The whole plan of proceedings being thus judiciously arranged, the attempt was commenced with every hope of success: but it turned out, that a very erroneous representation had been given of the forces of the enemy, which appear to have been far too numerous for so small a body of men successfully to encounter; and, indeed, there were other unexpected difficulties and disappointments. The following letter, from Captain Troubridge to Sir Horatio Nelson, will account, in a considerable degree, for the miscarriage of the enterprise. "Culloden, 25th July 1797. "SIR, "From the darkness of the night, I did not immediately hit the mole, the spot appointed to land at; but pushed on shore under the enemy's batteries, close to the southward of the citadel. Captain Waller landed at the same instant, and two or three other boats. The surf was so high, many put back. The boats were full of water in an instant, and stove against the rocks; and most of the ammunition in the men's pouches was wet. "As soon as I collected a few men, I immediately pushed, with Captain Waller, for the square, the place of rendezvous, in hopes of there meeting you and the remainder of the people, and waited about an hour; during which time, I sent a serjeant, with two gentlemen of the town, to summons the citadel. I fear, the serjeant was shot on his way, as I heard nothing of him afterwards. "The ladders being all lost in the surf, or not to be found, no immediate attempt could be made on the citadel. I, therefore, marched to join Captains Hood and Miller; who, I had intelligence, had made good their landing to the south-west of the place I did, with a body of men. I endeavoured, then, to procure some intelligence of you, and the rest of the officers, without success.