When it became quite dark the launch was hoisted out and equipped, but some delay in sending her away occurred, in consequence of the French squadron having gone on the larboard tack, by which means they were exactly in her track for Trapani. The Lieutenant was directed to proceed by land to Palermo, with his dispatches for Rear Admiral Martin; and the Master’s mate, who accompanied him in the launch, was to proceed with her to Malta with the same intelligence for Rear Admiral, Sir Alexander Ball. “SPARTAN, CAPE TOLAZO, 5 p.m. APRIL 1st, 1808. “SIR, “We are now in company with the enemy’s squadron, consisting of ten sail of the line (two of which are three deckers), four frigates and a brig. We fell in with them this morning at ten o’clock, Galita then bearing S.S.E. distant thirty-eight miles; they were then steering about West, with the wind apparently at E.N.E. (we had it all North). I immediately bore up to reconnoitre them; upon the wind drawing round to the westward, and blowing fresh (which it did shortly after) they wore by signal, and hauled their wind on the larboard tack. When near enough to distinguish flags, I made the private signal, which was not answered, and we have since been keeping a station about six or seven miles in the wind’s eye of them. At dark I mean to send away the launch, having fitted her up with a temporary deck for the occasion, and put her under the command of Lieutenant Coffin, third Lieutenant, to whom I beg leave to refer you for particulars. He is a most excellent young officer, and has in my opinion added to his merit, by the very handsome manner in which he has volunteered his services on this occasion. It is my intention to use every endeavour to keep sight of the enemy, and having ascertained their destination, to take the earliest opportunity of sending information of it; watching them myself till I have reason to believe the Commander in chief, or some of his squadrons are acquainted with their situation. “I have the honour to be, &c. “JAHLEEL BRENTON.” “REAR ADMIRAL MARTIN, &c. PALERMO.”