9
the French steered a direct course for Candia, by which they made an angular passage towards Alexandria, whilst we steered a direct course for that place, without making Candia at all, by which we of course very considerably shortened the distance. The smallness of our squadron made it necessary to sail in close order, and therefore the space which it covered was very limited; and as the Admiral had no frigates that he might have detached upon the look-out, added to the constant haze of the atmosphere in that climate, our chance of descrying the enemy was very much circumscribed. The distance likewise between Candia and the Barbary Cast, about 35 leagues, leaves very sufficient space for more than two of the largest fleets to pass without mutual observation, particularly under the circumstances described.
On our return to Syracuse, the circumstance of our steering up to the Northward, while the enemy kept a Southern course for Alexandria, makes it obvious that our chance of falling in with them was still less than before.
On the 25th of July we left Syracuse, still without any positive information respecting the enemy; but it occurred to the Admiral, that some authentic intelligence might be obtained in the Morea. We steered for that Coast, and made the Gulph of Coron on the 28th. Captain Troubridge was again employed on the important service of obtaining intelligence, and was dispatched in the Culloden into Coron, off which place, by the great exertions of that able Officer, the fleet was not detained above three hours. He returned with intelligence from the Turkish Governor, that the enemy had been seen steering to the S. E. from Candia about four weeks before. Captain Troubridge had had the satisfaction of observing, during his very hurried visit to Coron, that the Inhabitants there entertained the most serious apprehensions from the French Armament, and the most perfect detestation against that people.
Upon the information obtained by Captain Troubridge, the Admiral determined again to visit Alexan-dria,
