ACTION WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON OFF FERROL, COMMODORE (afterwards Admiral) SIR RICHARD J. STRACHAN, BART. NOV. 4, 1805.

This is a victory which in its practice duly claims a merit dangerous to entertain in theory by sea or land-that of being attained with a loss incomparably small. This, however, as the brave commander took care to explain in his several despatches, arose from the enemy having a usual fault with French sailors-" fired high;' and the British-a corresponding virtue in our sea warriors-having "quickly closed."

The tone of the despatch too, in describing that "the Rochefort squadron" had been seen, "which," (says Sir Richard) " delighted us," sufficiently shows that the small loss arose from none of those cautious cares which, ever most commendable when consistent with the good of the service, are

misplaced when put in competition with it. The ships turned out to be those which had escaped from Lord Nelson, and subsequently arrived at Cadiz.

Sir Richard in the Cæsar was detached from Admiral Cornwallis' fleet, the French ships taken were one of 80, three of 74 guns: called the Formidable, Dugay Trouin, Mont Blanc, and Scipion.

The thanks of Parliament having been moved to this meritorious officer, seem to have been conveyed to him direct, although under a superior command, since he first announces them to his Admiral, and also answers directly from himself.

Mercurii 28 die Maii 1806.

Sir,

Cæsar, at Sea, 19th May, 1806.

I have the honour to receive your letter, transmitting the thanks of the House of Commons to myself, the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, under my command, in the action of the 4th Nov.

last, I shall have great pleasure in obeying the commands of the House of Commons by communicating to the captains, officers, seamen and marines, this distinguished mark of the approbation of their country. As for myself, by devoting my life to the service of my country, I hope I shall have opportunities of proving I am not undeserving of the high honour conferred upon me.

I beg to assure you, Sir, that I am fully sensible of the honour you have done me, and the very handsome manner in which you have been pleased to express your sentiments upon this occasion.

I have the honour to be with the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

The Right Honourable

R. J. STRACHAN.

Charles Abbot, &c. &c.

For the birth of Sir Richard Strachan, yet living, two counties have contended, those of Devon and Northumberland: it is sufficient for the present purpose

that England claims him for her own, and that he has here powerfully recognized that claim.

The details of his life are so directly maritime as to afford little to the purposes of biography. It is asserted that his father was a clergyman, and that himself was a soldier of fortune. That he supplied the relation of father to his family is more positively believed, and that he coveted victory rather than wealth.

CAPTURE OF A FRENCH FORCE, EMPLOYED FOR THE REDUCTION OF THE INSURGENT BLACKS, AND RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH COLONY OF ST. DOMINGO. VICE-ADMIRAL SIR JOHN THOMAS DUCK WOrth, K.B. REAR-ADMIRALS COCHRANE, & LOUIS, &c. FEBRUARY 6, 1806.

Among the principal objects which the French government seems to have contemplated in the truce afforded by the peace of Amiens, was the reduction of the celebrated Colony of St. Domingo, that “garden of the Antilles," for which the colonists, become a body now desirable to the administration to conciliate, had long sighed in vain.

Not only would the government have in course derived an advantageous support from this body by the gratification of its