The French squadron put into Cancalle Bay the day after our rencontre, and I have reason to think were rather sore from our well-directed fire. That their fire did not take more effect on the Crescent, must be ascribed to a superior Providence; as, I will own to you, I never saw shot fall thicker about any ship than at the time we hauled up for Vason Bay.
My old pilot, Jean Breton, has infinite merit, and I must have him recommended to that very laudable society for the encouragement of the protection of the commerce of the country. He has a large family, to whom any pecuniary recompense will be of service; but as two other pilots exerted themselves, one on board the Druid, and the other in this ship, I hope they will also be considered. Mention this to my worthy friend the Lord Mayor, who will probably have the goodness to undertake the business.
I am proceeding to Plymouth for further orders, and you may rest assured of hearing from me when any thing is fixed. The Valiant lugger has this instant joined me from Plymouth, and has brought me the extraordinary Gazette; I most truly rejoice at the good news it contains, though I am savage enough to wish a few more had been sunk or taken.
This business absorbs all lesser considerations, and I must be satisfied if I can only be considered the horse-radish to garnish the roast beef.
Adieu, my worthy Richard: lose no time, as the Admiral writes to me we shall sail again early next week. I hope to arrive in the Sound this evening.
Yours affectionately,
Jas. Saumarez.
Sir James was, however, disappointed in receiving an answer from his brother, being ordered to sail in command of a squadron. The following letter concludes the account of the late meritorious affair:
Plymouth, Crescent, June 1794.
My dear Richard,