State of Europe in 1812.--Critical situation of Sweden and Russia.--Advance of Buonaparte.--Sir James Saumarez resumes the command in the Baltic.--Attack on Anholt prevented.--Proceedings of the advanced squadron Arrival of the Victory at Gothenburg.--Capture and destruction of a Danish frigate and two brigs.--Captain Stewart's gallant conduct.--Official letters.--Capture of a ship in Pillau Roads.--Lieut. Jones's gallant conduct.--Official letters.--Peace with Russia.--Correspondence with Mr. Thornton and Earl Cathcart, who is appointed Ambassador to the Court of St. Petersburg.--Proceedings of the hostile armies on the frontiers of Russia.--Admiral Byam Martin sent to co-operate.--Siege of Riga.--Diversion made by Admiral Martin in Dantzig Bay.--Capture and destruction of four French privateers.--Ratification of peace with Russia and Sweden.--Sir James named Knight Grand Cross of the Sword of Sweden.--His Swedish Majesty's letter and the answer.--Emperor Alexander sends the Russian fleet to England.--Defeat of the French at Polosk, Borodino, Moscow.--Retreat of Buonaparte.--Archangel fleet arrives.--Earl Cathcart.--Mr. Saumarez's tour to Abo and St. Petersburg, and return to the Admiral with despatches.--Afflicting news from England.--Sir James's conduct on that occasion.--He is relieved by Sir George Hope.--Returns to England.--Strikes his flag. 271 CHAPTER XIV. State of the Continent after the defeat of Buonaparte.--Sir James's services in the Baltic no longer required.--Retires from service, but not from public life.--His various occupations.--His claims for a Peerage disregarded.--Correspondence and observations thereon.--His residence in Guernsey.--Visit to Oxford.--Letter from Lord Nelson.--Captain Miller's monument.--Political opinions.--Letter from Earl St. Vincent.--Is appointed to the command at Plymouth.--Speech of Earl Grey.--Receives a visit from Lord Exmouth.--Strikes his flag.--Claims for a Peerage again disregarded.--Returns to Guernsey.--His reception there.--Death of George IV.--Accession of William IV.--Is created Baron de Saumarez.--Letter from Lady de Saumarez.--His reception at the Island of Guernsey, and rejoicings there. 297 CHAPTER XV. Political opinions and conduct of Lord de Saumarez.--Death of his second son.--His letter on that occasion.--Anecdotes of his carriage being robbed.--Of Sweden.--The King of Sweden presents him with his portrait.--Count Wetterstedt's letter and Lord de Saumarez's answer.--Lord de Saumarez's last illness and death.--His Christian fortitude.--His professional character.--Moral and religious character.--Remarks and conclusion. 315 ADDENDA. Memoir of Sir Thomas de Saumarez. 332