At last, seeing their escape impossible, they began to dismantle the ships; and Sir James received the following letter from Earl St. Vincent: MY DEAR SIR, The Impetueux took in her guns this day, and Sir Edward Pellew will receive his orders to-morrow morning; and, if the wind favours his getting out of Hamoaze, he will be with you in the course of the week. You will receive by him orders to proceed to Spithead; but I shall be very glad to see you here _en route_, and I will inform Lady Saumarez by to-morrow's post of your probable approach. Lord Spencer has been fully impressed by me of the long and arduous service you have undergone, and seems well disposed to give you the respite so justly due to the cheerfulness with which you have conducted the most important employment of this war. I am not in the secret when the promotion is to take effect. Private letters from town and the newspapers are full of it, and I am morally certain it will be out soon; for one of the ninety-gun ships, commanded by an officer very near the head of the list of captains, is nominated for Sir Erasmus Gower's flag, which appears conclusive. Sir Hyde Parker has asked leave of absence; and, as the size of the fleet of observation is much reduced, I conceive it will be granted. Yours, most truly, Torr Abbey, 2nd December, 1800. ST. VINCENT. To Sir James Saumarez. The following extract, which alludes to the preceding, was written by Sir James to Lady Saumarez on the 29th Dec.--The Earl informs me of his intention to write to you. I perceive he is resolved to become a favourite of yours by his attention. The order for the Caesar to anchor in Torbay for twenty-four hours, on her way to Portsmouth, will not lessen his favour with you. After this, I suppose I cannot do less than invite you to take a passage in the ship with your two dear little companions; but it must be on condition that the weather is propitious to my views.