On the 4th of August a successful bombardment took place against the French flotilla off Boulogne, and the attack was renewed upon the 13th by the boats of Lord Nelson's squadron. Although assembled for the avowed purpose of invading our isles, still the event of that night plainly shewed that their preparations had been distinguished much more by steps for self preservation, than for offensive measures, for our brave fellows, after the strongest feats of valour, were obliged to abandon their hard earned prizes, from their having been fastened by chains, or hard on the shore. The issue was unfortunate, but it added to the glory of the British arms. One hundred and seventy two Officers, Seamen, and Marines were killed and wounded in this patriotic attempt. Such were the exertions of all that the thanks of Earl St. Vincent, and of their brave Chief, were expressed to every class in the squadron. The service was deprived of a gallant Officer in Captain Parker of the Navy, and Captain Young, of my corps, was badly wounded. Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was again a volunteer in cutting out some vessels of force, from the port of Corunna, happily without loss. Admiral Cornwallis, with that perseverance so peculiar to his character, continued to block up the combined fleets in Brest, who continued a useless load of expenditure to France and Spain, until a cessation of arms gave them freedom. I bitterly lament that I cannot bid farewell to the domestic events of the present year without diverging upon that baneful spirit of mutiny, which again broke forth in a detachment of our fleet on the coast of Ireland. It first burst out on board the Temeraire, a ship hitherto noted for good order, and commanded by men who yielded to none in the British Navy, for talents or humanity. It was a renewal of the same foul game that was played at the close of the American war, but it was subverted in a different manner, and with a manly energy, which bids fair to advance the future interests of discipline. The party of Marines, under Captain Vallock, after resisting all the efforts of seduction from their duty, behaved with the fidelity of good Soldiers, and nobly seconded the firm resolution of Admiral Campbell and the Officers under his command. As must ever be the case, this little phalanx, inspired with all the consciousness of a good cause, quickly overcame their guilty opponents, whose ringleaders expiated their crimes by an untimely death. The address which those unfortunate men left behind them to their misguided ship-mates, bespoke the deepest contrition, and affords the most impressive lesson to the wretch who may ever be so unguarded as to admit the inroads of discord or disobedience.