Description of the defences--Force demanded by Lord Exmouth--Surprise of the Admiralty at the small force he required--Lord Exmouth's confidence--His entire satisfaction with the arrangements of the Admiralty--He refuses to allow his relations to accompany him--His promptitude--Sails--Preparations for the battle--A Dutch squadron joins at Gibraltar--Preparations made by the Algerines--Particulars of the battle--Fleet hauls off--Lord Exmouth's conduct after the battle--His very narrow escapes--Submission of the enemy--Lord Exmouth's account of the battle, in a private letter--Closing remarks. page 200 CHAPTER XII. LORD EXMOUTH'S RETIREMENT AND DEATH. Honours paid him--His exertions for his officers--Thanks of Parliament--Activity of his mind--Command at Plymouth--Trial of the Queen--His unpopularity, and remarks on it--His independence in politics--Catholic question--His religious principles and conduct--Peace of his declining years--Anxiety for the safety of the country--Death of his daughter--Death of his grandchild; his reflection on the occasion--Made Vice-Admiral of England--Death of Sir Israel Pellew--Lord Exmouth's attachment to the Church, and confidence in God's protection of it--His last illness and death. page 221 THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL VISCOUNT EXMOUTH CHAPTER I. FAMILY HISTORY. The life and services of Lord Exmouth are of no common interest; not more because he has advanced the reputation of his country, and connected his name with her history, than that he began his career an almost unfriended orphan, and rose to the highest honours of his profession without having been indebted to fortune or to patronage. One of the most interesting spectacles is that of rising merit struggling from its difficulties. The most encouraging, is the honour which rewards its exertions. The young officer, who, like him, has devoted himself to an arduous service, with nothing to rely on but his sword, may derive instruction from his example, and encouragement from his success.