and the Moluccas, surrendered to the British arms. In the midst of this scene of success Sir George learned, by means of a spy at Trangubar, that a Dutch squadron was shortly expected at the Cape of Good Hope, having been despatched by the Gallo-Batavian government to make a strenuous effort for its recovery; upon which he immediately sailed thither, and fortunately arrived there before the enemy. On the 3rd Aug. 1796, he received intelligence that a hostile fleet was off the coast; but owing to the violence of the weather, it was not until the 6th that he could go in quest of them.
“On getting under weigh,” says Sir George in his official despatch, “an officer from the shore came on board to inform me, that a number of ships had been seen the preceding night in the offing, near False Bay; I then resolved to steer to the south-west, in expectation of their having taken that course.
“The squadron continued cruising, in the most tempestuous weather I have ever experienced, which damaged many of the ships, and at one time the Ruby had five feet water in her hold.
“On the 12th I returned, with a fresh breeze blowing from the south-east; and upon anchoring in Simon’s Bay, the master attendant came off with the information, that the ships seen, consisting of nine sail, had put into Saldanha Bay on the 6th, the same day on which I had proceeded to sea; that they remained there by the last advice, and that four ships had been despatched in quest of me, to communicate this welcome intelligence.
“I immediately made the signal to sail, but the Crescent had got ashore; the wind blew strong, and increased the following day to a perfect tempest, in which the Tremendous parted two cables, drove, and was in great danger of being lost; so that, notwithstanding every exertion, and the most anxious moments of my life, we could not get out till the 15th.”
On the 16th, at sunset, the Vice-Admiral arrived off Sal-
a small squadron under the orders of Captain Alan Hyde, afterwards Viscount, Gardner, and a detachment of soldiers commanded by Colonel James Stuart. The spices and merchandize found in the warehouses, were estimated at 25 lacks of rupees, or upwards of 300,000l. sterling.
