have been cut into small pieces by the mob, which were burnt in various parts of the city.

The above is, however, but a fisherman's account.

CHAPTER XVIII.

The ships of War anchor outside of the Transports-The Alceste goes to England with some Officers of the English and Spanish Armies-Lord Collingwood invites me to Dinner-Midshipman Festing dines at the Admiral's table also-Lord Collingwood's witGeneral Spencer-I go on Shore, well received-I meet some old Friends-I receive some very kind presents of Provision-The Attack of the Ships belonging to Villeneuve's Squadron is commenced-The San José suffers no injury-The San José disabled-I go to Fort Luis-I am sent for by the Spanish Admiral, and requested to go to Collingwood for Powder -The 6th Regiment and some Artillery arrive from Gibraltar-The Spanish Officers account for not sinking the French Ships.

6TH. THE ships of the line came to anchor, forming an irregular crescent outside the

transports. We now heard that the Alceste was about to sail for England; I, therefore, prepared some official and private letters, which I sent on board, and on the Adjutant's return, by whom I had sent them, we learnt that Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker, of the Adjutant-General's department, and two Spaniards, 'were to go to England in this ship. It was also again reported, that if the French ships did not very soon come out or surrender, possession of the batteries would be given to the British troops, whilst the fleet engaged them in the harbour. Another piece of news was, that the Spaniards had been refused an armistice for six months, which they had demanded.

In the course of the afternoon, it was rumoured that Captain Dalrymple, son of the Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar, and a Lieutenant or a Captain Tucker, had arrived from Gibraltar overland, and had gone on to Sevilla, there to attend a general council (Junta Central), appointed to determine on the course which it would be most expedient for that portion of Spain to follow which was still un

occupied by the French armies. Sir George Smith was reported to be living on shore in good style.

8th. Our patience was now so completely exhausted, that I resolved on paying a visit to the General on board Lord Collingwood's flagship, under a hope of gathering some clue to our prospects. The General received me with his usual cold politeness, and soon after my arrival on board, took me aside on the quarterdeck, and told me as a sort of secret, that the Spaniards had determined to commence their long-meditated attack on the five French ships of the line, and one frigate, on the following day, by opening a severe fire from all the batteries and gun-boats; but that none of the ships were to take any part in the attack, as it was supposed, after a "good cannonading," as the General expressed himself, the fleet would be surrendered. I then asked the General if there was any British officer on shore to report to him or to the Admiral; when Spencer looked very serious and silent, and made me no reply; but addressing LieutenantColonel Tucker, said,

VOL. I.

U

66

Under the circumstances, which you

it certainly would be

very desirable."

know,

Upon this, without hesitation, I said, "that as it seemed the Spaniards were virtually at war with the French, they were, by that fact, at peace with the English, therefore there could be no objection to such a measure." Thus, whilst Spencer was revolving the subject in his mind, I added, "I should gladly obey an order to go on shore for that purpose. As to the objections the Spaniards might raise to that course, I felt no anxiety."

Spencer looked at Tucker inquisitively, and slightly disposed to smile; then turning to me, said, “There may be more danger in it than you seem to anticipate, Captain Landmann;" but Tucker made some observation to the General I did not quite catch; which, however, induced Spencer to observe, “I consider it would be desirable."

The General having laid some emphasis on the last word, I replied, "Would your Excellency treat me as a deserter if I were to go on shore without an order? the sea is exceedingly smooth," said I, "and I could land