eet went a hundred and
twenty miles; making the whole run, from Barbuda, three thousand four
hundred and fifty-nine miles. The run from Cape St. Vincent to
Barbadoes, was three thousand two hundred and twenty-seven; making the
run back only two hundred and thirty-two miles more than the run out:
allowance to be made, however, for the difference of latitude and
longitude between Barbadoes and Bermuda. The average of way daily made,
on this almost unparalleled pursuit, was thirty-four leagues; wanting
nine miles, only, in the whole.

At noon, the 18th, steering for the Straits Mouth, Admiral Collingwood
passed to the northward, with three sail of the line and two or three
frigates. Cape Spartel was then in sight; but no French fleet, or any
information about them. "How sorrowful this makes me!" writes his
lordship; "but, I cannot help myself." Next morning, at day-light, the
fleet bore up for Gibraltar Bay; where, at eight o'clock, they securely
anchored, but could gain no information of the enemy.

On Saturday, July the 20th, 1805, while the fleet were employed in
compleating provisions and stores--"I went on shore," writes his
lordship, "for the first time, since June 16, 1803; and, from having my
foot out of the Victory, two years wanting ten days."

Having sent dispatches to England, and finished getting ready for sea,
next day, Lord Nelson, on the following morning, ordered the Amphion to
Sir Richard Bickerton, off Carthagena, and proceeded with the fleet to
Tetuan; or, rather, to Mazin Bay, about eight miles to the south-east of
Tetuan customhouse, where the river is very fine, and the situation
peculiarly convenient for watering. Many of the ships got two hundred
tons on board in a single day. Several bullocks were here purchased, and
a considerable quantity of onions. At noon, on the 24th, having gained
no intelligence, the fleet again weighed, and stood for Ceuta; but
variable winds, and a thick fog, kept them all night in Gibraltar Gut.
About four o'clock, next morning, the Termagant joined, with an account
of the combined fleet's having been seen, the 19th of June, by the
Curieux brig, standing to the northward. At eight, the Spaniards fired a
few shot, from Tariffa, at the Victory; which, however, took no effect.
At noon, they saw Admiral Collingwood's squadron; and Lord Nelson sent
letters to the admiral, with arrangements for preventing the combined
fleet from entering Cadiz, while his lordship proceeded t