rong
batteries, which so completely protect the harbour, and which did the
greatest execution, shows the first position of the ships about the
time they all anchored, and before the enemy's ships had warped near
the shore. The second, represented by the outlines, shows the
situation of the hostile squadrons at the time the Hannibal struck,
when the Pompee had nearly reached the Mole, the distance of which
from Algeziras is little more than four miles, and the Spencer was
considerably advanced in that direction.

We cannot conclude our account of this action without a few remarks on
the circumstances we have related. There cannot be a doubt that, had
the enemy remained in the position he held at the commencement of the
action, every ship would have been taken. Praise is certainly due to
Admiral Linois for his able manoeuvre of warping his ships aground,
being the only chance he had of escaping; while it was acknowledging
that, as long as his ships were continued afloat, he had no confidence
in protection from the batteries, strong as they were, against the
valour and perseverance of British seamen.

Although the attack was not crowned with the success it merited, in a
national point of view the result was as complete as if the whole
squadron had been destroyed, as the enemy were thereby prevented from
proceeding further in the execution of the ulterior object of their
expedition; and the chance of this alone was sufficient to justify Sir
James in this bold and daring attempt, which, it will be seen,
ultimately led to one of the most glorious achievements which adorn
the annals of the empire.[35]

[35] The discrepancies between the diagram and _some_ of the
statements given in the logs, are easily accounted for by the
changes which took place in the positions of the ships during
the action.

CHAPTER XV.

1801.

Observations on the Battle of Algeziras.--Copies of the Journals
of the Spencer, Audacious, and Venerable.--Remarks on
them.--Further particulars.--The Spanish account.--The French
account.--Bulletin from the Moniteur.--Anecdote of an occurrence
at St. Malo.--Sword presented to Linois.--Lines on the
occasion.--His improvement of Naval tactics.--Epigram.--Anecdote
of the intrepidity of one of the Caesar's men.

It has been mentioned in the preceding chapter that, owing chiefly to
the minutes of Captain Ferris's court-martial, and to the
discrepancies in different s