The enemy, every where ready to catch a favourable moment, only awaited the time when our blockading Fleets should be driven from their coasts, in order to carry their long-boasted threats into effect. A heavy gale upon the 9th of November not only forced Sir Edward Hawke from his station, but brought into Brest Monsieur Bompart and his Squadron from the West Indies in safety. This circumstance very much strengthened the ships of Conflans with prime seamen, who sailed on the 14th, and steered for Quiberon Bay, with a view to annihilate Commodore Duff's detachment, to bring out his transports with troops, and finally to attempt the invasion of our isles.
But Sir Edward Hawke anticipating his schemes, also put to sea; and notwithstanding that contending elements, for a while, opposed his wishes, still, by perseverance, he arrived in time to save our Flying Squadron, just on the eve of being captured, and to give a death blow to all their mighty hopes.
The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines wounded.
Thus foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial bankruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and patriotism. Numerous were the individuals who manfully stepped forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow.
In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in 1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not be partial to survivors alone.
His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct.
The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were,
| Admiral Boscawen, | General of Marines, | £2,000 |
| Sir Charles Saunders, K. B. | Lieutenant-General | £1,200 |
| Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. | Col. of Portsmouth Division | £ 800 |
| Hon. Augustus Keppel, | Col. of Plymouth Division | £ 800 |
| Lord Viscount Howe | Col. of Chatham Division | £ 800 |