Lord Exmouth's attack on Algiers, the most memorable occasion on which men-of-war have attacked fortifications, is peculiarly instructive now. The immediate destruction of the enemy's works opposed to the _Queen Charlotte_, and the comparative impunity she thus obtained, shows the wisdom of laying the ships as close as possible, where the concentrated fire of her batteries may overwhelm the enemy, and destroy the few guns which alone can be opposed to her; whereas, by anchoring at a distance, the enemy's guns from a great extent of the works may be trained to bear on her, while her own shot strike with uncertain aim and diminished effect. The results of this latter course may be learnt from the fate of the floating batteries at the siege of Gibraltar, and from the _Impregnable_ at Algiers; the ships having anchored at too great a distance, were exposed to a destructive fire, while their own attack was comparatively harmless. This biography of Lord Exmouth was written at the desire and under the eye of his eldest brother; in youth his second father, and through life his confidential friend. Every incident relating to points of service was supplied or corrected by officers personally engaged; and the whole was finally revised by four officers who were the most constantly and intimately acquainted with the Admiral--Mr. Gaze, master of the fleet in the Mediterranean and at Algiers, and who sailed with him in every ship from 1793 to the last day of his command; Sir Christopher Cole and Captain Crease, his intimate friends; and his only surviving sailor son, Captain, now Vice-Admiral Sir Fleetwood Pellew. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. FAMILY HISTORY. Birth and education--Anecdote of early daring--Enters the Navy--Leaves his ship, with one of his companions, at Marseilles--Joins the _Blonde_, Captain Pownoll--His activity--Anecdote of General Burgoyne--Instance of extraordinary boldness--Campaign on the Lakes of Canada--Distinguishes himself in the actions, of October 11th and 13th, 1776--Complimented by Sir C. Douglas, Lord Howe, and Earl Sandwich--Appointed to command the _Carleton_--Nearly takes General Arnold--Narrowly escapes being made prisoner--Commands a brigade of seamen in Burgoyne's campaign--In danger of killing his brother--Events of the campaign--Constructs a bridge, by which the army crosses to Saratoga--His brother killed in action--Recaptures a provision vessel from the enemy--Admitted to the Council of War, and pleads that the sailors may be exempted from the capitulation--Sent home with despatches in a transport--Defends her against a privateer--Promoted to be a Lieutenant. page 1 CHAPTER II. HIS SERVICES FROM 1778 TO 1791.