that the men were hoisting the sail (for we had been shaking another reef out), and the rope being divided, as the men were hauling upon it, of course they all tumbled on the deck, one over another. The other shot struck our foremast, and chipped off a large slice, besides cutting away one of the shrouds, and the signal halyards. Now, you do not know enough about ships to understand that there was very little harm done, or that the coasting vessels were very small, with only three or four men on board of each of them; it therefore required some little management to make a flaming despatch. But I did it--only listen, now-- I have begun in the true Nelson style:-- "`TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY. "`Sir,--It has pleased the Great Disposer to grant a decided victory to his Majesty's arms, through the efforts of the vessel which I have the honour to command. On the 23rd day of August last, Ushant then bearing South West three quarters West, wind West, distant from three to four leagues, perceived an enemy's fleet, of three-masted vessels, rounding the point, with the hopes, I presume, of gaining the port of Cherbourg. Convinced that I should have every support from the gallant officers and true British tars under my command, I immediately bore down to the attack; the movements of the enemy fully proved that they were astounded at the boldness of the manoeuvre, and instead of keeping their line, they soon separated, and sheered off in different directions, so as to receive the support of their batteries.' "You see, Joey, I have said three-masted vessels, which implies ships, although as in this case, they were only small coasting luggers. "`In half an hour we were sufficiently close to the main body to open our fire, and broadside after broadside were poured in, answered by the batteries on the coast, with unerring aim. Notwithstanding the unequal contest, I have the pleasure of informing you, that in less than half an hour we succeeded in capturing three of the vessels (named as per margin), and finding nothing more could be done for the honour of his Majesty's arms, as soon we could take possession, I considered it my duty to haul off from the incessant and galling fire of the batteries. "`In this well-fought and successful contest, I trust that the British flag has not been tarnished. What the enemy's loss may have been it is impossible to say; they acknowledge themselves, however, that it has been severe.'" "But did the enemy lose any men?" demanded Joey. "Not one; but you observe I do not say loss of life, although the Admiralty may think I refer to it--that's not my fault. But I was perfectly correct in saying the enemy's loss was great; for the poor devils who were in the chasse-marees, when they were brought on board, wrung their hands, and said, that they had _lost their all_. Now, what loss can be greater than _all_?