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News today is available almost instantly with reporters on the spot to give live updates as they happen. Fax, email, telephone and satellite communications all play their part in bringing us details and stories and we only have to switch on the television, radio or use the internet and all is revealed. Newspapers can report events and have them in our hands within 24 hours, complete with photographs.

In 1805 the only way to get news delivered was to have written accounts sent overland by a messenger or by sea. Both these methods would take time due to weather conditions, the messenger or ship being captured or other disasters and delays that were not uncommon in those days.

I have taken some extracts from Bell's Weekly Messenger of 17th November 1805 to illustrate the difficulty of an accurate report being made quickly. You can see, from this one newspaper, how fragments came together giving a disjointed picture of the event and only over a period of time did the true facts become clear.

It is worth noting that in this period newspapers would publish letters and articles that came to them from various places and the paper itself would publish these articles from several days in the same edition. These could appear as Gazettes, letters from individuals, governments and banking, general articles concerning imports and exports and general interest items.

ILLUSTRATION
of
THE POLITICS OF EUROPE.

Written exclusively for Bell’s Weekly Messenger.

No.141.

ADVANTAGES OF THE LATE VICTORY

The effect of a strong passion is to leave no vacancy in the mind for any other. It is to the honour of our public writers that they unite with so much decency and sincerity to deplore one of the melancholy consequences of our late victory. It is to their credit that they are in flamed with this zeal of lamentation – this ambitious controversy; but whilst the eyes of our Editors run over, it is no wonder that they are blinded to the more splendid advantage of this victory, and are unable to settle upon these brighter parts which inspire consolation and triumph, notwithstanding the loss of the Hero whom we regret.

The victory of NELSON has never been considered in the fruits it is likely to produce to Great Britain and Europe. – In this light we are about to review it.

Whatever hopes of success may have been indulged by the present Ruler of France in the event of an invasion, it is certain that he has principally directed his hostilities against the commerce and colonies of Great Britain, as the points in which he justly considered her to be most vulnerable. What he has effected against our commerce is to be seen in the revival of those imposts and confiscations which, in the present improvements of economics, one would have thought too exploded to be enforced. – That he has not been successful in this contest he cannot have much reason to lament, since he has been contending against an antagonist which is not likely to subdue – AVARICE and HUMAN WANT.

What is so necessary that it must be had, will be had at any place and at any price. – A war of imposts and restrictions, therefore, has the usual effect of compelling the subjects of the sovereign, who so injudiciously imposes them, to seek in foreign markets, and at aggravated prices, commodities before wafted to their own ports, and purchasable at easy rates. There are no maxims of economics more easily comprehended than that respecting the prohibition of imports.

When a Sovereign, by prohibiting the consumption of foreign goods, can tempt his subjects to substitution, or to that degree of rivalry in producing the forbidden ecmmodity which shall approach it to equality, he then confers a solid advantage upon his people by employing the industry of their own manufacturers; but when the prohibition springs not from the same national motive, and can have no tendency to the same point, it is then the worst and most mistaken policy. It is illustrated in the necessary conduct of Italy, Holland, and great part of France, at this moment.- Our commodities are obliged to be sought in Germany instead of being wafted into their ports by neutrals and friendly powers.

Thus much as to the injuries which our commerce has sustained in the present war.

In regard to our colonies, the source of this commerce, the power of France has been as little successful in attacking them.

A war against colonies must owe its success to naval expeditions. In common, colonies are to be reached and retained by one method only,- by naval superiority,- but it may happen in the immensity of the sea, that fleets with powerful armies, may escape to a colonial enterprise, and succeed, notwithstanding the general superiority of a marine be on the side of an enemy.- This was the case with Egypt.- The French fleet escaped to Egypt without being intercepted; and notwithstanding the destruction of their fleet, Egypt to this hour, would not have been retrieved, but for the valour of the British Army.

Colonies, therefore, do not altogether depend upon naval superiority,- to prove this exception seems to have been one of the first objects of BONAPARTE in the present war.

When he had so completely moulded Spain to his purpose, that she could only support her imbecility by further degradation, he made her his ally.- Spain by her situation, has a great advantage in fitting out expeditions against the colonies of England; and through the possession of Gibraltar must considerably check her, the ports of Cadiz and Ferrol may be considered as the gates of the Atlantic,- A powerful fleet, escaping from either of these harbours, will immediately carry the heart of the war into the West Indies.- It has been always necessary to place a strong blockade over Cadiz, and to consider it one of the first purposes of our naval war to prevent coming out without forcing it to engage.- The fleet which is intrusted with the blockade of this port has always been regarded as the sentinel of the West Indies.

