to sea, until they have by some scouts ascertained this point. To effectuate this will necessarily cause a delay of forty-eight hours at least: during which time every ship of the Baltic fleet may get with security into some of our ports. For I propose, says he, to send the most positive orders to the officers commanding the convoy at Bergen, without a moment's delay, as soon as the wind is at east, to run with his convoy over to any British port he can easiest reach. With these orders he will be instructed that by an adherence to them his fleet is secure, and that he would run much risk by a deviation from them.
We were all so well pleased with the relief which Lord Keppel had given to our minds, that after a few questions to indulge the curiosity of us landsmen, we assured him that we concurred most cordially with every part of his scheme. He then acquainted us that Mr. Stephens with two Lords of the Admiralty were waiting to sign the instructions, which should go into no other hands, in order for greater secrecy. We undertook to answer to his Majesty the absolute necessity there was for his service, that the whole plan should be put into motion instantly.
The wisest of human schemes are under superior control, and the present well-digested plan must have been deferred, at least had the wind come about too soon: but all was propitious, and gave just time to the officer commanding at Bergen to receive his orders and to execute them instantly with success. Admiral Milbanke with equal promptitude followed his instructions, and fell in with Lord Howe on the back of the Isle of Wight. The passage of the fleet with so large a convoy was much impeded by contrary winds. On their entrance into the Streights they saw the whole combined fleet drawn up near upon the Spanish coast. The Latona commanded by Capt. Hugh Conway (since known by the name of Lord Hugh Seymour) led in, and some way ahead, with letters to the Governor, who on seeing the Latona making for the harbour, sent to him to get back to apprize Lord Howe of his danger, but Capt. Conway answered that his admiral was well apprized of the strength and position of the enemy, and that he trusted notwithstanding, he should be able to effect the object of his mission, by succouring and supplying the citadel. Accordingly Lord Howe passed the French and Spanish fleets, and covered the store ships and victuallers while they were unlading, receiving little or no interruption in performing this service. This effected, Lord Howe, sailed through the Streights, and in the Mediterranean drew up in line, prepared if the enemy had chosen to attack him. But this was not their design, as appeared soon after; for the two fleets had a kind of running fight when the English fleet had repassed the Streights.
