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192  Thus, during an eventful period of only seven days, two battles were fought by Sir James Saumarez, under peculiar disadvantages, and they contributed not a little to augment his reputation. The combined squadrons had on board a large body of troops, and were to have proceeded against Lisbon, which place it is most probable would have fallen into their hands, had they not been thus timely prevented from going thither.

In order to confer on him a signal mark of favour, the star and ribband of the most honourable military order of the Bath were transmitted by his late Majesty, and Sir James was invested with them by Lieutenant-Governor O’Hara, in the presence of all the officers of the garrison of Gibraltar. He also received the unanimous thanks of both Houses of Parliament, together with a pension of 1200l. per annum for life, and the freedom of the city of London, accompanied by a handsome sword. The vote of thanks was moved in the House of Lords by Earl St. Vincent, and seconded by Lord Nelson, who bore ample testimony to the exalted character of Sir James, and concluded with these words: “A greater action was never fought than that of Sir James Saumarez.