When Spain became the ally of France, this port was effectually French, and thus, by the association of Spain in the war, our enemy was spread over a greater compass of the globe, and put in possession of a point from which he might fit out his colonial expeditions, and direct them with more convenience and success.

France was soon covetous of this advantage.- She hastened her fleet from Toulon, raised siege of her contiguous ports, broke up the blockade of Cadiz, and despatched Sir JOHN ORDE with news to England. A junction effected, the fleets, thus menacing the safety of our colonies proceeded to the West Indies,- We are now coming to events fresh in the minds of every one; we shall therefore pass over the circumstances of their flight and pursuit by the Hero whom Providence did not suffer to overtake them as if resolved to postpone the day of his more perfect victory and glory.

When the Combined Fleets were again secure in their ports, Cadiz again became an object of vigilance and fear. The force at Ferrol and Toulon was almost wholly congregated in this harbour, and preparations seemed to be making for another expedition, to be undertaken with greater force, and under better auspices.

It was at this fortunate moment that Lord Nelson encountered the enemy; his victory was every thing, but in the circumstance of his death, that England could desire. A navy was almost annihilated, and scarce a wreck floated back to its own shores.

If it be demanded what are the results of this victory, our limits are not sufficient to contain the answer; but we should say, that the loss which the enemy has experienced even in ships cannot be repaired in many years, and the loss of seaman must be felt longer.

Conscripts may be raised by an Edict or a Rescript, but seaman are not manufacture of a moment. The very formation of a navy has to contend with the insuperable obstacle of national degradation of spirit. Fear and consciousness of inferiority must cling upon the neck of the enemy’s marine.- The sources of resuscitation will almost be dried up in this wound to the spirits of the French nation.

If such are the effects of this victory upon France, how must they act upon England? To the spirits and confidence of the British nation nothing more is wanting, and nothing need be supplied; but much of its anxiety and trouble, much too of its expense will be spared.

The West Indies are now secure. Ferrol and Cadiz, almost emptied of their stores, may be left to the blockade of a very small squadron: Toulon will need no greater vigilance, and we shall have no longer to tremble for the fate of Egypt.

Invasion is at an end, and we may now enjoy the full advantages of our disposable force in any expedition we may choose. Our glory will extend to, and be partaken of by the whole Continent of Europe; and in the words of Mr. Pitt, “The country who has saved herself by her firmness, will animate Europe by her example.”

The advantages of this victory have no alloy but in the death of the Hero who obtained it, and whilst it gives security to our Coast, and protection to our Colonies, it invites Europe to respire under the shadow of our wing, and to purchase her safety and her honour by the path which Great Britain has pointed out to her.

LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Monday, Nov 11.

Admiralty-Office, Nov. 11, 1805

The Letter, ( and its Enclosures,) of which the following are copies, were received at this Office last night from Captain (now Rear-Admiral) Sir RICHARD JOHN STRACHAN, Bart, Commander of his Majesty’s ship Caesar, addressed to WILLIAM MARSDEN, Esq.

Caesar, Nov. 7, 1805.
Sir,
The accompanying Copy of a Letter, addressed to the Hon. Admiral Cornwallis, I request you will be pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with my apology for the hasty manner in which is written. I have the honour to be, &c.

R. J. Strachan.

Caesar West of Rochfort 264 Miles,
Sir, Nov. 4, 1805, Wind S,E.

Being off Ferrol, working to the westward, with the wind Westerly, on the evening of the 2d, we observed a frigate in the N. W. making signals; made all sail to join her before night, and followed by the ships named in the margin*,

*Caesar, Hero, Courageux, and Namur.
Bellona, Æolus, Santa Margarita, far to leeward in the South-East

We came up with her at 11 at night; and at the moment she joined us, we saw six large ships near us. Capt. BAKER informed me he had been chased by the Rochefort squadron, then close to Leeward of us. We were delighted. I desired him to tell the Captains of the ships of the line astern to follow me, as I meant to engage them directly; and immediately bore away in the Caesar for the purpose, making all the signals I could, to indicate our movements to the ships; the moon enabled us to see the enemy bear away in line abreast, closely formed; but we lost sight of them when it set, and I was obliged to reduce our sails, the Hero, Courageux, and Æolus, being the only ships we could see. We continued steering to the E. N. E. all night, and in the morning observed the Santa Margarita near us; at nine we discovered the enemy of four sail of the line in the N. E. under all sail. We had also every thing set, and came up fast with them fast; in the evening, we observed three sail astern; and the Phoenix spoke me at night. I found that active Officer, Captain BAKER, had delivered my orders, and I sent him to assist the Santa Margarita in leading us up to the enemy. At daylight we were near them, and the Santa Margarita had begun in a very gallant manner to fire upon their rear, and was soon joined by the Phoenix.

