Malta had actually surrendered; and soon afterward, instantly struck his eager and penetrating mind, that it was known that the French had left the island on where there was room for an enemy's ship to swing, the eighteenth, with a fresh gale from the northwest. there was room for another of the English to anchor. Nelson was not long in determining what course he The admiral's designs were fully known to the should take, and made the signal to bear-up and whole squadron, as was his determination to conquer steer to the southeast with all possible sail. From or perish in the attempt. The Goliah and Zealous that day, till the twenty-ninth, only three vessels had the honour to lead inside, and to receive the were spoken with, two of which had come from Al- first fire from the van ships of the enemy; and the exandria, and had not seen any thing of the enemy's remainder of the ships took their respective stations fleet; the other had come from the Archipelago, and with promptitude and alacrity. The action commenhad, likewise, seen nothing of them. At length, ar-ced at sunset, which was at half-past six, with an rived at Alexandria, and no sign of an enemy, nor ardour and vigour which it is impossible to describe. any intelligence that a French fleet was probably At about seven o'clock, total darkness had come on; on its way thither, it became the subject of deep and anxious deliberation with the admiral what course the French fleet could possibly have taken, and what was its ultimate destination.

but the whole hemisphere was, at intervals, illuminated by the fire of the hostile fleets. The English ships, on its becoming dark, had all hoisted their distinguishing lights, by a signal from the admiral. It would be tedious, however, to enter into further The van ship of the French, Le Guerrier, was disdetails of the pursuit; suffice it to say, that, after masted in less than twelve minutes; and in ten minvisiting both shores of the Mediterranean, and carry-utes after, the second ship, Le Conquerant, and the ing a press of sail night and day, the British fleet third, Le Spartiate, very nearly at the same moment again reached Alexandria, on the first of August, were both dismasted. L'Aquilon and Le Souveraine where the admiral had the satisfaction of seeing the Peuple, the fourth and fifth ships of the enemy's line French flag flying in the harbour. He had the high- were taken possession of by the British at half-past est opinion of his crew, and justly placed the firmest eight in the evening. At ten minutes after nine, a reliance on the valour and conduct of every captain fire was observed on board L'Orient, the French adin his squadron. It had been his practice, during miral's ship, which soon involved the whole of the the whole of the cruise, whenever the weather and afterpart of the ship in flames. This circumstance circumstances would permit, to have his captains on being communicated to Nelson, who was at that board the Vanguard, where he would fully develop time below, suffering severely from a wound he had to them his ideas of the best modes of attack, and received, he came upon deck, where the first consuch plans as he proposed to execute upon falling sideration that struck his mind was the desire to in with the enemy, whatever their situation or posi-save as many of the crew as possible, by every tion might be, by day or night; there was no possi- practicable exertion that could be used; and with ble condition in which they could be found, that he did not take into his calculation, and for the most advantageous attack of which, he had not digested and arranged the best possible disposition of the force which he commanded.

the aid of such of his boats as could be got ready, upward of seventy Frenchmen were saved. The light thrown by the fire of L'Orient upon surrounding objects enabled the British to perceive with more certainty the situation of the two fleets, the colours of both being clearly distinguishable. The

The enemy's fleet was first discovered by the Zealous, Captain Hood, who immediately communi-cannonading was partially kept up to leeward of the cated by signal, the number of ships (sixteen) lying centre till about ten o'clock, when L'Orient blew up at anchor in line of battle, in a bay upon the lar- with a most tremendous explosion. An awful pause board bow, which was soon found to be Aboukir bay. and death-like silence, for about three minutes, enThe admiral hauled his wind that instant, and made sued, when the wreck of the masts, yards, &c., the signal to prepare for battle, by an attack on the which had been carried to a vast height, fell down enemy's van and centre, as they lay at anchor, and into the water, and on board the surrounding ships. according to a plan he had before developed. His After this awful scene, the firing recommenced with idea, in this disposition of his force, was first to se- the ships to leeward of the centre till twenty minutes cure the victory, and then to make the most of it, as past ten, when there was a total cessation of firing circumstances might permit. As all the officers of for about ten minutes; after which, it was revived the British fleet were totally unacquainted with till about three in the morning, when it again ceasAboukir bay, each ship kept sounding as she stood ed. When the victory had been secured in the van, in. The enemy appeared to be moored in a strong such British ships as were in condition to move, had and compact line of battle, close in with the shore, gone down upon the fresh ships of the enemy. At their line describing an obtuse angle, in its form, flanked by numerous gunboats, four frigates, and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van. This situation of the enemy seemed to secure to them the most decided advantages, as they had nothing to attend to but their artillery, in their superiour skill in the use of which the French so much prided themselves, and to which, indeed, their splendid series of land victories were, in general, chiefly to be attributed.

