Lieutenant Luce's description of the state he found the Salvador in was appalling in the extreme.--There were more than fifty lying on the decks with wounds requiring amputation. In many instances the Spanish surgeon, after having separated the limb, omitted to tie up the arteries; consequently, on removing the tourniquet, the victim in a few minutes bled to death: and the English sailors, who at length stopped his merciless hand, were with difficulty prevented from throwing him overboard with those he had butchered. Lieutenant Luce was one of the officers promoted, in consequence of this battle, to the rank of master and commander. The fleet now returned to Lisbon, where the conquerors were received with every demonstration of joy and gratitude. The English factory presented a congratulatory address; and at this place the thanks of both houses of parliament were communicated to them; and a third time to Sir James, as one of the most distinguished captains. At the same time he received from Earl Spencer and Lord Hugh Seymour the following handsome letters of congratulation: DEAR SIR, I congratulate you most sincerely on your having been present at the most brilliant action which our naval history records, and on having had so distinguished a share in it. I am, dear sir, with great truth, Your very obedient, humble servant, Admiralty, 8th March 1797. SPENCER. Sir James Saumarez. MY DEAR SIR JAMES, I congratulate you most heartily on your having had another opportunity of displaying your merit, and on the share which you bore in the most brilliant action that ever was achieved. I hope that I need not assure you how much I have shared with your friends the satisfaction your conduct has given them; the reward for which, I hope, you will long enjoy in the approbation of the whole world, which is now bestowed upon you. I am, my dear Sir James, Most truly and faithfully yours, H. SEYMOUR. Admiralty, March 10th, 1797. Early in March the Orion was again ready for active service; and the following letter gives an account of the departure of Sir James Saumarez with Commodore Nelson on a cruize. Orion, off the Tagus, 6th March 1797. MY DEAR RICHARD, I had the pleasure of your letter by packet, and I have to tell you we are now actually under sail, with Commodore Nelson, in the Irresistible, the Leander, and some frigates, going to intercept several Spanish ships expected from Vera Cruz with rich cargoes. Be not surprised if, with our _desperate_ commodore, you hear of our taking the whole Spanish fleet, should we fall in with them. Our cruise is expected to last only three weeks.