Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I

Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, Sept. 12th 1800.

Sir Henry Harvey has joined the fleet, which makes up the complement of flags; and it remains to be proved if the Earl has influence to effect what he so strenuously aims at respecting the promotion. I form very sanguine hopes that peace will shortly extend its blessed influence over these countries; and that I shall have the satisfaction to enjoy, without interruption, the sweets of domestic comfort. I certainly shall avail myself of the earliest respite the service will enable me to pass in the island; and I think I may have that opportunity this winter; for if the war should be continued, there is no doubt that a promotion would give me, at least, six weeks interval from duty; at any rate, I see no reason for the future affording you anxiety, as whether there, or in England, I depend on our passing a considerable portion of the winter together. I hope Master Saumarez knows his alpha, beta, &c. by heart. When convenient to the young gentleman, I shall be glad that he will take the trouble to transcribe it for me to Omega, as I have no Greek grammar by me. I can readily believe the difficulty that attends fixing the little ladies to the French grammar, whose particularly quick and lively temper is not much suited to so tedious a process. I think, notwithstanding, it is the best method, especially as the same grammatical rules are adapted to any language, which they will find useful hereafter. Dancing, no doubt, has more attractions. I trust they have quite got rid of their colds: their papa has also had a very severe one, and kept his cabin for two days; but he is now perfectly recovered.

September 18th. I admire N., with his comments on Colchester. When you next write, recommend him to try the Black Rocks in a thick fog, and no chance of letters from England: he will find even Norman Cross preferable. I, however, believe I have done with that anchorage for some time, as the wind is set in to the westward; and I shall now cruise to prevent vessels going into Brest.

I am happy to say I am perfectly well. I trust my nerves will prove equal to the task; as I have before often told you, they generally strengthen with difficulties.

I mean to make this cruise long enough to entitle me to a relief, therefore do not expect me in port as long as I can keep the sea.

Sir James immediately gave such orders and regulations as would best guard against, or overcome, the difficulties inseparable from such a service; and, with the prospect of a long winter before him, he sent these regulations, and a list of the rendezvous appointed by him, to the commander-in-chief, whose letter to Sir James, in answer, is expressive of the high opinion he entertained of him.

Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 15th Sept. 1800.

Sir,

Nothing can be more appropriate than the different rendezvous you have sent me a copy of; your change of position must fluctuate according to the sudden changes of the weather, which are to be looked for soon. I repose such unbounded confidence in your zeal and judgment that I sleep as soundly as if I had the key of Brest in my possession.

Sir Richard Strachan and Captain Buller, in the Captain and Edgar, will relieve two of the ships which last joined you as soon as they return to this rendezvous, and the Canada will relieve the third. As I have applied for Captain Foley's leave of absence on very important private business, I wish the Elephant to be the first sent to me. I am, sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,St. Vincent.

Sir James Saumarez.

It was supposed that the Brest fleet would take advantage of the equinoctial gales, which were now approaching, and slip out as before, when the in-shore squadron was blown off, or compelled to bear up for Torbay; but Sir James had determined on frustrating their attempt. On the 23rd a heavy gale came on, which, in former instances, would have obliged the in-shore squadron to abandon the post; but, instead of bearing up for Torbay when no longer able to maintain his position, Sir James steered for Douvarnenez Bay, where he anchored with the whole squadron, just out of range of the enemy's mortar batteries, which soon tried their shells, but without effect.

Here his squadron struck top-masts and lower yards, and rode out all the equinoctial gales, actually in the enemy's harbour, within a few miles of their whole fleet of four times his force, and in perfect safety! The gale had been very severe; and although Earl St. Vincent, who was obliged to run with his fleet for Torbay, had no fears for the safety of the in-shore squadron, relying as he did on the experience and skill of Sir James, yet the Admiralty were in a considerable state of alarm until the following account of his proceedings was received:

TO THE RIGHT HON. EARL SPENCERCæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th Sept. 1800.

