Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794.
General Memorandum.
Sir James Saumarez requests Captain Cole will signify to the officers and ship's company of his Majesty's ship Eurydice, under his command, how truly mortified he felt himself at being deprived of their support and assistance on the 8th instant, in consequence of the bad sailing of their ship. Had the enemy's force on that day permitted their being brought to action on more equal terms, he is too fully persuaded of the gallantry and bravery of British seamen not to be convinced of its having been attended with the most signal success.
Early in the action, the small vessels, being separated by the enemy, bore up for Plymouth. The Valiant arrived first with bad news; and then Mr. Hall, of the Cockchafer, went to Admiral McBride, and informed him that the whole of Sir James Saumarez' squadron was taken. The admiral, who was then suffering under a fit of the gout, demanded if he saw them strike; to which Mr. Hall replied that he did not, but they could not escape. This so enraged the admiral, who would not believe Sir James's squadron had been taken, that he threatened to throw his crutch at him, and sent him out of his presence in a very summary manner, charging him to return to Guernsey with the following letter:
Tuesday, 10th June.
My dear Sir,
If I can gather anything right from Hall, of the little lugger that ran away from you, this will find you at Guernsey, and I hope in good health, with your associates; to whom remember me. The conduct of the small craft you are the best judge of, and I shall suspend my conjectures till I see or hear from you on that subject. As you must naturally have received damage, you will, I think, do well to return hither, by which time I suppose La Margaretta will arrive. Yesterday evening Sir Roger Curtis landed from the Phaeton. He left Lord Howe on the 4th. I know not the particulars, but there has been a general action; and I think Monsieur Jean Bon L'Andre and his Guillotine have had a thorough drubbing. We have lost very few officers of rank. Lord Howe is perfectly well, of which I give you joy.
Yours, my dear sir, most affectionately,
John McBride.
Meanwhile the commodore, in consequence of the enemy's motions, wrote the following letter to the Admiralty: