asion. He
had, by his wise instructions, provided against almost every
possible case. I have since been informed that the two Spanish
vessels which were destroyed, cannonaded and run foul of one
another, each supposing the other to be an enemy. We are
uncertain about the fate of the St. Antoine. The violence of the
wind made it extremely dangerous to fire to windward.

Rear-admiral LINOIS.

Dated in Cadiz Harbour, 15th July 1801,
on board the Formidable.

Admiral Moreno's orders to his fleet on the 11th July 1801:

Orders of sailing to be observed by the ships in my charge on
their passage through the Straits of Gibraltar.

The three ships under the command of Rear-admiral Linois will
form the vanguard, with the line abreast; the six ships under my
charge will form astern of these, likewise formed in a line
abreast, endeavouring, as much as possible, to keep opposite to
the intervals of the French ships, so as not to impede their
fire, according to the following disposition:

Hannibal.

Indomptable. Formidable. Dessaix.

Augus- Ar- R. Herme- St. St. Fer-
tin. ganauta. Carlos. negildo. Antonio. nando.

In case the enemy should attempt to follow and attack the
combined squadron in the rear, besides the continual fire which
we ought to make from the stern chasers, chiefly with a view to
destroy the enemy's rigging, the squadron will form the line
ahead, either with their heads to the Spanish coast, or to that
of Africa, as will be determined by signal from the Admiral;
and, in order that this might be more simple, in that case, he
will only show the signal for the course, at the entire lowering
of which the movements must be made. As their situation, from
their local position, cannot be of long duration, consequently
either by hailing (if near enough) or by signal to preserve the
course, the squadron will proceed again to form the line abreast
as formerly. It is of the utmost importance that the fire from
none of the ships should interfere, or be embarrassed with that
of others in this squadron, nor leave the three French ships in
the rear.

As soon as the French ships get under sail, all those in my
charge will do the same, following the track of each other,
always observing to keep at a short distance from the French,