My Lord,

On the supposition that the fleet may have been driven from their station by the late tempestuous weather, and as some anxiety may be excited for the safety of this squadron, I take the opportunity by the Marlborough to inform your lordship of my having anchored in this bay last Tuesday evening, with the ships under my command, where we have ridden the gale out in perfect safety, together with the Montague and Naiad, which ships anchored here on Wednesday.

This is a most spacious bay, and may be considered safe anchorage in any weather: it lies about four leagues to the southward of Brest; from which port it is only separated about five miles by land, over a mountainous and hilly country. As the same winds that enable the enemy's fleet to put to sea, also lead out of this bay, we can always be in time for them; and this appears the most favourable position to prevent their coasting convoys coming from the southern ports. The enemy has endeavoured to annoy the squadron with shells, but at too great a distance to reach any of the ships, and the whole fleet may lie in perfect safety from any of the batteries.

I purpose to remain here until the weather becomes more moderate, to enable me to resume the station off the Black Rocks. In the mean time, ships will occasionally be detached to watch the motions of the enemy in Brest Water. I have the honour to be, &c.

Jas. Saumarez.

In answer to this, Sir James received the following letter from Earl Spencer, then First Lord of the Admiralty.

Admiralty, 30th Sept. 1800.

Dear Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 26th, dated from Douvarnenez Bay, and was much pleased to find that you had got hold of that anchorage, as I felt very uneasy at your absence during the late gales. I should rather doubt whether that bay could be capacious enough for a large fleet to anchor in without danger from the batteries; but I have always hoped that some of our small squadron might avail themselves of that resource on such an occasion as that which has presented itself to you; and I have no doubt that the doing so will much assist the occupation of our fleet off Brest.

Believe me, dear sir,Your very faithful humble servant,Spencer.

To Sir James Saumarez.

Sir James, at the same time, wrote to Earl St. Vincent by the Marlborough, giving his lordship an account of his proceedings, which could not but be highly satisfactory.

Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, 26th September 1800.

My Lord,

The weather not having admitted the stores and provisions to be taken out of the Marlborough whilst under sail, I bore up for this anchorage with the squadron; and early Wednesday morning the boats were all employed in conveying the water and provisions to the squadron: but it having continued to blow excessively hard from that time, it was not until this morning we have been enabled to accomplish this service.

The Montague and Naiad anchored in the bay Wednesday morning, and are now under sail. It has blown a very severe gale of wind at north-west the last two days, and we have saved considerable wear and tear to all the ships by having taken this anchorage in good time.

I propose to remain here during the continuation of westerly winds, or until the weather enables me to resume the station off the Black Rocks; detaching ships occasionally to watch the enemy's motions.

I have the honour to beYour lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,James Saumarez.

The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.

The following is an extract of a letter which Sir James wrote to Lady Saumarez, and sent by the same opportunity. It will be found to give an accurate description of the important anchorage of which he was the first who was so daring as to take advantage in stormy weather, with the squadron under his command.

Cæsar, Douvarnenez Bay, Sept. 24th, 1800.

We anchored at eleven last night, and this morning found ourselves in one of the finest bays I have ever seen. It is far more spacious than Torbay, and much more enclosed; consequently more secure against all winds. It is the same distance from Brest by sea as Dartmouth is from Torbay; and by land the same as from Brixham, not being more than five miles across, over a hilly country; substituting the Bec de Chèvre for the Berry Head, and it exactly forms the counter part to Torbay. It abounds with the finest fish, of which we shall profit.

As it is not possible for the ships to sail from Brest but with an easterly wind, which blows directly out of this bay, we can always be beforehand with them.

25th.—It has continued to blow hard since we entered this bay, and it has now risen to a severe storm. I wish you knew how well sheltered we are in this famous anchorage. Captain Pierrepont has been with me since yesterday: he has been near fourteen weeks at sea, and, as you may suppose, very tired. I am better satisfied with my situation than since I have been in the Channel fleet, and find it far preferable to being attached to it.

Monday, 29th Sept.

