edgments of the prompt and timely assistance I received
from every Captain of his Majesty's ships under my orders,
which accelerated our equipment much sooner than otherwise
could be expected.

I have, &c. &c. &c.
R.C. REYNOLDS.

Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.
&c. &c. &c.

James received the above letter on the 29th of November, when
he despatched a vessel with the disastrous intelligence to
England. In his answer to Admiral Reynolds we find the
following paragraph:

Greatly as I lament the severe injury sustained on board the
St. George, and the melancholy loss of so many vessels of the
convoy by the tempestuous weather, I am fully persuaded that
every possible means, which judgment and skill could dictate,
were employed by you for the safety of his Majesty's ships and
the preservation of the convoy under such perilous
circumstances, and I highly applaud the good conduct manifested
by the officers and men of the St. George during the whole of
so trying an occasion, and the alacrity and exertions displayed
by them in having jury-masts erected during the continuance of
the gale, which reflects the highest credit on Captain Guion,
for the good order and discipline preserved in the ship. I also
feel great satisfaction in observing your marked approval of
the prompt and ready assistance you received from all the
Captains of his Majesty's ships and vessels under your orders.

Accounts from Captain Dashwood informed Sir James that thirty out of
the fifty-six vessels supposed to be lost had reached Matvick with the
loss of their anchors and cables, and that he would take them under
his convoy as soon as they could be got ready to sail.

Admiral Reynolds received assistance from Admirals Dixon and Bertie,
who were stationed in the Belt, and the St. George with her convoy
reached Wingo Sound in safety on the 2nd of December. As the season
was so far advanced, it was proposed to leave the St. George at
Gothenburg during the winter, but Admiral Reynolds entreated that he
might be permitted to navigate the ship to England, which, he said in
hearing of the Author, was "as fit to make her passage with the
assistance of another ship of the line as any in the fleet." Sir James
did not accede to his wishes until he had also taken the opinion of
Capt. Guion; and it was at length determi