stationed at Helsingburg: the former three having the care and
directions of convoying the fleets of merchant ships through the Belt;
the latter through the Sound and Malmoe channel. Sir James, in passing
through the Great Belt, visited the station at the island of Sproe,
and afforded protection to a numerous convoy of merchant ships passing
at that time, and trading under neutral colours, under a licence from
the English and the Swedish governments.

After touching at Ystad, Sir James arrived at Carlscrona on the 4th of
June: from Ystad, he wrote the following letter to Mr. Foster:

Victory, Great Belt, 29th May 1809.

SIR,

I had the honour yesterday morning to receive your letter of
the 19th, inclosing one from Admiral Nauckhoff addressed to me,
and also the copy of General Wrede's report on the state of the
north. I have been detained by adverse currents and calms since
my departure from Gottenburg; but think myself fortunate in
having been as early as Admiral Dixon, who sailed eight days
before me, and with whom I fell in yesterday evening off
Langeland.

The Danish force of gun-boats in the Belt has been considerably
increased since last year. The Melpomene frigate was attacked
by several in the night of the 23rd, and had four men killed
besides about twenty wounded. Captain Warren, in having drawn
their attention, succeeded in preserving a numerous convoy at
anchor near Langeland, which seemed to have been the principal
object for which they came out. The Ardent having very
injudiciously landed a party of men on the island of Ramsoe,
for the purpose of procuring a supply of wood and water, they
suffered themselves to be surprised, and about eighty men were
made prisoners.

I am hastening with all despatch towards Carlscrona, and I hope
to have the honour of hearing from you in my way off Ystad. I
think it right to mention, _in confidence_, that I shall not
have more than six sail of the line of battleships with me,
until I can be joined by those that may be on their way from
England.

I have, &c. &c. &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

Augt. Foster, Esq. his Majesty's charge
d'affaires, Stockholm.

Victory, off Ystad, 30th May 1809.

SIR,

I have the honour to acquaint you with my arrival off Ystad
this afternoon, and that I have receiv