I trust my letter by the Marlborough has reached you this morning, which will have set your mind at ease as to our safety after the gales we encountered last week. I wrote to you yesterday, but too hastily to express, as I wished, the happiness I derived from having just received your letters of the 15th and 19th. They had been too long and too anxiously looked for not to receive the most cordial and heartfelt welcome. I am in hourly expectation of seeing the fleet, the letters from the Earl acquainting me with his intention of putting to sea the moment the weather moderated. The Superb, with Centaur and Warrior, hove in sight this afternoon,—the only ships I have seen since last Tuesday, when I went into Douvarnenez Bay; and I have the satisfaction to reflect that, notwithstanding the tempestuous weather, this squadron has been enabled to keep its station, although all the other detachments have been driven from theirs. Now that your letter gives me reason to believe you entertain serious thoughts of going to Guernsey, like your father I lose my courage at the prospect of it. I sincerely wish I had never suggested the idea, which I was induced to do from the hope of the war being over, and that you would pass the winter more comfortably than in England during the dreary months. I am now become a very coward on the subject, and leave it to you to determine as you think best; at the same time assuring you that I shall endeavour to be reconciled to whatever plan is adopted which is most likely to conduce to your comfort. Your account of our dear girls gives me the most heartfelt satisfaction, and of the increasing strength of the sweet dove in particular, whom I truly long to behold,—a happiness I still hope to enjoy ere many weeks are elapsed. I shall expect a letter from the dear boy by the next opportunity from Plymouth.

The next letter to the Earl of St. Vincent gives an account of the further proceedings of his squadron, and the situation of the enemy's fleet in Brest, which proves how successful his endeavours had been in preventing its meditated escape.

Cæsar, off the Black Rocks, 28th September 1800.

My Lord,

Soon after I despatched my letter by the Marlborough, dated from Douvarnenez Bay, the wind having shifted to the northward, I got under sail with the squadron; but in the evening it came to the south-west, with thick weather: I returned to the anchorage, as did Captain Knight, with the Montague and Naiad.

It continued to blow very strong till yesterday noon, when the wind suddenly shifted to N. and N. by E. I immediately got under sail, and stood out of the bay; the Pompée leaving a bower-anchor, her cable having parted in endeavouring to weigh it. From the report of several signal-guns fired in Brest soon after the sudden change of wind, I have no doubt of the preparatory movements of the enemy to put to sea, had the wind continued favourable for them; and I carried a press of sail during the night, in order to be off St. Matthew's Point early this morning to watch their motions.

I had a full view of the enemy's fleet, and counted twenty-two sail with their top-gallant-masts struck, but apparently ready for sea. Having made the signal to the Megæra to reconnoitre, I beg to refer your lordship to Captain Hill for a more particular report of their state and numbers.

I have the honour to be, my lord,Your lordship's obedient and most humble servant,James Saumarez.

The Right Honourable the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.

His Majesty's ship Montague, with the Naiad, and Suwarrow schooner, went through the bay yesterday evening.

Ville de Paris, Torbay, 4th October, 1800.

Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters of the 25th, 26th, 28th ultimo, and 1st instant, detailing your proceedings with his Majesty's ships under your orders; the whole of which I very much approve, particularly the taking under your command Captains Sutton and King, with the ships and vessels attached to them: and you will herewith receive orders to their respective captains and commanders to put themselves under your command, and obey your orders for their future proceedings in the important duty of watching the combined fleets.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,St. Vincent.

Sir James Saumarez.

By this bold and unexpected step, (which the French have since characterised as a piece of impudence,) Sir James completely frustrated the meditated escape of the combined fleets, which were now thirty-two in number, seven of which were three-deckers. He had, moreover, the honour of being the first to defy the enemy in his own anchorage, proving at the same time that it would not be so easy as formerly to elude the vigilance of the advanced squadron.

The weather having moderated after the second return to Douvarnenez Bay, the squadron resumed the anchorage near the Black Rocks, daily reconnoitring the enemy, destroying several small vessels which attempted to get in, and keeping under sail when the wind was westerly. In continuation to Lady Saumarez he writes:

Oct. 4th 1800.

