“As I shall send away the Rose Cutter the moment I see the Rock, you will know, from her arrival, that we are in a fair way for arriving safe at Gibraltar.  I spoke a Danish frigate, on the 27th of April, from Malaga four days.  He says, the Spanish fleet has most positive orders to come to sea, and fight you.  This makes me doubly anxious to join you.  I have not interfered with Captain Freemantle’s charge and arrangement of the convoy:  it could not be in better hands; therefore, I only overshadow them with my wings.  I have the satisfaction to tell you, that all the troops—­except the Royals, who were always intended to be embarked in the ships of war—­are embarked in the transports; with the exception of twenty, and General Horneck, who are in two vessels loaded with wine.  I offered to take a hundred into each ship of my squadron, but I found there was not the smallest necessity for it.  I hope, Sir, you will state this point at home; as it would have been a severe reflection on me, not to have left what was necessary for the embarkation of the army.  I rejoice in this opportunity of vindicating my conduct; and beg leave again to recommend Lieutenant Day, agent for transports, to your notice.  I placed my reliance on his judgment, not to leave a ship more than was necessary; and, I am not deceived:  a more zealous, active officer, as agent for transports, I never met with.  General De Burgh also speaks of him in the highest terms; and, I hope, the Transport Board will keep their promise of recommending those officers in their service who eminently distinguish themselves; which, I take upon myself to say, Lieutenant Day has not only done at Bastia, but at Porto Ferrajio.  For his conduct at the former place, you was so good, on my stating his services, to recommend him to the Admiralty; I should not do justice to his majesty’s service, were I not to urge it again.

     “I have the pleasure to add, that all the captains under my orders
     have conducted themselves like zealous, good officers.

     “I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most
     obedient servant,

     “Horatio Nelson.”

On the 20th of May, having arrived safely at Gibraltar, he received a letter from James Simpson, Esq. the American consul; mentioning, that twelve sail of vessels belonging to the United States of America, with their cargoes on board, were in the road of Malaga, unable to proceed on their respective voyages, because three French privateers were waiting to seize on them the moment they got from under the guns of that port, and there was no doubt that the French consul would adjudge them to be good prizes, as he had recently adjudged several American vessels and cargoes.  The consul added, that it was impossible to get protection for them, unless the commodore should be pleased to afford them that of his majesty’s fleet till they got close to the Barbary coast, where they would