Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. Vol IIRoss, John, Sir
History
Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. Vol II
Ross, John, Sir
Admirals -- Great Britain -- Biography; Saumarez, James, 1757-1836
I have much pleasure in acquainting you, sir, that the officers
and ship's company merit my warmest praise for the constant
exertions and cheerful obedience with which they conducted
themselves throughout this distressing scene. Captain Guion
was unwearied and indefatigable, and his abilities could never
have been better shown than on this trying occasion. It is no
small consolation to me that in the awful moment of the masts
going over the side, and throughout the whole terrific gale,
not a man was hurt.
I have now, sir, to acquaint you that out of one hundred and
twenty sail which were at anchor here when the gale began, only
seventy-six are now remaining; twelve are seen wrecked upon the
Danish coast and in the enemy's possession; two ran foul of
each other, and both went to the bottom, and in the midst of
the gale several of the smaller vessels were observed
dismasted, and the sea making an entire breach over them; it is
much to be feared they foundered at their anchors. Many
remaining here are so much disabled that I doubt whether they
will be able to proceed with us, although they have had every
assistance from his Majesty's ships which could be given them.
I am happy, sir, to tell you that the St. George has her
jury-masts rigged, and her rudder hung, and is in every respect
as complete to proceed with the convoy (the first favourable
wind) as hands can make her in our present situation.
Before I conclude this narrative, permit me to insert my public
acknowledgments of the prompt and timely assistance I received
from every Captain of his Majesty's ships under my orders,
which accelerated our equipment much sooner than otherwise
could be expected.
I have, &c. &c. &c.
R.C. REYNOLDS.
Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.
&c. &c. &c.
James received the above letter on the 29th of November, when
he despatched a vessel with the disastrous intelligence to
England. In his answer to Admiral Reynolds we find the
following paragraph:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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