description either sailed from or entered into the port of Brest during the whole time he remained on that station.
On his return from this severe duty, the Rear-Admiral was ordered to prepare for foreign service; and, on the 14th June, he sailed from Plymouth with a squadron consisting of five sail of the line, one frigate, a brig, and a lugger, destined for the blockade of Cadiz, off which port he was joined by two more ships of the line[1].
At 2 A.M. on the 5th July, Sir James received intelligence that a French squadron[2] had arrived from the Mediterranean, and after having made repeated attempts to push through the Straits, had anchored off Algeziras. He immediately bore up with the squadron, the Superb and Thames excepted, and made sail towards Gibraltar. The following morning, on opening Cabaretta Point, the enemy was discovered, and appeared to be warping close under the protection of the Spanish batteries, some of which were situated on an island about a quarter of a mile from the shore, others on commanding eminences to the north and south of the town of Algeziras, and the cross fire from which completely flanked the entrance to the harbour.
The plan of attack given out by Sir James Saumarez was, for the Venerable to lead into the bay, and pass the enemy’s
- ↑ The force under Sir James was now composed of the following vessels;
Guns. Caesar 84 Rear-Admiral Sir James Saumarez.
Captain Jahleel Brenton.Pompeée 74 Charles Stirling. Superb 74 Richard Goodwin Keats. Spencer 74 Henry D’Esterre Darby. Audacious 74 Shuldham Peard. Hannibal 74 Solomon Ferris. Venerable 74 Samuel Hood. Thames 32 William Lukin. Pasley, armed brig; and Plymouth, hired lugger. - ↑ The French squadron consisted of the
Guns. Formidable 74 Rear-Admiral Linois.
Captain Lalonde.Indomptable 80 Moncousu. Desaix 74 Palliere. Messiton 36 Martinencq.
