I was made happy yesterday by the sight of your handwriting, of which I had for a considerable time been deprived. You will have learnt from the Lord Mayor of our short cruise off Cherbourg. On our return, Sunday evening, we caused an alarm I had little expected: the Trusty, having fallen in with the four frigates, made the private signal, which, not being distinctly seen, remained unanswered. In consequence of which she proceeded to Weymouth Road, making signals of an enemy. The troops were ordered under arms, the batteries manned, and the royal carriages got in readiness. At our approach to the road after dark, a shot was fired from the Trusty. This ship was secured with springs on her cables, and was ready to pour her broadside, when I fortunately made the night-signal, to denote we were friends. I immediately went on shore, and found the royal family at the rooms, not without apprehension of the enemy's landing. The King desired to see me, and very heartily laughed at the circumstance. I remained near an hour in conference with their Majesties in the tea-room; a very distinguished honour, I assure you, as even the lords in waiting are scarcely ever admitted during meals: I was highly flattered at the very gracious and flattering reception I met with. The next day they were on the water, and the King expressed himself much satisfied with the manoeuvres of the squadron under my directions. Lady S. and Mrs. Le Marchant, of Bath, were on board the Crescent, and I was happy in the company of Mr. G----. All dined on board, and seemed well satisfied with the day. I expect Admiral McBride the beginning of next week; at which time we shall either go to Plymouth or Portsmouth, to complete our provisions. The weather is so bad that we must not expect the packet from Guernsey, and it prevents the one from Weymouth putting to sea. Love to my sister and children. Yours most affectionately, Jas. Saumarez. The Crescent continued on Channel service until the 10th of October, when she returned to Cawsand Bay; and, after a short cruise in the entrance of the Channel, she came to Plymouth to be refitted on the 4th of November. On the 8th she was taken into dock, not having been coppered since 1784. Sir James had now an opportunity of enjoying repose for two months, (his ship being in course of repair,) till the 15th of January 1795, when he was immediately attached to the grand fleet under Earl Howe. The following instructions will show the nature of the arduous service on which Saumarez was destined to be employed for a considerable time: Instructions for the conduct of ships appointed to obtain intelligence of the state of the enemy's naval force at Brest.