannibal, Spencer, Audacious, and
Venerable, for the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar; making
the signal to prepare for action, and for anchoring by the
stern.

[30] Le Formidable, 84. Dessaix, 84. Indomptable, 74: and
Meuron, 38.

The day was beautiful, with a light air from the westward. At
eleven o'clock the ship's company was, as usual, assembled for
the purpose of Divine service. The appearance of this
congregation, under the peculiar circumstances in which they
were placed,--proceeding, as they all knew they were, to engage
in battle with the enemy, with the probability that many had but
a few remaining hours to live,--was solemn and deeply
impressive. The crew were all dressed in white, as is customary
in warm climates; and being arranged according to their
respective divisions on the quarter-deck, with the band and the
marines on the poop, and the Admiral and the officers under the
poop awning, an effect was produced highly animating, solemn,
and appropriate; while the meek, devotional countenance of the
well-tried Admiral indicated that he derived his confidence and
support from its only true source.

Our chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Holliday, gave an excellent
discourse, appropriate to the occasion; and it cannot be doubted
but the impressions it made on that eventful day were deep and
affecting, however temporary.

I had of course much communication with the Admiral during the
course of this day and the ensuing night. He was, as usual,
calm, cheerful, and collected; foreseeing, and endeavouring to
provide for, whatever might be requi