These accidents prevented the extension of our line by the three ships before mentioned:  who would, I am confident, have silenced the Crown Islands, the two outer ships in the harbour’s mouth, and prevented the heavy loss in the Defiance and Monarch; and which unhappily threw the gallant and good Captain Riou (to whom I had given the command of the frigates and sloops named in the margin—­[the Blanche, Alcmene, Dart, Arrow, Zephyr, and Otter]—­to assist the attack of the ships at the harbour’s mouth) under a very heavy fire.  The consequence has been, the death of Captain Riou, and many brave officers and men in the frigates and sloops.  The bombs were directed, and took their stations, abreast of the Elephant, and threw some shells into the arsenal.  Captain Rose, who volunteered his services to direct the gun-brigs, did every thing that was possible to get them forward, but the current was too strong for them to be of service during the action; but not the less merit was due to Captain Rose, and—­I believe—­all the officers and crews of the gun-vessels, for their exertions.

     “The boats of those ships of the fleet who were not ordered on the
     attack, afforded us every assistance; and the officers and men who
     were in them, merit my warmest approbation.

     “The Desiree took her station in raking the southernmost Danish
     ship of the line, and performed the greatest service.

“The action began at five minutes past ten.  The van led by Captain George Murray of the Edgar, who set a noble example of intrepidity, which was as well followed up by every captain, officer, and man, in the squadron.  It is my duty to state to you, the high and distinguished merit and gallantry of Rear-Admiral Graves.

“To Captain Foley, who permitted me the honour of hoisting my flag in the Elephant, I feel under the greatest obligations; his advice was necessary, on many important occasions, during the battle.  I beg leave to express how much I feel indebted to every captain, officer, and man, for their zeal and distinguished bravery on this occasion.  Colonel Stewart did me the favour to be on board the Elephant; and himself, with every officer and soldier under his orders, shared with pleasure the toils and dangers of the day.

“The loss, in such a battle, has naturally been very heavy.  Amongst many other brave officers and men who were killed, I have, with sorrow, to place the name of Captain Moss, of the Monarch, who has left a wife and six children to lament his loss; and, among the wounded, that of Captain Sir Thomas Boulden Thompson, of the Bellona.

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

     “Nelson and Bronte.”

The above letter being transmitted to England by Sir Hyde Parker, inclosed in his dispatches to government, was afterwards published in the London Gazette, preceded by the following public letter from the commander in chief.