The anxiety inseparable from this cruise is very considerably alleviated from knowing the fleet is in port, which must prove of the greatest benefit both to officers and men, and to the service in general. I find the rumours of peace are vanished, and that war is determined upon. I trust events will be favourable to this country. There is no doubt the French are much distressed for provisions in the neighbourhood of Brest, and that discontent prevails among their troops, who are ill-paid, ill-fed, and badly clothed. It is horrid to see the leading men of all nations so infatuated for war, at a time peace is so much to be desired for the sake of humanity.

Cæsar, Bay of Brest, 18th Oct.

The delightful weather we have enjoyed this last week has enabled me to remain at anchor off the Black Rocks. They have lost their gloom from the serene atmosphere, but more particularly from having had such frequent tidings from you, as scarce a day has passed (I believe not one) without being joined by something from the fleet. Yesterday, the Earl sent me a message that he expected my flag to be hoisted in a very few days; and Troubridge writes to me the promotion was to extend to Sir Edward Pellew; and,—what think you!—that Lord St. Vincent has actually written for Captain Brenton to be appointed my flag-captain. His lordship, in his letter, tells me that Capt. Thornbrough is to remain in the Mars, and will relieve me here, if the measure he has proposed is acceded to: so you may perceive I have some grounds on which to form my hopes; but I do not wish you to dwell too much upon it.

21st.—I am now solus. Captain Brenton, who I mentioned had been staying with me, is gone to the Ville de Paris. I know no one I should prefer as captain under my flag. He is a steady, sensible, good officer, and of great experience, having served several years with admirals as a lieutenant. Captain Cook dined with me to-day on a Black Rock dinner, viz. a fine piece of salmon and a nice little cochon-de-lait, with entremêts, removes, &c. The salmon was sent me with a basket of vegetables from Plymouth, I suspect from Captain Markham; the roaster was a present from Captain Hood, who, being under sail, could not dine with me. I mention these trifles because I know they please you. The boats occasionally go to the small islands and procure bullocks, &c.; and, as fast as the stock is purchased, they contrive to replenish it from the mainland,—a proof they are well satisfied with the price we pay for it, which is fixed by themselves.

26th Oct.—After near a fortnight passed at what the Earl now calls the Elysian Lake (instead of Siberia), a westerly wind compelled me to get under sail yesterday afternoon; and it was fortunate that I did so, as it has blown a gale since that time. By the Megæra, which has joined me this evening, I find the fleet is to go to Torbay; and, from what Sir Thomas Troubridge writes, I conjecture the Earl intends to go on shore part of the winter.... While we remained at an anchor the boats of the squadron were occasionally detached in pursuit of the enemy's vessels. Last Monday they chased one close under the batteries at the entrance of Brest, which has afforded me an opportunity of making favourable mention of Mr. Lamborn and Mr. Wood, who were employed on that service. The Earl has desired me to send the latter to him to be promoted. The Canada, which was ordered to cover the boats, took possession of three Spaniards belonging to the Principe de Asturias, Don Gravina's flag-ship, who were fishing in a small boat. They are to be returned without being exchanged, agreeably to what I suggested, and I shall send in a flag of truce the first favourable weather. We were so comfortably anchored the last fortnight, and so agreeably employed, that it has nearly spoilt me for the remainder of the cruise. Of the promotion nothing further is said, and I have not heard when I am to be released. If I am kept out much longer, and have the duty of an admiral without my flag, I fear I shall grow sulky and impatient. It is not improbable Captain Sutton may relieve me in the charge of this squadron, as I doubt Sir Edward Pellew being yet ready. I fear the second return of the fleet will have again set your heart palpitating, and caused you another disappointment at the Cæsar not being with it.

October 30th.—Yesterday I received a very civil reply to the letter I wrote to Don Gravina, who wishes that I may live many thousand years. The French received the officer from the Canada who was entrusted with the flag of truce with great politeness. I sent Maingy from this ship as interpreter. They remained at Camaret till the following morning. You will not be displeased to hear that the Cæsar must go into port from necessity, having sprung her main-yard; but, if possible, I shall delay it three or four weeks longer, notwithstanding my threat of losing patience. I shall depend on finding you at Dartmouth.

