"The great utility of this corps must appear obvious when it is considered that the only person supposed to be qualified and experienced in gunnery on board His Majesty's ships, is the gunner, who, too often ignorant of his own duty, is totally unable to instruct others. In the quarter bills of most ships, it is well known that a very small proportion of the marines are reserved for musketry, the greater part being in general divided on the different batteries. With what advantage would they not go to their quarters, after having been well practised and exercised as artillery-men; and how soon would not the rest of the ship's company become also expert gunners in emulating their example. "These men would also be found particularly useful on expeditions abroad, in landing or making a descent on the enemy's coast, when a well-served artillery is often of the greatest importance. "The officers might be appointed from the other divisions, and should consist of those who, from their age and services, were incapable of being engaged in actual duty;--they would here find a comfortable asylum during life, and end their days in the service of their country. "The expenses incurred by this establishment would be inconsiderable; and no doubt can be entertained of its proving a lasting advantage to His Majesty's service, and adding strength to the great bulwark of this country,--the Royal Navy. "JAMES SAUMAREZ, Orion." "The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, &c. &c. &c." "Admiralty, 2nd January 1797. "DEAR SIR, "I hazard a line in the uncertainty whether you may not have sailed before this reaches Portsmouth, to thank you for your paper on the establishment of a Corps of Artillery for the naval service. The idea is one which I have often heard discussed, and in many points of view a very good one; but I fear that there would be so many difficulties in point of official arrangements to overcome in carrying it into execution, that no very sanguine hopes can be entertained of its succeeding. "It is, however, a subject well worthy of attention, and which, at a less pressing moment, it may perhaps be worth while to renew. "I am, "Dear sir, "With great regard, "Your very obedient, humble servant, "SPENCER." "To Sir James Saumarez." APPENDIX K. "Madrid, 10th March 1797. "The following account of the action with the British squadron, on the 14th day of February last, has been received by D. Juan de Langara, in a letter addressed to his Excellency by D. Joseph de Cordova, commander-in-chief of the Squadron, dated del Oceano, the 2nd of March, at the entrance of Cadiz Bay.