The French had now a large fleet at Brest, which appeared to be in a state of great forwardness; and, as they had before eluded the vigilance of the blockading ships, it was necessary to place a strong squadron near the Black Rocks to watch their motions, and to give the command of this advanced detachment to an officer of skill, experience, and intrepidity. Earl St. Vincent, who was now commander-in-chief of the Channel fleet, knowing how highly Sir James Saumarez was qualified for such an important trust, gave him the following order to take command of the in-shore squadron: You are hereby required and directed to proceed without a moment's loss of time, in his Majesty's ship under your command, off the Black Rocks, where you may expect to find his Majesty's ships named in the margin,[24] which you are to take under your command; their respective captains being instructed to obey your orders: and having received from Captain Knight, of his Majesty's ship Montague, authenticated copies of all orders and papers in his possession relative to the command of the advanced squadron, carry the same into execution until you receive further orders. You will also receive from Captain Knight a sealed secret instruction, addressed to the officer commanding the advanced squadron off the Black Rocks for the time being, which is on no account to be opened, but under the circumstances thereon directed. ST. VINCENT. To Sir James Saumarez, &c. [24] Magnificent, Defiance, Marlborough, and Edgar. Copy of Instructions to the Senior Officer of the advanced squadron off the Black Rocks. You are hereby required and directed to take under your command the advanced squadron, composed of his Majesty's ships named on the other side hereof, (whose captains are instructed to obey your orders,) stationed off the Black Rocks and in the Bay of Brest, for the purpose of watching the combined fleets in that port; adopting such measures as you shall judge necessary for gaining every possible information of their force, condition, and movements. In the execution of this most important service, the line-of-battle ships (composing the advanced squadron) are to be anchored during an easterly wind in the Iroise Passage, as well to support the look-out frigates, as to intercept a squadron of the enemy which is held in constant readiness to slip out the very first opportunity that shall offer; and during a westerly wind, you are not to fail in making Brest every day, if possible, but at all events to take such precautions as will enable you to resume your former position in the Iroise, on the first appearance of easterly wind.