h splinters, and demolished the tables and chairs,
besides the glass. Fortunately, my papers and wardrobe escaped.
We are now quite refitted; as well, I may say, as we were a
fortnight ago.

I am in want of nothing whatever, but letters from you. Let me
have favourable accounts of yourself and of our precious
children, and I shall be satisfied. I hope to send a box of
Malaga raisins for the young tribe. James will be overjoyed to
hear of his father's victory.

The following is the account of the above action, from the French
commander-in-chief, dated at Cadiz, 16th July 1801.

CITIZEN MINISTER.--General Moreno has returned into harbour.
General Linois will give you an account of the sailing and
passage of the squadron. I shall only mention to you the chagrin
which I have experienced at not seeing the French ship, St.
Antonio, and the two three-deckers, the Real Carlos and the
Hermenegildo: a marine, saved with forty-five men from the Real
Carlos, has informed us that about midnight the squadron having
been attacked by the English, the Real Carlos and the
Hermenegildo took each other for enemies. A very smart
engagement ensued, the two vessels being nearly foul of each
other. A fire broke out on board the Real Carlos, which soon
blew up, and set fire to the Hermenegildo, which shared the same
fate. The St. Antonio, in consequence of her station, was near
the latter vessel, and this station gave me the greatest
uneasiness; yet I have been assured that there were only two
explosions. I have reason to conclude that, to get at a distance
from the conflagration, Captain Lenny proceeded towards the
coast of Africa, where the calms and currents carried him away
from the squadron, which, at the break of day, was six leagues
west of Cadiz. The day before yesterday the British ships were
descried from the coast, and a French ship in the Strait; but
the latter did not appear to be captured. This may give us some
hope, if the signals are correct. Nothing remains to me but
uncertainty, with a great deal of fear; I do not know what
opinion to entertain.

After having spoken of our losses, it gives me great pleasure to
state to you the new glory with which Le Formidable, commanded
by Captain Troude, has been covered. During the night cannonade,
in the middle of the Strait, this ship received the fire of her
friends a