in the strength of lying and power
of invention: he amused the national convention with an account of
the victory of the republican fleet, far more fabulous than the
commissioner's. Some of his statements, gross and unfounded as they
were, have even been adopted by historians; especially by those who give
credit to French writers. Thus Barrere asserted, that the republicans
on board the ship which sunk soon after the English flag was hoisted
on her, refused, to a man, to seek safety by surrendering, fought their
lower-deck guns till the water reached them, and, having hoisted every
flag, pennant, and streamer, went down with her, shouting _Vive la
Republique! Vive la France!_ and that the last thing which disappeared
beneath the waves was the tri-coloured flag. This splendid fiction, or,
more properly speaking, gross falsehood, was seized upon by poets and
painters of every grade of genius; poems and pictures on it appearing in
great abundance. But the very reverse of all this was the fact. Instead
of challenging certain death and glorying in their fate, the crew of the
ship in question, the "Vengeur," who had fought bravely, substituted the
British union-jack for the republican ensign, and spread themselves over
the sides and rigging of the ship, stretching out their hands to their
enemies, and imploring assistance. Some of them were saved; but the
crowds which attempted to spring into each boat threatening those who
came to their assistance, as well as themselves, with destruction,
checked the compassionate zeal of their conquerors, and compelled them
to leave the poor wretches to their fate. Yet there were two exceptions:
two French officers betrayed no anxiety to avail themselves of any
means of safety, but continued walking up and down the stern-gallery,
apparently engaged in conversation, until the ship, having admitted the
water into her ports, was engulfed.

Lord Howe's fleet put to sea again on the 3rd of September. It then
consisted of thirty-seven sail of the line and seven frigates; added to
which were five ships of the line, and three frigates furnished by the
king of Portugal. The French fleet was then in Brest harbour, out of
which it did not venture to appear till Howe had returned to port; and
then it commenced a cruise, which ended in the loss of five of their
ships of line, by storms and accidents. During this year and the
preceding there were numerous contests between small squadrons and
frigates, a