The position of the enemy presented the most formidable obstacles; but Nelson viewed these with the eye of a seaman determined on attack; and it

five in the morning, the rearmost two, Le Guillaume Tell, and Le Généreux, were the only French ships of the line that had their colours flying; and, together with two frigates, they subsequently cut their cables, stood out to sea, and escaped. The whole of the day was occupied in taking possession of and securing the prizes.

Knowing that the wounded in his own ships had been well taken care of, the gallant admiral bent his first attention to those of the enemy. He established a truce with the commandant of Aboukir, and through him made a communication to the comman ant of Alexandria, that it was his intention

Statue of Lord Nelson at St. Paul's. all the wounded Frenchmen to be taken ashore to proper hospitals, with their own surgeons to attend them; a proposal which was carried into effect the next day.

The Arabs and Mamelukes, who, during the battle, had lined the shores of the bay, saw with transport that the victory belonged decidedly to the British; and on that and the two following nights the whole coast and country were illuminated in celebration of it. This had a great effect upon the minds of the French prisoners; as they conceived that this illumination was the consequence not entirely of the naval victory, but as some signal advantage obtained by the Arabs and Mamelukes over Bonaparte's army.

By the admiral's desire, communicated to the captains of the fleet, a general thanksgiving to Alinighty God, for having blessed his majesty's arms with victory," evincing his sense of pious gratitude

to the Supreme Being, for the signal success which by his Divine favour had crowned his exertions on that memorable day; and it was remarked by some of the French officers, prisoners, that "it was no wonder their conquerors could preserve such order and discipline, when they could impress the minds of their men with snch sentiments after a victory so great, and at a moment of such seeming confusion."

The English fleet consisted of thirteen seventyfour-gun ships, one of fifty guns, and a brig. The French had one of one hundred and twenty guns (L'Orient, burnt); three of eighty guns (two of which were taken, and one escaped); nine of screntyfour guns (of which eight were taken, and one escaped); and four frigates, two of which were de stroyed. The loss of lives on the side of the French was prodigious; nor was it small on that of the British; sixteen officers and two hundred and two men being returned as killed; and thirty-seven offi

cers and six hundred and forty men wounded. We conclude by observing, that, as some reward for the valour and discretion displayed by Nelson on this occasion, his own sovereign bestowed on him the honours of the peerage, by the title of Baron Nelson, of Thorpe, in the county of Norfolk, and of the Nile; and his Sicilian majesty created him duke of Bronte, in Naples.

BIOGRAPHY.

