ring
the winter months, when he sheltered in Mahon harbour, the ships had
their repairs made good, and their stores and provisions completed; the
Admiral being as active in the dockyard, where he would often be found
at the earliest dawn of the morning, as he showed himself when afloat.
Care was taken that while the fleet thus lay in harbour, it should
always be ready for an immediate start if the enemy should put to sea;
and two frigates, occasionally with a line-of-battle ship, were kept off
Toulon to make a daily observation of the state and movements of their
force. On two occasions, the in-shore frigates particularly
distinguished themselves. On the 22nd of September, 1811, the
_Volontaire_ and _Perlen_ retreated from a division of three
line-of-battle ships, and two frigates, with which they were repeatedly
engaged during six hours; and saved themselves through their admirable
seamanship without loss: and in the following May, the _Menelaus_ alone,
when close in-shore, was chased by several line-of-battle ships; and
though her fore-topmast was nearly cut in two by a shot from the
batteries, she secured it, and escaped.

Competent masters were provided for the young gentlemen of the
_Caledonia_, who were assembled every day in the Admiral's fore-cabin,
and kept closely at their studies; the Admiral himself often visiting
them, and interesting himself in their progress. The French and Spanish
interpreters instructed them in these languages: the flag-lieutenant
superintended their navigation, and that they might perfect themselves
in seamanship, a frigate-built yacht of eight or ten tons was provided,
upon which they were exercised in sailing, rigging and unrigging, and
every part of a practical seaman's duty. All the arrangements of the
ship, with regard both to officers and men, displayed consideration for
their comfort and advantage. When the Admiral thoroughly knew his
officers, he confided in them in their respective situations, never
teasing them with interference, or disturbing himself by unnecessary
watching or anxiety, after his orders had been given. The influence
which he exerted on their behalf, and his great success in obtaining
promotion for them, gave every one the strongest inducement to excel. He
had known the anxieties of a young man forcing his way through the
service without friends; and his own recollections taught him how best
to assist and encourage others.

No man could be more careful of th