_Presented to Sir James Saumarez, Knt._ of his Majesty's frigate the Crescent, by the subscribers to the fund for encouraging the capture of French privateers, in testimony of their sense of his gallant conduct in the action of the 20th October last with La Reunion, French frigate, of considerable force, and the protection thereby afforded to the commerce of Great Britain. London, 14th Nov. 1799. On the second vase the following inscription: The Inhabitants of _Guernsey_ to their gallant countryman, Rear-admiral _Sir James Saumarez, Bart. and K.B._ whose suavity of manner and private virtues have long engaged their esteem and affection, and whose brilliant achievements have not only immortalized his name, but will for ever reflect lustre on his native isle, and add to the glory of the British empire. June 1802. CHAPTER IV. 1802. Sir James disappointed in not returning home.--Extract of a letter to his brother.--The French send ships to the West Indies.--Squadron detached after them.--Death of General O'Hara.--Sir James receives orders to superintend the evacuation of Minorca.--Arrival of H.R.H. Duke of Kent.--Sir James arrives at Minorca.--Definitive treaty of peace.--Proceedings there.--Island given up to Spain.--The Caesar arrives at Gibraltar.--Proceeds to England.--Anchors at Spithead. Destined to remain with his squadron at Gibraltar, Sir James suffered a severe disappointment in being prevented from returning home. He occasionally visited Tetuan; and, after the preliminaries of peace were signed, he had communication with the Spanish authorities. On the 19th of January he was surprised by the appearance of four French line-of-battle ships in the eastward, which passed through the Straits of Gibraltar; on which he wrote a letter to his brother, whence the following is extracted: Caesar, Gibraltar, 20th January 1802. I had the pleasure yesterday to receive your affectionate letter, by way of Malaga, which, although of an old date, was very acceptable. The letter it enclosed from our brother Sir Thomas was the first I have seen from Guernsey for several months. Our accounts from England extend to the 6th instant, by way of Lisbon. Although no public despatches have been received, we have reason to expect the next arrival will bring the news of the definitive treaty being signed; at the same time it is rather surprising to see the French detaching ships from all their ports. Yesterday, four sail of the line and a frigate appeared to the eastward, which unquestionably must be Gantheaume's squadron. I detached the Phaeton with the intelligence, and am preparing four ships to follow them to the West Indies, taking it for granted they are going to St. Domingo.