Situation of the Hostile Fleets.--Surrender of Brimstone Hill.--Junction of the Fleets.--Antigua.--St. Lucia.--Sailing of the French Fleet under Comte de Grasse.--Action of the 9th of April.--12th of April.--Gallant conduct of the Russel.--Captain Saumarez returns to Jamaica.--Comes to England with Convoy.--Is paid off at Chatham, and confirmed a Post-captain. Page 65 CHAPTER V. Captain Saumarez returns to Guernsey.--His exemplary Conduct.--Visits Cherbourg.--Is introduced to the French King.--Returns.--Changes at Guernsey.--Prince William Henry visits the Island twice.--His Reception.--Appearance of Hostilities in 1787.--Captain Saumarez is appointed to the Ambuscade, and pays her off.--His Letter on his Marriage.--Remarks thereon.--Armament of 1790.--Saumarez commissions and pays off the Raisonable.--War of 1793.--Appointed to command the Crescent.--First Cruise; takes a prize and saves Alderney.--Second Cruise; captures a cutter.--Third Cruise.--Return.--Crescent docked and refitted. Page 84 CHAPTER VI. Crescent refitted.--Sails for the Channel Islands.--Falls in with the French frigate La Reunion.--Particular account of the action.--Letters from Captain Saumarez to his brother.--Brings his prize to Portsmouth.--Official letters.--Letters from various persons.--Ship refitting.--Captain Saumarez obtains leave of absence.--Is knighted for his gallant conduct. Page 99 CHAPTER VII. Sir James Saumarez is placed under the orders of Admiral McBride.--Is detached, and attacks an Enemy's squadron.--Narrow Escape from Shipwreck.--Off Havre.--Cherbourg.--Private letters relating the particulars of several Cruises on the French coast.--Gallant Action with a French squadron of superior force off Guernsey. Page 119 CHAPTER VIII. Sir James commands a Squadron of Frigates, in the Channel.--Visit to Weymouth.--Joins the Channel Fleet.--Black Rocks.--Private Letters and Instructions.--Appointed to the Orion.--Crescent's Officers and Crew volunteer to follow him.--Appointed to the Marlborough (_pro tempore_).--Commands a detached Squadron.--Returns to the Orion, attached to the Channel Fleet.--Private Letters.--Lord Bridport's Action.--Orion, the headmost Ship, begins the battle.--Official Letter.--Two private Accounts.--Returns to Portsmouth.--Expedition to Isle Dieu.--Returns to Spithead. Page 143 CHAPTER IX.