I have been much disappointed, not to receive a single line from you since we sailed from this place, although I am convinced you must have written by way of Guernsey. To-morrow I sail with a squadron of six frigates under my command, viz. Crescent, Nymphe, Blonde, Druid, Concorde, and Severn: my only fear is, that we shall not be so fortunate as to fall in with the enemy. Admiral McBride has shown me his reply from the Admiralty to his letter, inclosing my account of our late business off Guernsey. It is highly flattering to myself, and expressive of their approbation of my conduct in the strongest terms. I doubt my letter being published, as it is only in instances where success has been the consequence. What a noble business that of Lord Howe! And how well he has fulfilled the expectations which those who knew him had formed of his character! Several of my friends are here who were in that action, and speak in the highest strain of panegyric of the whole of his conduct. I wait for my wife being again on her legs to compose on the late victory. Why have you not a turn for poetry and music, so as to indite a song on this subject, in lieu of the famous Ninety-second, that has had the run of a whole century?. Adieu, my worthy friend! I am truly and faithfully yours, JAS. SAUMAREZ. CHAPTER VIII. 1794, 1795. 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. Captain Saumarez, whose conduct in his late encounter with the enemy's squadron had called forth the admiration of his country, and the high approbation of the Admiralty, was continued in command of the squadron destined to protect the Channel islands. Admiral McBride emphatically said, "their defence could not be in better hands." Sir James left Plymouth on the 16th of June 1794, and arrived at Guernsey on the following day. The enemy's large ships escaped to Brest before any force could be brought to intercept them. The station of Saumarez was from Cape Barfleur to the Seven Islands; and, on the English coast, between the Isle of Wight and the Start, having four frigates under his command. The following letter to his brother gives an amusing account of a false alarm, occasioned by the squadron while his Majesty George the Third was at Weymouth: Crescent, 18th September 1794. MY DEAR RICHARD,