ntinued to watch the enemy off Cadiz, were seen coming through the
Straits under a crowd of canvass, with the signal for an enemy flying;
and they had scarcely rounded Cabrita Point before the Spanish
squadron, consisting of six sail of the line, were seen in pursuit of
them, and soon after anchored in Algeziras with the French squadron.

Sir James now added the following to his despatches to Lord Keith:

Caesar, Gibraltar, 9th July 1801.

MY LORD,

I have the honour to inform your lordship that the Superb and
Thames are now standing into the bay, with the signal for the
enemy's being in sight; and I understand from Governor O'Hara
that he has information from Cadiz that all the Spanish and
French ships in that port were ordered to Algeziras Bay to take
the French ships to Carthagena.

I hope to have all the squadron ready before this day week; and,
as they cannot possibly put to sea under a fortnight at the
earliest, I hope something may join me from your lordship before
they can put to sea: but, on the event of their sailing before
such junction, I shall follow them up with all the ships with
me, and proceed off Minorca, which will be my rendezvous till I
have the honour of hearing from your lordship.

I am sorry to mention that the Hannibal is got off; but Captain
Ferris, who has just come over on his parole, describes her in
the worst condition, as well as the three French ships, and does
not think they can be repaired under a fortnight or three weeks
at the earliest; as does Lord Cochrane, who is likewise come
over on his parole.

I have the honour to be
Your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

To Right Hon. Lord Keith, K.B. &c. &c. &c.

The public despatches being closed, Sir James wrote the following
letters, which were sent by the same conveyance; and, as they contain
his own private feelings on the occasion, they will be read with
interest:

Caesar, Rosia Bay, 6th July 1801.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

After the warm expectations my friends have always formed for my
success in the public service, they will be distressed on being
informed of my having failed in an enterprise with the squadron
on three French line-of-battle ships at anchor off Algeziras. I
was informed by different expresses from this garrison of their
having attempted to pass the Straits for Cadiz, and having