On September 17 we hear of the sailing of the English fleet from Syracuse in quest of her enemy. On September 21 we have a quotation from the ‘Redacteur’ of September 14: ‘The same Letters inform us, that the Squadron of Admiral Brueys had anchored on the coast of _Bignieres_, and was preparing to return to France, when it was attacked by the English Squadron, which was superior to ours, both in the number and the size of the vessels; that on both sides the action was maintained with a degree of obstinacy, of which History affords no example; that during the action the Vessel of the French Admiral was burnt; that two or three French Ships sunk; and that some others, both French and English, ran aground after having lost all their Masts; and that, finally, some other French ships, quite disabled, remained on the spot where the Battle was fought.’ CHAPTER XI. RECEPTION OF THE NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF THE NILE--NELSON SENDS FRENCH ADMIRAL’S SWORD TO THE CITY OF LONDON--VARIOUS CARICATURES ON THE BATTLE--TYPICAL JOHN BULL. It was not till October 2 that a glimmer of the truth, through rather a roundabout channel, appeared in the papers; and later on that day appeared a ‘London Gazette extraordinary,’ with Nelson’s despatches, which were very brief. Who can wonder at the excessive national rejoicing? People were drunk with joy. Take a few paragraphs from the ‘Times’ of October 3:-- ‘DRURY LANE.--After the play, the news of Admiral Nelson’s glorious victory produced a burst of patriotic exultation that has been rarely witnessed in a theatre. “Rule Britannia” was unanimously called for from every part of the house, and Messrs. Kelly, Dignum, Sedgewick, Miss Leak, and Mrs. Bland, came forward and sung it, accompanied by numbers of the audience. It was called for, and sung, a second time. The acclamations were the loudest and most fervent we have ever witnessed. ‘The following lines, written for the occasion, were introduced by Mr. Dignum and Mr. Sedgewick-- Again the tributary Strain Of grateful Britons let us raise, And to the Heroes on the Main, Triumphant add a Nelson’s praise. Though the _Great Nation_ proudly boasts Herself invincible to be; Yet our brave NELSON still can prove BRITANNIA, Mistress of the Sea. The audience were not satisfied with this repeated mark of exultation, but in the effusion of enthusiastic loyalty, called for “God save the King,” which was received with reiterated plaudits.’ ‘Immediately that the news of the gallant victory obtained by Admiral NELSON was known at Lloyd’s, a subscription was opened for the relief of the widows and orphans of the brave men who perished in fighting for their country.’[42] ‘Every man in this country may address Admiral NELSON with SHAKESPEARE, Horatio, thou art e’en as _brave_ a man As e’er my understanding cop’d withal. The Capture of the French Fleet by NELSON, has reduced BUONAPARTE to the situation of _Macbeth_,