A little before noon, the French, finding an action unavoidable began to take in their small sails, and form in a line, bearing on the starboard tack; we did the same, and I communicated my intentions by hailing to the Captains, “that I should attack the centre and rear,” and at noon began the battle; in a short time the van ship of the enemy tacked, which almost directly made the action close and general; the Namur joined soon after we tacked, which we did as soon as we could get the ships round, and I directed her by signal to engage the van: at half past three the main action ceased, the enemy having fought to admiration, and not surrendering till their ships were unmanageable.- I have returned thanks to the Captains of the ships of the line and frigates, and they speak in high terms of approbation of their respective ship’s companies. If any thing could add to the good opinion I had already formed of the officers and crew of the Caesar, it is their gallant conduct in this day’s battle. The enemy have suffered much, but our ships not more than is to be expected on these occasions. You may judge of my surprise, Sir, when I found the ships we had taken were not the Rochefort squadron, but from Cadiz.

I have honour to be, &c

R. H. STRACHAN.

Honourable William Cornwallis, Admiral
Of the White, and Commander in Chief,
&c. &c. &c.

FIRST LINE
STARBOARD TACK. British Line.- Caesar, of 80 guns – Hero, of 74 guns and Courageux, of 74 guns
French Line – Duguay Trouin, of 74 guns, Capt Toufflet,- Formidable, of 80 guns, Rear-Admiral Dumanoir – Mont Blanc, of 74 guns, Capt Villegrey – Scipion, of 74 guns, Capt Barouger.

SECOND LINE
(When the Namur joined).
LARBOARD TACK. British Line.- Hero, of 74 guns, Hon. Capt Gardner – Namur, of 74 guns, Capt Halsted – Caesar, of 80 guns, Sir R.J. Strachan – Courageux, of 74 guns, Capt Lee.
French Line.- Duguay Trouin – Formidable – Mont Blanc – Scipion.
N.B. The Duguay Trouin and Scipion totally dismasted; the Formidable and Mont Blanc have their foremast standing.
Our frigates.- Santa Margarita, Æolus, Phoenix, and Revolutionaire.

TUESDAY’S LONDON GAZETTE.

Admiralty-Office, Nov. 12, 1805

Copy of a Letter from Rear-Admiral Sir RICHARD JOHN STRACHAN, Bart. To WILLIAM MARSDEN, Esq. dated on board his Majesty’s ship Caesar, off Falmouth, the 8th instant.
Sir,- Not having the returns when the Æolus left us, and now having occasion to send in the Santa Margarita to procure pilots to take the French ships into harbour, I transmit you the returns of killed and wounded, in the action of the 4th; and also a copy of the thanks alluded to in my letter which I request you will communicate to their Lordships.

I dare say their Lordships will be surprised that we have lost so few men. I can only account for it from the enemy firing high, and we closing suddenly.
I have the honour to be, &c

R. J. STRACHAN.

I have as yet no correct account of the loss of the enemy, or of their number of men.
The Mont Blanc had 700; 63 killed, and 96 wounded, mostly dangerous.
The Scorpion 111 killed and wounded.
The French Admiral, Mons Dumanoir le Pelley, wounded; the Captain of the Duguay Trouin, killed; and second Captain wounded.

A List of the Killed and Wounded in his Majesty’s Ships under mentioned, in action with a French Squadron on the 4th of November, 1805.
Caesar-4 killed, and 25 wounded.
Hero- 10 killed, and 51 wounded.
Courageux-1 killed, and 13 wounded.
Namur, 4 killed, and 8 wounded.
Santa Margarita-1 killed, and 1 wounded.
Revolutionaire-2 killed, and 6 wounded.
Phoenix-2 killed, and 4 wounded.
Æolus- 3 wounded.
Total-24 killed, and 111 wounded – 135.