lute, and commanding manner, he replied, that "it was well known, that, acting as governour of the province, he was by its charter, the commanderin-chief of his majesty's military and naval forces, and as such, the troops were subject to his orders; and if he had the power to remove one regiment, he had the power to remove both; and nothing short of this would satisfy the people, and it was at his peril, if the vote of the town was not immediately complied with; and if it be longer delayed, he, alone, must be answerable for the fatal consequences that would ensue." This produced a momentary silence. It was now dark, and the SAMUEL ADAMS.-Born, 1722-Died, 1803. people were waiting in anxious suspense for the SAMUEL ADAMS, whose name is truly dear to report of their committee. A conference in whispers all Americans, was born at Boston, September 22, followed between Lieutenant-Governour Hutchinson 1722. His ancestors were among the early set- and Colonel Dalrymple. The former, finding himself tlers; his father was for many years, a representa- so closely pressed, and the fallacy and absurdity of tive in the Massachusetts house of assembly. In his arguments thus glaringly exposed, yielded up his 1740, Mr. Adams was graduated at Harvard, where positions, and gave his consent to the removal of he proposed the following question for discussion: both regiments; and Colonel Dalrymple pledged "Whether it be lawful to resist the supreme magis- his word of honour, that he would begin his prepatracy, if the commonwealth cannot otherwise be pre-rations in the morning, and that there should be no served?" He maintained the affirmative. He thus unnecessary delay, until the whole of both regiexhibited, at this early period, that inflexible love of ments were removed to the castle. liberty, which was afterward so important to his country. After leaving college, he enibarked in mercantile life, but was unfortunate. He now entered into publick life, where he was uniformly distinguished for his opposition to every encroachment on the liberties of the people; and to him also, is ascribed the credit of originating the American Congress. In 1767, Mr. Adams suggested a non-importation agreement between the merchants, which was agreed to, and signed by all of them in the province. On the evening of the 5th of March, 1770, an affray took place between the military quartered at Boston, and some citizens, which resulted in a loss of lives on both sides. On the following morning, a publick meeting was called, and Samuel Adams addressed the Assembly with that impressive eloquence which was so peculiar to himself. The people, on this occasion, chose a committee to wait upon the lieutenant-governour, to require that the troops be immediately withdrawn from the town. The mission, however, proved unsuccessful, and another resolution was immediately adopted, that a new committee be chosen to wait a second time upon Governour Hutchinaon, for the purpose of conveying the sense of the meet- Every method had been tried to induce Mr. Adams ing in a more peremptory manner. Mr. Adams acted as to abandon the cause of his country, which he had chairman. They waited on the lieutenant-governour, supported with so much zeal, courage and ability. and communicated this last vote of the town; and, Threats and caresses had proved equally unavailing in a speech of some length, Mr. Adams stated the Prior to this time, there is no certain proof that any danger of keeping the troops longer in the capital, direct attempt was made upon his virtue and integrity, fully proving the illegality of the act itself; and although a report had been publickly and freely cirenumerating the fatal consequences that would en- culated, that it had been unsuccessfully tried by sue, if he refused an immediate compliance with Governour Bernard. Hutchinson knew him too well the vote. Lieutenant-Governour Hutchinson, with to make the attempt. But Governour Gage was emhis usual prevarication, replied, and roundly assert-powered to try the experiment. He sent him a coned, that there was no illegality in the measure; fidential and verbal message by Colonel Fenton, who and repeated, that the troops were not subject to waited upon Mr. Adams, and after the customary his authority, but that he would direct the removal salutations, he stated the object of his visit. He of the twenty-ninth regiment. Mr. Adams again rose. said, that an adjustment of the disputes which exThe magnitude of the subject, and the manner in isted between England and the colonies, and a reconwhich it was treated by Lieutenant-Governour Hutch-ciliation, was very desirable, as well as important to inson, had now roused the imperious feelings of the interest of both. That he was authorized from his patriotick soul. With indignation strongly ex- Governour Gage to assure him, that he had been empressed in his countenance, and in a firm, reso-powered to confer upon him such benefits as would

At a very early period of the controversy between the mother-country and the colonies, Mr. Adams was impressed with the importance of establishing committees of correspondence. In 1766, he made some suggestions on this subject in a letter to a friend in South Carolina; but it was found to be either impracticable or expedient before the year 1772, when it was first adopted by Massachusetts, on a motion of Mr. Adams at a publick townmeeting in Boston. This plan was followed by all the provinces. Mr. Adams's private letters may have advanced this important work. In a letter to Richard Henry Lee, Esq., of Virginia, which, unfortunately, is without a date, is the following remark: "I would propose it for your consideration, whether the establishment of committees of correspondence, among the several towns in every colony, would not tend to promote the general union upon which the security of the whole depends." It will be remembered that the resolutions for the establishment of this institution in Virginia, were passed March 12, 1773, which was more than four months subsequently to the time it had been formed in Boston.

