ide their ports. The officers of
the artillery threw the shells with great skill: and I am sorry to
say, that Captain Fyers, of the Royal Artillery, is slightly
wounded in the thigh by the bursting of an enemy's shell; and that
three seamen are also wounded. One more of the enemy's flats is
this moment sunk.

I am, Sir, &c.
"Nelson And Bronte."

"Evan Nepean, Esq."

This attack seems to have been chiefly intended to ascertain what might
be hereafter effected with a force particularly adapted to the nature of
the service, founded on some degree of actual experience. His lordship
was, therefore, far less disappointed by the event, than might generally
be imagined. To prevent the commanders of the bomb-vessels from being
discouraged, who had really deserved better success, his lordship thus
complimented them on the occasion.

"Medusa, off Boulogne,
Aug. 5th, 1801.

"Lord Nelson has reason to be very much satisfied with the captains
of the bombs, for the placing of their vessels yesterday. It was
impossible they could have been better situated; and the artillery
officers have shewn great skill in entirely disabling ten of the
armed vessels out of twenty-four opposed to them; and many others,
Lord Nelson believes, are much damaged. The commander in chief
cannot avoid noticing the great zeal and desire to attack the enemy
in a closer combat, which manifested itself in all ranks of
persons; and which Lord Nelson would gladly have given full scope
to, had the attempt at this moment been proper; but the officers,
and others, may rely that an early opportunity shall be given them
for shewing their judgment, zeal, and bravery. The hired and
revenue cutters kept under sail, and performed the duty entrusted
to them with, a great deal of skill.

"Nelson and Bronte."

On the day following, Lord Nelson quitted the French coast, and repaired
to Margate Roads; leaving, however, a sufficient force off Boulogne to
watch the motions of the enemy, and the gun-boats and smaller vessels of
his fleet in the Downs. While every possible effort was making to
prepare for a most vigorous attempt on the flotilla at Boulogne, his
lordship, by visiting Harwich for a few days, endeavoured to divert the
attention of the enemy, and induce them to suppose that he was now going
against Flushing, really meant to be the