Fleet repair damages.--Sir James receives orders to take a detachment of six ships of the line, and five prizes, under his command.--Sails for Gibraltar.--Journal of his tedious voyage.--Arrives off Candia.--Decides to pass through a perilous passage, and escapes the dangers.--Falls in with the Marquis of Nisa, and summons the French garrison at Malta.--Puts into Port Auguste, in Sicily.--Sails from thence.--Tedious passage.--Letters from Earl St. Vincent and Nelson.--Arrives at Gibraltar.--Reception there from the Admiral, Governor, &c.--Sails thence.--Arrives at Lisbon.--Sails thence.--Arrives at Spithead.--Paid off at Plymouth.--Remarks on his treatment, and explanation of it. The fleet was employed in repairing the damages it had received, and in fitting the prizes that were deemed worthy of being sent to England. This occupied the whole week after the battle. On the 5th, the Leander, having on board Captain Berry with the Rear-admiral's despatches, sailed for England; and, on the 12th, the Emerald, Alcmene, and Bonne Citoyenne arrived. On the same day Sir James received the following order: (1st Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c. You are hereby required and directed to take the ships named on the margin[16] under your command, their captains having orders for that purpose; and to proceed with them with all possible despatch down the Mediterranean. On your arrival near Europa Point, you will send a boat on shore to the Commissioners' office to receive any orders that may be lodged there for your further proceedings. In case you find no orders at Gibraltar, and learn that the commander-in-chief is off Cadiz, or at Lisbon, you will join him at either place with all possible expedition. To Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c. &c. [16] The captains of his Majesty's ships to take charge of the prizes as under: Orion to take charge of Le Souverain Peuple. Bellerophon do.} Majestic do.} Le Spartiate. Minotaur do. Aquilon. Defence do. Franklin. Audacious do. Conquerant. Theseus do. Tonnant. To the captains of above-mentioned ships. H.N. (2nd Order.) By Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. &c. &c. &c. You are hereby required and directed to take charge of the prize ships; putting a sufficient number of men on board each to navigate the said prize, with six weeks' provisions. You are never to separate from her without orders in writing from the officer under whose command you are for the time being; and you are hereby required and directed to put yourself and the prize under the command of Captain Sir James Saumarez; and follow all such orders and instructions as you may receive from him from time to time for his Majesty' service.