188
LETTERS.
[1800.
the Enemy, ami directed the Foudroyanl, Audacious, and Northumberland to chaseto windward, and the Lion to look out off the passage between Gozo and Malta ,while the Queen Charlotte was kept as close in with the mouth of the harbour asthe batteries would admit of; the Alexander, at the same time, was under weigh onthe South-East side of the Island . On the lGtli, I was joined by the Phaeton, fromPalermo ; and the wind having shifted to the N.W., which afforded a favourableopportunity for landing the Neapolitan troops at Marsa Sirocco, I accordinglyembraced it, and in the afternoon returned off the harbour of Valetta . Signalswere made from various parts of the Island , of an Enemy’s being in sight, and withthe Queen Charlotte, Phaeton, Sirena Neapolitan Frigate, and Minorca Sloop, 1anxiously continued to maintain a position near the shore, to preveut the Enemyfrom passing within us, and to expose them to the attack of his Majesty’s Shipsthat were in pursuit of them. On the morning of the lilth, El Corso joined with alarge French armed Store Ship, which she took possession of at four o'clock in theafternoon of the 18th, by signal from Lord Nelson , whose Squadron was thenengaged with the French . Captain Ricketts reported tins Ship to be the Villc dcMarseilles, loaded with salt meat, brandy, wine, clothing, stores, &c., &c. Shesailed from Toulon ou the 7th instant, in company with the Genereux, seventy-four, Admiral Perrrr, Binline, twenty-four, and two Corvettes, having near fourthousand troops on board for the relief of Malta . At four, p.m., the Foudrovantand Audacious joined me, and 1 was acquainted by Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson , thatthe Genereux had surrendered without any action, and that the three Corvettes hadescaped, from all the Line of-Battlc Ships having anxiously pressed after theFrench Admiral. I have the honour to enclose a copy of Lord Nelson ’s letter.His Lordship has on this occasion, as on all others, conducted himself with skill,and great address, in comprehending my signals, which the state of the weatherled me greatly to suspect. Captain Peanl has evinced excellent management fromthe moment he first discovered the Enemy off the South-West end of Sicily , untilthe period of the capture; ami Lieutenant William Harrington, commanding theAlexander in the absence of Captain Rail, has shown great merit in so ably con-ducting that Ship in presence of so superior a force, previously to the appenxnnccof Lord Nelson . I beg leave to recommend him to their Lordships' consideration.I have detached Ships in all directions to endeavour to pick up the stragglers. 1have the honour to be, &c., Keith."— London Gazette \MU1i of March,
Foudrovant, at Sea , off Cape di Corvo, eight Leagues West ol CapePassaro, ofl'Shore four miles, 18th February, 1800 ,
My Lord,
This morning at daylight, being in company with the Shipsnamed in the margin, 5 1 saw the Alexander in eliasc of a Line of Battle Ship , three Frigates, and a Corvette. At abouteight o’eloek she fired several shot at one of the Enemy’s fri-gates, which struck her colours, and leaving her to be securedby the Ships astern, continued the chase. I directed CaptainGould of the Audacious, and the El Corso brig, to takecharge of this prize. At half-past one p.m., the Erigates and