OFFICERS KILLED.- hero, Mr Morrison, Second Lieutenant of Marines.
Santa Margarita-Mr Thomas Edwards, Boatswain.
OFFICERS WOUNDED.- Hero-Lieutenant Skekel; Mr Titterton and Mr Stephenson, Second Lieutenants of marines.
Courageux-Mr R. Clephane, First Lieutenant; Mr Daws, Master’s Mate; Mr Birs, Midshipman; Mr Austin, Gunner.
Namur- William Clements, Captain of Marines; Thomas Osborne, Second Lieutenant; and Frederick Beasley, Midshipman.

(Signed) R. J. STRACHAN.

GENERAL MEMORANDUM.
Caesar at Sea, Nov. 6, 1805.
Having returned thanks to Almighty God for the victory obtained over the French squadron, the Senior Captain begs to make grateful acknowledgments for the support he has received from the ships of the line and the frigates; and requests the Captains will do him the honour to accept his thanks, and communicate to their respective Officers and ships companies how much he admires their zealous and gallant conduct.

R. J. STRACHAN.

To the respective Captains and Commanders.

SATURDAY’S LONDON GAZETTE

Admiralty Office, Nov. 16, 1805

Copy of a letter from the Right Hon. Lord Collingwood, Vice-Admiral of the Red, &c to William Marsden, Esq. dated on board the Euryalus, off Cadiz, Oct. 28.

Sir- Since my letter to you of the 24th, stating the proceeding of his Majesty’s squadron, our situation has been the most critical, and our employment the most arduous that ever a fleet was engaged in. On the 24th and 25th it blew a most violent gale of wind, which completely dispersed the ships, and drove the captured hulls in all directions.

I have since been employed in collecting and destroying them, where they are at anchor upon the coast between Cadiz and six leagues Westward of San Lucar, without the prospect of saving one to bring into port.

I mentioned in my former letter the joining of the Donegal and Melpomene, after the action; I cannot sufficiently praise the activity of their Commanders, in giving assistance to the squadron in destroying the enemy’s ships.

The Defence, after having stuck to the Aigle, as long as it was possible, in hope of saving her from wreck, which separated for some time from the squadron, was obliged to abandon her to her fate, and she went ashore.

Capt. Durham’s exertions have been very great.

I hope I shall get them all destroyed to-morrow, if the weather keeps moderate.

In the gale the Royal Sovereign and Mars lost their foremasts, and are now rigging anew, where the body of the squadron is at anchor to the N. W. of San Lucar.

I find that on the return of Gravina to Cadiz, he was immediately ordered to sea again, and came out, which made it necessary for me to form a line, to cover the disabled hulls- that night it blew hard, and his ship, the Prince of Asturias, was dismasted, and returned into port; the Rago was also dismasted, and fell into our hands; Don Eurigue M. Douel, had his broad Pendant in the Rago,and from him I find the Santa Ana was driven near Cadiz, and towed in by a frigate.

I am, Sir, &c,

(Signed) C. COLLINGWOOD:

P.S. I enclose a list of the killed and wounded, as far as I have been able to collect it.
Abstract of the names and qualities of the officers and petty officers killed and wounded on board the British ships, in the action with the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, October 21, 1805.

KILLED:
Royal Sovereign-Brice Gilliland, lieutenant; William Chalmers, master; Robert Green, second lieutenant of Royal Marines; John Ackenhead and Thomas Braund, midshipman.
Dreadnought-None.
Mars- George Duff, captain; Alexander Duff, master’s mate; Edward Corbyn and Henry Morgan, midshipman.
Minotaur-None.
Revenge-Mr Grier and Mr Brooks, midshipman.
Leviathan-None.
Ajax-None.
Defence-None.
Defiance- Thomas Simens, lieutenant; William Foster, boatswain; James Williamson, midshipman.
WOUNDED.
Royal Sovereign-John Clavell and James Rashford, lieutenant; James Levesconte, second lieutenant of the Royal marines; William Watson, master’s mate; Gilbert Kennicott, Grenville Thompson, John Farrant, and John Campbell, midshipman; issac Wilkinson, boatswain.
Dreadnought- James L. Lloyd, lieutenant; Andrew M’Cullock and James Sabbin, midshipman.
Mars- Edward William Garrett and james Black, lieutenant’s; Thomas Cook, master; Thomas Norman (2d) captain of Royal Marines; John Youge, george Guiren, William john Cooke, John Jenkins, and Alfred Luckcraft, midshipman.
Minotaur- james Robinson, boatswain; John Samuel Smith, midshipman.
Revenge-Robert Moorsom, captain (slightly); John Berry, lieutenant; Luke Brokenshaw, master; Peter lily, captain of the Royal Marines.
Leviathan-T. W. Watson, midshipman (slightly).
Ajax-None.
Defence- None.
Defiance- P. C. Durham, captain (slightly); James Spratt and Robert Brown, master’s mates; John Hodge and Edmund Andrew Chapman, midshipman.

