I have the honour to acquaint you of my arrival at Carlscrona on Wednesday evening, with three sail of the line only, having thought it most advisable to order the others to the Belt and off Gottenburg. The permission to admit any number of ships was received by Vice-admiral Baron Palmquist as I was coming into the harbour, and every possible attention has been manifested by the Vice-admiral and all the other Swedish officers towards the squadron, which I cannot represent in too strong terms. A circumstance of rather an untoward nature has occurred, with which I think right to make you acquainted, in case any explanation should be required. I was informed that with the order to admit any number of his Majesty's ships, Admiral Palmquist was also directed to invite me and the captains of the squadron to dinner on this day, being the anniversary of the King's birth-day. Knowing that government have not as yet acknowledged the present sovereign, it would have been improper for me to appear on so public an occasion: I accepted the invitation, intending to excuse myself as I might find necessary. On Baron Palmquist returning my visit yesterday he noticed it was the anniversary of his sovereign's birth-day. I have this morning sent him a note to excuse myself the honour of dining with him, on the footing that my official duties would not permit it.
Admiral Pickmore, Captain Hope, and all the captains dine with the Baron. I did not think it proper to prevent this, after the great attention paid upon every occasion to the officers of the squadron. The motive I have before mentioned must prevent the salutes that usually take place on similar occasions.
I enclose to you a despatch which I received from Pillau yesterday, and a German paper I received by the same opportunity. It was generally believed that hostilities would be renewed on the 5th inst.
The period of my remaining here is not yet fixed, but I shall have the pleasure of informing you the moment I can decide.
I have, &c. &c. &c.
James Saumarez.
To Augt. Foster, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Nothing could surpass the kindness of the Swedes at Carlscrona, and Sir James left them after a stay of a few weeks with sincere regret. He proceeded through the Belt, affording protection to a large convoy, and visiting the different stations. The order not to admit any British ships of war or merchantmen after the 15th of November, was dated on the 25th October; but it was considered on both sides as a matter of form, it being notorious that the Swedes could not prevent English men-of-war from entering any of their ports if they chose; but out of delicacy to them, and that there should be no cause of complaint for not fulfilling the treaty, Sir James did not occupy any of their fortified harbours, and as little as he could the others. He touched at Gottenburg to give his final directions about the convoys, and at Christmas arrived and struck his flag in the Downs. Having received the high approbation of the Lords of the Admiralty for his judicious conduct under such extraordinary circumstances, and for the protection so successfully afforded to the trade, he returned to his native island, to enjoy for a few months the society of his family and friends.