Page:Authentic narrative of the proceedings of His Majesty's Squadron.pdf/5

 Berry, that he would then be a match for any hostile fleet in the Mediterranean, and his only desire would be to encounter one.

June 6th—The squadron was spread, anxiously looking out for the expected reinforcement. By a vessel spoke with on that day, we were informed that several sail then in sight, were Spanish ships richly laden; but Prize Money was not the object of the Admiral—all sclfishselfish [sic] consideration was absorbed in his great mind by that of the honour and interests of his country, and his attention and anxiety were solely engrossed by his desire to meet his promised reinforcement, that he might pursue the enemy, of the sailing of whom from Toulon, he had certain intelligence.—The Alexander being on the look out, stopped one of these ships—finding she had on board eighty or ninety Priests, driven by the French persecutions and cruelties from Rome, he though it would be an act of humanity to permit the ship to pursue her voyage: and he accordingly released her, and rejoined the Admiral, bringing with him a few volunteers from the Spanish vessels, chiefly Genoese, who were desirous of the honour of serving in the British Fleet, expressing at the same time their detestation and resentment at the ill-usage which they had experienced from the French.

On the 8th at noon, we had the happiness to discover from the mast head ten sail, and it was not long before we recognized them to be British Ships of War, standing upon a wind in close line of battle, with all sails set. Private signals were exchanged, and before sunset the so much wished for junction was formed, an event which was certainly facilitated by the great professional ability, judgment and zeal of Captain Troubridge.

The Admiral had received no instructions what course he was now to steer, and no certain information respecting the destination of the enemy's fleet; he was left, therefore, entirely to his own judgment. He had the happiness, however, to find that to the Captains of his squadron he had no necessity to give directions for