C. COLLINGWOOD

A return of the Killed and Wounded on board the respective Ships composing the British Squadron under the command of the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Nelson K.B. Vice-Admiral of the White, &c in the action with the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, 21st October, 1805.
Victory-Not received.
Royal Sovereign- 3 officers, 2 petty officers, and 42 seaman and marines, killed; 3 officers, 5 petty officers and 56 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 141.
Britannia-Not received.
Temeraire-Not received.
Prince- Not received.
Neptune-Not received.
Dreadnought- 7seaman and marines, killed; 1 officer, 2 petty officers, and 23 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 33.
Mars- 1 officer, 3 petty officers, 25 seaman and marines, killed; 4 officers, 5 petty officers, and 60 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 98.
Bellerophon- 2 officers, 1 petty officer and 24 seaman and marines, killed; 2 officers, 4 petty officers, and 117 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 150.
Minotaur- 3 seaman and marines, killed; 1 officer, 1 petty officer, and 20 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 25.
Revenge- 2 petty officers, and 26 seaman and marines, killed; 4 officers and 47 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 79.
Leviathan- 4 seaman and marines killed; 1 petty officer and 21 seaman and marines, wounded. Total 26.
Ajax- 2 seaman and marines, killed; 9 seaman and marines, wounded-Total11.
Agamemnon-Not received.
Spartiate- Not received.
Africa- Not received.
Bellisle- Not received.
Colossus- Not received.
Achille- Not received.
Polyphemus- Not received.
Swiftsure- Not received.
Defiance- 7 seaman and marines, killed; 29 seaman and marines, wounded-Total 36.
Defiance- 2 officers, 1 petty officer, and 14 seaman and marines, killed; 1 officer, 4 petty officers, and 48 seaman and marines, wounded-wounded-Total 70.

(Signed) C. COLLINGWOOD

THE WEEKLY MESSENGER
COMPENDIUM.

LONDON:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17.

Dispatches from Admiral COLLINGWOOD arrived on Friday night at the Admiralty, containing the Returns of the Killed and Wounded on board of the following ships,in the action of the 21st October: Dreadnought, Defence, Mars, Revenge, Royal Sovereign, Montague, Leviathan, and Ajax.

It appears by the Bulletin which was sent from the Admiralty to Lloyd’s that when Admiral GRAVINA came out from Cadiz, in order to protect the disabled ships, the Prince of ASTURIA’S, his flag ship, was dismasted, and the Rayo a three decker, taken. The Santa Anna, one of the Spanish three deckers which had struck, escaped, and was towed into Cadiz by a frigate.

From this statement it appears, that of the Combined Fleet, Twenty Sail of the Line were captured, and that one of them only, vis. The Santa Anna, effected her escape; so that the loss of the enemy amounts to Nineteen Sail of the Line. I is not clear, from the former dispatches of Admiral COLLINGWOOD, whether the Achille which took fire and blew up, was included in the 19 Sail of the Line which were taken; if it were not, the loss of the enemy will amount to 20 Sail of the Line. We are happy to add, that a very large proportion of the ships taken and destroyed were French. When the combined Fleet sailed from Cadiz it consisted of eighteen French and fifteen Spanish Ships of the Line. Of the, former Eleven were taken in the action of the 21st and Four by Sir R. STRACHAN; so that out of Eighteen Ships of the Line, the flower of the French Navy, Fifteen have been taken or destroyed. The three which escaped, viz. the Formidable, Neptune, and the Heros, are supposed to be in Cadiz.

By the two Lisbon Mails which arrived last night, we have the following Letters respecting the late glorious and decisive Victory off Trafalgar:

“CADIZ, OCT. 22- An action has taken place between the combined squadrons and the English; it commenced at twelve o’clock yesterday, and lasted without intermission till four P.M. This morning, by day-break, there anchored at the entrance of this harbour El Principe de Asturias, El Leandro, and El Rayo, with two more Spanish ships, and several French. Admiral GRAVINA has lost an arm, and Rear-Admiral ESCANO has a bad wound in the leg. It seems as if this squadron was about to sail again, as the crews are employed in getting up new rigging. The abovementioned ships are considerably damaged. The Leandro has not a mast standing,”

A letter from Lisbon, dated Nov. 4, says:- “ The glorious victory of Trafalgar has been celebrated here by three nights illuminations at the houses of the English.