Cæsar, Nov. 1st.

I remain without any of your letters since the 20th, which I feel a grievous circumstance, particularly at this time, when I am left in doubt whether you are still at Dartmouth, or gone to Bath. This morning I experienced a severe disappointment. The Nile cutter, whose tardy approach for four hours was anxiously waited for, at last joined without any letters, having left Plymouth with sealed orders. We have such blessed weather at present that it is almost impious to be discontented; yet I cannot enjoy it while I remain so long without hearing from you. I accuse the Earl of indifference to the comfort of those whom it is incumbent on him to attend to. Since he has left this station there has been scarcely a day that the wind has not been favourable for vessels to join us. A fortnight or three weeks more and I hope my turn will come, when, if things do not meet my expectations, I shall be tempted to take leave of the good ship, and look out for a snug cottage to pass some time in the enjoyment of your society. I am serious, je t'assure. I understand Sir Hyde Parker is to command in the absence of the chief. Cela ne me plait pas aucunement; for, after having been employed upon this important and arduous service with acknowledged credit, I shall certainly very ill brook being hurried out of port in the usual manner to serve with him: I therefore go on shore unless my views are complied with. I hope to-morrow to have letters from you to acknowledge the receipt of. At present I am much out of humour, and with too much cause to be easily reconciled on any other terms but of hearing from you.

2nd.—Another disappointment this morning, having been joined by a lugger which we hoped had letters, but which proves to be from another quarter. I look for the Nimrod: if she joins us to-morrow I shall be satisfied. It has blown strong all day, with very thick weather. I hope for better success, but I still continue out of temper.

3rd.—The Superb, which has been in sight since daylight, is at last joining. Imagine my impatience after a whole fortnight since the date of your last letter. Captain Sutton, who is now with me, has not brought a single letter. I send this by the Courageux, and have only time to say that the Edgar is hourly expected, and possibly we may be more fortunate. A ship is in sight: I hope it is her.

On the 9th of November the fleet experienced one of the severest gales ever known, which did immense damage to the shipping; but, except the loss of some storm-sails, the Cæsar sustained no injury; while several of the others lost masts and yards, obliging them to return to port. But Sir James kept his station; indeed, during the whole fifteen weeks he had the command, not a vessel either sailed from, or entered, the harbour of Brest.

At last, seeing their escape impossible, they began to dismantle the ships; and Sir James received the following letter from Earl St. Vincent:

My dear Sir,

The Impetueux took in her guns this day, and Sir Edward Pellew will receive his orders to-morrow morning; and, if the wind favours his getting out of Hamoaze, he will be with you in the course of the week. You will receive by him orders to proceed to Spithead; but I shall be very glad to see you here en route, and I will inform Lady Saumarez by to-morrow's post of your probable approach.

Lord Spencer has been fully impressed by me of the long and arduous service you have undergone, and seems well disposed to give you the respite so justly due to the cheerfulness with which you have conducted the most important employment of this war. I am not in the secret when the promotion is to take effect. Private letters from town and the newspapers are full of it, and I am morally certain it will be out soon; for one of the ninety-gun ships, commanded by an officer very near the head of the list of captains, is nominated for Sir Erasmus Gower's flag, which appears conclusive.

Sir Hyde Parker has asked leave of absence; and, as the size of the fleet of observation is much reduced, I conceive it will be granted.

Yours, most truly,Torr Abbey, 2nd December, 1800.St. Vincent.

To Sir James Saumarez.

The following extract, which alludes to the preceding, was written by Sir James to Lady Saumarez on the

29th Dec.—The Earl informs me of his intention to write to you. I perceive he is resolved to become a favourite of yours by his attention. The order for the Cæsar to anchor in Torbay for twenty-four hours, on her way to Portsmouth, will not lessen his favour with you. After this, I suppose I cannot do less than invite you to take a passage in the ship with your two dear little companions; but it must be on condition that the weather is propitious to my views.