I hope to have the honour to hear from you from Carlscrona, and that your excellency has had everything you wished there.
I have, &c. &c. &c.
Augt. Foster.
To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.
During the time the fleet lay at Nargen roads the ships were not molested by the Russians, who had marched 15,000 men to defend Revel. The poor inhabitants on the island were liberally paid for everything that was supplied to the fleet; some valuable trees were cut down, and the empty transports which had brought out stores and provisions were partly loaded with them.
On the 28th of September it became no longer necessary to blockade the Russians, who had now concluded an armistice; Denmark had done the same. Sir James, therefore, proceeded to Carlscrona with three sail of the line only, the remaining ships being distributed in other places where anchorage could be found.
During the summer, Rear-admirals Bertie and Manley Dixon had been stationed to protect convoys, the former in the Sound, and the latter in the Belt. Nothing of any consequence happened except the capture of eighty men, who were surprised by a powerful body of Danes on the small island of Romsöe, where they had been to procure wood and water. The Minx gun-brig was taken off the coast of Norway. Anholt was placed in a state of defence, and garrisoned by a detachment of marines from England.
Having entered the harbour on the 5th October, Sir James wrote the following letter to Mr. Foster, which states a circumstance of rather a delicate nature, wherein he displayed both tact and prudence.
Victory, at Carlscrona, 7th October 1809.
Sir,