and courage." We think we could point out some instances of French captures, to which this spirited denunciation more suitably applies than to the case of the Seahorse and Sensible.

A better feeling, however, appears afterwards to have prevailed. General Baraguay-d'Hilliers succeeded in convincing the directory that the French frigate had been bravely defended against a very superior force, and had been surrendered only when no other alternative remained. In consequence of this, a court-martial was ordered upon Captain Bourdé. It sat at Toulon, and honourably acquitted him. In this instance a clear exposition of the relative force of the ships, and a compliment to the behaviour of the weaker combatant, in the British official account, might have prevented the French directory from passing so unmerited a censure upon a brave officer.

According to some extracts from the French journals of November, 1797, the Sensible, with the 38-gun frigate Junon, 24-gun "corvette " (or which may be Anglicised 28-gun frigate) Brune, 20-gun corvette Fauvette, and 14-gun brig Railleur, had been hired by Messieurs Petit and company, merchants of Toulon. As this may elucidate what we had occasion to say on this subject at a former page, we shall give a translated abstract of the charter-party. " These five vessels, well known for their superior sailing, belong to the navy of the republic, and at present are at Toulon : they form part of those which the government has lent for the purpose of cruising, upon conditions, of which the principal are these : the vessels to be completely fitted out by the government ; the freighters being only obliged to provide for and pay the crew. The cost of revictualling and touching at any place to be also at the charge of the freighters ; but the costs for repairs of masts, for cordage, ordnance, and ordnance-stores, to be defrayed by the republic. The freighters to propose the commanders, who must be approved by the minister of marine. The freighters to choose the station for cruising, and the places at which the vessels are to stop. The net produce of the prizes to be divided as follows : one-third to the crew, and a third of the remaining two-thirds to the republic. The sale of the prizes to be confided to the freighters. If, during the existence of any such contract, or hiring, peace should be concluded between the belligerent powers, and the freighters should not have covered their advance, the vessels in use shall, continue at their disposal for any commercial expedition. Any dispute that may arise to be referred to arbitration." The Egyptian expedition had seemingly restored all the hired ships to the owners, the French republic.

Earl St.-Vincent, when the Seahorse joined the fleet with her prize, manned the Sensible with six sailors from each ship, and had her completely equipped for sea in 12 hours. The admiral, also, made a commander of Lieutenant Wilmot, and appointed him to the Alliance frigate-flûte. Among the effects found on

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