the only place from whence resistance can be expected, it is presumed that the rear division, assisted by a naval force, will be able to carry Fort St. Luis and Matagorda.
“If no alarm is given, the centre division should enter the bay of Caseta, in flat-bottomed boats, three hours before daylight, and, leaving a detachment to possess the batteries on San Sebastian, land on a sandy beach within thirty yards of the parapet, which in that part is so low, and in such condition when I was there, that by a coup-de-main any number of troops might readily have entered Cadiz; after which, the enemy’s fleet at anchor off the city would not long contend with your lordship, as the guns of the fortress would be turned upon them.
“Should this desirable object not succeed, the centre division should land on the south side of the isthmus, gain possession of Puntales, and the batteries of Corales; and when the heavy artillery and mortars are ready to open, Cadiz may be summoned; as, exclusive of your lordship’s presence, which would prevent the animosity and jealousy which sometimes occur between sea and land commanders, I am convinced, from what I have seen and heard the Spaniards express, that there is not any thing that would so intimidate them, and speedily secure possession of the ships and arsenal, which they might be induced to surrender, in order to save so opulent a city from destruction: at all events, it would be humane to make the proposal; and I beg leave, my Lord, to suggest a cautionary measure of apprizing the enemy, that if they attempted to set Are to the ships or destroy the arsenal, no quarter would be given.
“This being intended merely as an outline, to do away the necessity and expence of a blockading squadron, by obtaining possession of twenty-three sail of the line, &c.&c. I have not, in a measure of such magnitude, particularized the best construction and mode of arming small vessels to act against the enemy’s gun-boats, &c., and cover the landing of the troops, previous to forming a moveable flank battery; therefore only beg leave to generally remark, that the description of vessels best adapted for this service, are such as are required for the Straits and Gibraltar; which your lordship has already done me the honor to so emphatically approve.
“To Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson,
&c. &c. &c.”
Commander Layman returned from the Mediterranean fleet to Gibraltar, in the Renown 74, Captain Sir Richard Strachan, who, in a conversation respecting the court-martial by which his guest had been tried, and alluding to one of the officers who composed it, observed, – “I was also a member, and can therefore communicate nothing; but ____ is a bad-hearted man.” If we could, by any possibility, ascertain the name of the per-
