your first action was received; and I am
sure you will excuse me for adding the tribute my noble lord
paid on that occasion, who, when he read the French account
that they had taken the Hannibal, exclaimed, "We may have lost
a ship, but I well know the man and the men who are there, and
I'll pledge my life the nation has lost no honour!" The instant
despatch of the ships from Ireland will prove that it was not
conceived possible for you to have so soon refitted the
squadron, which has been the subject of great admiration and
surprise.

The noble and liberal conduct of the squadron in admitting the
Pompee and Hannibal to partake of their prize-money is an
honourable and beautiful contrast to the bickerings which have
arisen lately respecting joint captures, and must ensure
success to every claim that can be made out; but I am afraid we
shall not be able to find a precedent for anything beyond
head-money being given for ships which have been blown up in
action.

B. TUCKER.

We shall now return to the proceedings at Gibraltar, where we left the
squadron of Sir James Saumarez, after the glorious battle of the 12th
July.

The extreme degree of excitement and enthusiasm, sharpened by revenge,
which supported the gallant crew of the Caesar, and enabled them to
perform such prodigious labour during the last seven days, had now
subsided. The incessant fatigue which they had endured, both of body
and mind, their long abstinence from their natural sleep, and the
sudden change from bustle to inactivity, threw the whole of the men
into such a state of languor and debility, that they were found lying
on the bare planks of the deck, having sunk exhausted, and incapable
of making any exertion. This state of stupor continued several hours;
some days, indeed, elapsed before many of them regained their usual
strength and spirits. At length, however, the men again began to
refit the ship, and prepare for resuming the blockade of Cadiz.

Nothing could surpass the attention, kindness, and hospitality of the
governor and garrison of Gibraltar, who were, by the signal defeat of
the combined squadron, happily relieved from a state of siege.
Invitations from every quarter were given; but Sir James, who was
averse to adulation, declined all except those of the governor, which
he considered it his duty not to refuse. No time was lost in sending
the m