Chapter 12

Buonaparte declares he will conquer a "Maritime Peace."--Illness of George III.--Prince of Wales Regent.--Sir James obtains leave of absence.--The Victory sent to Lisbon with troops.--Attack on Anholt.--Gallant defence of the garrison.--Sir James continues in the Baltic at the request of ministers.--Letters respecting Anholt.--Letters from the Duke of Brunswick and answers thereto.--Arrival in Sweden of Sir James.--Letters to Mr. Yorke and Admiral Reynolds.--Negotiations on the sequestration of English ships at Carlscrona.--Conference with Baron Tawast.--Written document from the Baron unsatisfactory.--Letter from the Admiralty.--Sir James remonstrates with the Swedish Government.--Evasive answer.--Further correspondence.--Value of sequestered property.--Capture of two Danish privateers.--Gallant conduct of Lieut. St. Clair and Mr. Purcell.--Determination of Russia not to accede to the terms of France.--The Crown Prince places implicit confidence in Sir James.--Arrival of Mr. Thornton.--He is smuggled into the city of Gothenburg.--Amicable confirmation of the Ghent treaty.--Situation of the fleet.--Sir James's letter.--Disaster of the St. George and convoy.--Admiral Reynolds's letter.--Arrival of St. George at Wingo.--Sailing of the fleet.--St. George and Hero's convoy put back.--Sail again.--Melancholy wrecks of the St. George and Defence.--Captain Pater's narrative.--Remarks.--Loss of the Hero and convoy.--Proceedings of the Victory.--Remarks on crossing the North Sea.--Sir James arrives at Spithead. 222