against any single ships, or small squadrons, which might attempt to
push out for sea; between which, and the main body of the fleet,
remaining off Cape St. Mary's, was posted a line of frigates,
sufficiently close for the whole to communicate by signal: so that his
lordship could always, in a few minutes, be informed of every movement
of the enemy. There were now thirty-six sail of the line visible in
Cadiz, and they bore every appearance of being nearly ready for sea.

The following excellent letter, developing the intended arrangements of
his lordship; his full confidence of success; and the characteristic
chearfulness of his friendly attachment to the Honourable Captain Black
wood, originally founded on admiration of that active able officer's
professional abilities in assisting the capture of Le Guillaume Tell at
Malta; cannot fail to gratify every intelligent reader.

Victory, Oct. 4, 1805.

"MY DEAR SIR,

I have received, from Rear-Admiral Louis, your information
respecting the intended movements of the enemy. I am momentarily
expecting the Phoebe, Sirius, Naiad, and Niger, from Gibraltar;
two of them shall be with you, directly as I can get hold of them:
and, if you meet them, and there is any way of sending information,
and their dispatches from Gibraltar, keep Naiad and Phoebe. Juno is
a fixture between Capes Trafalgar and Spartel. Mars, Colossus, and
Defence, will be stationed four leagues east from the fleet; and
one of them advanced to the east, towards Cadiz, and as near as
possible in the latitude. The fleet will be from sixteen to
eighteen leagues west of Cadiz; therefore, if you throw a frigate
west from you, most probably, in fine weather, we shall daily
communicate. In fresh breezes easterly, I shall work up for Cadiz,
never getting to the northward of it; and, in the event of hearing
they are standing out of Cadiz, carry a press of sail to the
southward, towards Cape Spartel and Arache. I am writing out
regular instructions for the guidance of the frigates: but, I am
confident, these gentry will not slip through our fingers; and,
that we shall give a good account of them, although they may be
superior in numbers. The Royal Sovereign and Defiance were to sail
after the 24th. Belleisle is ordered here. I send you two papers,
_I have stole them for you_. Ever, my dear Blackwood,