ames made immediate application to strike his flag, and had the
satisfaction of receiving in answer the following letter from the
Secretary of the Admiralty.

Admiralty, 20th Nov. 1812.

SIR,

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to
command me, in transmitting to you the accompanying order, to
strike your flag and come on shore, to communicate to you their
marked approbation of the zeal, judgment, and ability evinced
by you during your late command in the Baltic. Your attention
to the trade of his Majesty's subjects, and your conciliatory,
yet firm conduct, towards the Northern Powers, have met the
approbation of his Majesty's Government, and their lordships
are glad to have observed that your services have been justly
appreciated by the Courts of Sweden and Russia. I beg to add
the personal satisfaction which I feel at being the channel of
communicating to you this testimony of their lordships'
approbation.

I am, &c. &c. &c.
J.W. CROKER.

To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart., KB.

To this highly honourable testimonial Sir James made the following
reply:

London, 23rd November 1812.

SIR,

I have received your letter of the 20th inst., transmitting to
me the order to strike my flag and come on shore, and also
communicating their lordships' marked approbation of my conduct
during my late command, in terms highly gratifying to myself. I
am also peculiarly happy to find that the conduct I held
towards the Northern Powers during a period of the utmost
intricacy, has been honoured by the approbation of his
Majesty's government, whilst it was duly appreciated by the
Courts of Sweden and Russia. I take this opportunity to express
my sincere acknowledgments for the unremitting attention I
received from you during the period of my late command.

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

To J.W. Croker, Esq.

After Sir James had arrived in London he continued to direct the
proceedings of the fleet in the Baltic, and it was not until the good
work he had begun was completely ended to the general satisfaction
that he retired from actual service.

CHAPTER XIV.

1813 to 1831.

State of the Continent after the defeat of Buonaparte.--Sir
James's services in the Baltic no longer required.--Retires
from serv