junior would
wish to have in a difficult case, when desirous to carry out the
spirit of his superior's orders. It explains itself.

26th September, 1803.

TO CAPTAIN SIR RICHARD JOHN STRACHAN, BART., H.M. SHIP DONEGAL.

The occurrences which pass every day in Spain forbode, I fancy,
a speedy War with England; therefore it becomes proper for me to
put you on your guard, and advise you how to act under
particular circumstances. By looking at the former line of
conduct on the part of Spain, which she followed just before the
commencement of the last War, we may naturally expect the same
events to happen. The French Admiral Richery was in Cadiz,
blocked up by Admiral Man; on August the 22nd, they came to sea,
attended by the Spanish Fleet, which saw the French safe beyond
St. Vincent, and returned into Cadiz. Admiral Man very properly
did not choose to attack Admiral Richery under such an escort.
This is a prelude to what I must request your strict attention
to; at the same time, I am fully aware that you must be guided,
in some measure, by actual circumstances.

I think it very probable, even before Spain breaks with us,
that they may send a Ship or two of the Line to see L'Aigle
round Cape St. Vincent; and that if you attack her in their
presence, they may attack you; and giving them possession of the
Donegal, would be more than either you or I should wish,
therefore I am certain it must be very comfortable for you to
know my sentiments. From what you hear in Cadiz, you will judge
how far you may venture yourself in company with a Spanish
Squadron; but if you are of opinion that you may trust yourself
near them, keeping certainly out of gun-shot, send your Boat
with a letter to the Spanish Commodore, and desire to know
whether he means to defend the French Ships; and get his answer
in writing, and have it as plain as possible. If it be 'yes,
that he will fire at you if you attack the French under his
protection,' then, if you have force enough, make your attack on
the whole body, and take them all if you can; for I should
consider such an answer as a perfect Declaration of War. If you
are too weak for such an attack, you must desist; but you
certainly are fully authorized to take the Ships of Spain
whenever you meet them. Should the answer be ambiguous, you must
then ac