The slaughter on board GRAVINA’S ship was dreadful; no less than 300 killed (including 16 officers), and 204 wounded. On the morning of the 23d he came out of Cadiz again, with a view of picking up some of the disabled ships, but was driven back again by seven of our squadron; he is said to be wounded in the arm. The French Admiral MAYON is reported to be among the prisoners, in addition to VILLENEUVE, ALIVA, and CISNERO.”

We have received the following account of the action of the 21st October from Cadiz:
At ten in the morning of the 21st, the Combined Squadron formed in line, standing on a course to the Straits, in sight of the English; the later endeavoured to cut the line, and effected it, which threw it into confusion; a cannonade commenced, which lasted from two o’clock in the afternoon till evening; and in the morning of the 22nd, there anchored between Rota and the Castle of Catharine, the Principe de Asturias, with the loss of her top gallant-mast; the Leandro, with only her foremast standing, the Rayo and two others; as also seven French ships, with four frigates and two brigs; of all the rest of the squadron nothing is positively known, but from the obscurity of the horizon, with continual rain and bad weather from the Southward, those which are missing and dismasted are not alone in danger, but also those which have anchored, if the weather continues.

The wounded are not yet landed, on account of the bad weather. Admiral GRAVINA remains on board with a wound in his arm; Admiral ESCANO had a wound in his leg, which is considered dangerous; the ship which blew up was L’Achille (French), it is said her Commander is a prisoner; the Trinidad was dismasted, and the St Anna taken.

NELSON gained his end at the expence of rendering useless his own ships, and two others. The action, it is said, was renewed on the 22nd in the morning, after such a manner, that it is believed many of the English ships are reduced to mere hulks. The misfortune is, that we have not enough of small ships to give assistance. As soon as the weather clears up, and we know exactly what has happened, I will inform you.

SECOND LETTER, CADIZ, OCTOBER 22.

I confirm mine of the 18th, and in regard to the Combined Squadron, it began to get under sail on the 19th instant, with a wind at N. N. E. At ten A.M. it changed to W. and not being able to make any way, those which got out remained in sight.

On the 20th, at day-break, the wind got to the southward, which enabled the whole squadron to get out, so that at ten o’clock they were all united. The wind was fresh, the horizon dark and close, with rain, so that they were soon lost sight of.

In the afternoon it was calm; they stood on towards the Southward, and on Monday the 21st shaped their course for the Streights. At 2 P.M. they commenced a severe action with the English, at the distance of five or six leagues from this point, which lasted till Vespers (Evening Prayers).

We saw a ship blow up, but we are ignorant what she was. This morning there anchored at the mouth of this harbour the first Squadron of Observation, with some French frigates and brigs. The result it appears, is not favourable.

There are various reports. They are Landing the wounded. It is said that GRAVINA has lost an arm, and Admiral ESCANO a leg. New rigging is getting on board, and according to appearances, they are going to sail again in quest of the missing ships.

The weather is rainy and gloomy, with the wind at south, all contrary to those unfortunates, who are still at sea. May God have pity on them! My friend, an unlucky sailing’ but a worse lot! A bad result, and a sad painful day for Cadiz!

NOTE BY THE TRANSLATOR.

Although the last letter seems to refer to the foregoing one, yet it is evident they are from two different persons; the first has no date at all; the letter of the 18th, referred to in the last, must have been on some other subject, as it could contain nothing respecting the action fought on the 21st.

Short account of the late gallant NELSON’S coffin, which is now at Mr PEDDERSON’S, the Undertaker, in Brewer Street, Golden Square.

The coffin which will contain the body is made out of the mast of the wreck of L’Orient French ship which blew up. A brass engraved plate, with an inscription to that effect, is fixed on the lid of the coffin. From the shape, it appears to have been made at sea, by a ship’s carpenter, the shoulder’s being square, instead of the usual way made by Undertakers. The substance about an inch thick, is covered with fine black, the inside lined with superfine crape, and the ruffling, pillow, mattress, and sheet, is white satin. This coffin, which is extremely plain, will be placed into a leaden coffin, and the whole will then put into an oak case, covered with crimson or black velvet, and finished with gilt furniture.

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