Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. Vol II

racious manner. He told Phil. everything that man could say in terms of approbation; and justly added, that, however the multitude might estimate and admire the last action, yet the first, in his own mind, and in the minds of men who understood the matter, was equally deserving of praise, and would have fixed their approbation of Sir James's conduct, even though he had failed in his second attempt. At the same time he owned, that the exertions made by the men after the first action, in order to meet the second, were beyond conception or example. Indeed, they must surpass Mr. Addington's conception, since even Lord St. Vincent told Dumaresq that it was far beyond what he himself could imagine. In short, my dear Sir James, you have been achieving a deed that has held you up to the contemplation of mankind, and that secures you the gratitude of your country.

You will, no doubt, soon receive very distinguished marks of the royal and the national favour. In the mean time you will be delighted, equally with