Although the attack was not crowned with the success it merited, in a national point of view the result was as complete as if the whole squadron had been destroyed, as the enemy were thereby prevented from proceeding further in the execution of the ulterior object of their expedition; and the chance of this alone was sufficient to justify Sir James in this bold and daring attempt, which, it will be seen, ultimately led to one of the most glorious achievements which adorn the annals of the empire.[35] [35] The discrepancies between the diagram and _some_ of the statements given in the logs, are easily accounted for by the changes which took place in the positions of the ships during the action. CHAPTER XV. 1801. Observations on the Battle of Algeziras.--Copies of the Journals of the Spencer, Audacious, and Venerable.--Remarks on them.--Further particulars.--The Spanish account.--The French account.--Bulletin from the Moniteur.--Anecdote of an occurrence at St. Malo.--Sword presented to Linois.--Lines on the occasion.--His improvement of Naval tactics.--Epigram.--Anecdote of the intrepidity of one of the Caesar's men. It has been mentioned in the preceding chapter that, owing chiefly to the minutes of Captain Ferris's court-martial, and to the discrepancies in different statements, a controversy has arisen on the subject. In order to avoid the possibility of our becoming a party thereto, correct copies of the logs, which are now at the Record Office in the Admiralty, are subjoined, after having been compared with those at Somerset House. Copy of the Log of his Majesty's ship Spencer, 6th July 1801. Moderate and cloudy,--spoke his Majesty's ship Caesar, which informed us of having intelligence of three sail of French line-of-battle ships and a frigate being in Algeziras Bay,--answered the signal to prepare for battle at anchor,--employed clearing ship for battle at anchor; at 6h. Apes hill S.E.; at half-past 6 beat the general to quarters,--ship clear for action; A.M. light airs and variable; at 4h. sprung up a breeze from the westward; at 7h. 58m. saw three French sail-of-the-line and one frigate, lying under the protection of the Spanish batteries of Algeziras, and a strong fortified island to the southward, and a number of forts and redoubts to the westward of them.