Captains Darby and Ferris, owing to light winds, were prevented for a considerable time from coming into action. At length, the Hannibal getting a breeze, Captain Ferris had the most favourable prospect of being alongside one of the enemy's ships, when the Hannibal unfortunately took the ground; and I am extremely concerned to acquaint their lordships that, after having made every possible effort with this ship and the Audacious to rescue her from the enemy, I was under the necessity to make sail, being at the time only three cables' length from one of the enemy's batteries.
My thanks are particularly due to all the captains and men under my orders; and, although their endeavours have not been crowned with success, I trust the thousands of spectators from his Majesty's garrison, and also the surrounding coast, will do justice to their valour and intrepidity, which were not to be checked by the fire from the numerous batteries (however formidable) that surrounded Algeziras.
I feel it incumbent upon me to state to their lordships the great merits of Captain Brenton of the Cæsar, whose cool judgment and intrepid conduct, I will venture to pronounce, were never surpassed. I also beg leave to recommend to their lordships' notice my flag-lieutenant, Mr. Philip Dumaresq, who has served with me from the commencement of this war, and is a most deserving officer. Mr. Lamborn and the other lieutenants are also entitled to great praise; as well as Captain Maxwell of the Marines, and the other officers of his corps serving on board the Cæsar.
The enemy's ships consisted of two of eighty-four guns and one of seventy-four, with a large frigate: two of the former are aground, and the whole are rendered totally unserviceable.
His Majesty's ships have suffered considerably in their masts and rigging; but I hope will soon be refitted, and in readiness to proceed on service.
Inclosed is the return of the killed and wounded from the different ships of the squadron. Amongst other valuable men I have most sincerely to lament the loss of Mr. William Grave, master of the Cæsar. I cannot close this letter without rendering the most ample justice to the great bravery of Captain Ferris: the loss in his ship must have been very considerable both in officers and men; but I have the satisfaction to be informed that his Majesty has not lost so valuable an officer.
The Honourable Captain Dundas, of his Majesty's sloop the Calpe, made his vessel as useful as possible, and kept up a spirited fire on one of the enemy's batteries. I have also to express my approbation of Lieutenant Janvrin, commander of the gun-boats; who, having joined me with intelligence, served as volunteer on board the Cæsar.
I am,
Your most obedient servant,
Jas. Saumarez.
To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c.