ut very much danger: but I must recommend that the
strictest secrecy is observed on my intended operation, and
that frequent information is transmitted to me.

Were the enemy once collected at any one point, I could venture
to detach from hence; but, unsettled as they are at present,
it would be a measure of much danger. The ships last from
England sail very ill; and, if met with, would be taken. The
Hector, Ajax, and La Diane, lately ran foul of each other at
sea, and are not yet in a state to act.

It will be proper to keep the cruisers active off Carthagena,
Barcelona, and Crette, whence the enemy must derive their
supplies; and whichever port the enemy's squadron goes into,
must be blockaded _de facto_; and any vessels that attempt to
enter, after due warning, must be detained. I beg to mention
that the anchorage of Alendia Bay is good. If not better
defended than I have known it to be, the batteries might be
destroyed by a few soldiers from General Fox: a position there
covers both sides of the island. The idea of an attack on
Maracoa, or Algiers, I discredit: at the first place their army
would be lost; at the second they could not trust their fleet
in so open a bay even for a week.

I hope you will send to the Admiralty copies of all your
letters to me on points of service, whilst I am at such a
distance from you.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
KEITH.

Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart.
&c. &c. &c.

Foudroyant, Aboukir Bay, 17th August 1801.

SIR,

I have had the honour of receiving your letter of the
19th ultimo, acquainting me with the measures which you
had adopted for opposing the return to Cadiz of the combined
French and Spanish squadrons lately anchored in
Algeziras Bay; and with the fortunate result of your attack
on them, with an inferiority of force that little encouraged
an expectation of so distinguished an advantage.
I beg to offer to you my sincere congratulations on the successful
issue of an enterprise, so honourable to yourself;
and request you will accept the tribute of my perfect approbation
of the ardent zeal and determined resolution
which animated you on that important occasion; and that
you will communicate my full sa