Mr.

depart. The subjects for discussion, were then in- the desponding feelings of their hearts. The controduced by Mr. Adams, with his usual eloquence versation naturally turned upon the subject which on such great occasions. He was chairman of the most engaged their feelings. Each took occasion committee, and reported the resolutions, for the ap-t express his opinions on the situation of the pointment of delegates to a general congress to be publick cause, and all were gloomy and sad. convened at Philadelphia, to consult on the general Adams listened in silence, till they had finished. safety of America. This report was received with He then said: "Gentlemen, your spirits appear to surprise and astonishment by the administration be heavily oppressed with our publick calamities party. Such was the apprehension of some, that I hope you do not despair of our final success?" they were apparently desirous to desert the ques-It was answered, that "the chance was despetion. The doorkeeper seemed uneasy at his charge, rate." Mr. Adams replied: "If this be our language, and wavering with regard to the performance of the it is so, indeed. If we wear long faces, they will duty assigned to him. At this critical juncture, Mr. become fashionable. The people take their tone Adams relieved him, by taking the key and keeping from ours, and if we despair, can it be expected that it himself. The resolutions were passed, five dele- they will continue their efforts in what we conceive gates, consisting of Samuel Adams, Thomas Cush-to be a hopeless cause? Let us banish such feeling, Robert Treat Paine, John Adams, and James ings, and show a spirit that will keep alive the conBowdoin, were appointed, the expense was estima-fidence of the people, rather than damp their ted, and funds were voted for the payment. Before the business was finally closed, a member made a plea of indisposition, and was allowed to leave the house. This person went directly to the governour, and informed him of their high-handed proceedings. The governour immediately sent his secretary to dissolve the assembly, who found the door locked. He demanded entrance, but was answered, that his desire could not be complied with, until some important business, then before the house, was concluded.rived, of the glorious success at Saratoga, which Finding every method to gain admission ineffectual, gave a new complexion to our affairs, and confidence he read the order on the stairs for an immediate dis- to our hopes. solution of the assembly. The order, however, was disregarded by the house. They continued their deliberations, passed all their intended measures, and then obeyed the mandate for dissolution.

courage. Better tidings will soon arrive. Our cause is just and righteous, and we shall never be abandoned by Heaven, while we show ourselves worthy of its aid and protection."

At this time, there were but twenty-eight of the members of Congress present at Philadelphia. Mr. Adams said, that "this was the smallest, but the truest Congress they ever had."

But a few days had elapsed, when the news ar

Soon after this, Lord Howe, the earl of Carlisle, and Mr. Eden, arrived as commissioners to treat for peace, under Lord North's conciliatory proposition. Mr. Adams was one of the committee chosen by Congress, to draught an answer to their letter. In this, it is stated, that "Congress will readily attend to such terms of peace, as may consist with the

By this committee, he and John Adams were appointed a sub-committee to furnish a draught of the constitution. The draught produced by them was reported to the convention, and, after some amendments, accepted. The address of the convention to the people was jointly written by them.

After many unavailing efforts, both by threats and promises, to allure this inflexible patriot from his devotion to the sacred cause of independence, governour Gage, at length, on the 12th of June, 1775, is-honour of an independent nation." sued that memorable proclamation, of which the fol- In 1779, Samuel Adams was placed by the lowing is an extract: "In this exigency of com-state convention, on a committee, to prepare and plicated calamities, I avail myself of the last ef- report a form of government for Massachusetts. fort within the bounds of my duty, to spare the further effusion of blood, to offer, and I do hereby in his majesty's name, offer and promise his most gracious pardon to all persons, who shall forthwith lay down their arms, and return to the duties of peaceable subjects, excepting only from the benefit of such pardon, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock, whose offences are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condign punishment." This was a diploma, conferring greater honours on the individuals, than any other which was within the power of his Britannick majesty to bestow.

In 1781, he was elected a member of the senate of Massachusetts, and was shortly afterward elevated to the presidency of that body.

In 1789, he was elected lieutenant-governour of the state of Massachusetts, and continued to fill that office till 1794, when he was chosen governour of that state. He was annually re-elected till 1797, when, oppressed with years and bodily infirmities, he declined being again a candidate, and retired to private life.

After many years of incessant exertion, employed in the establishment of the independence of America, he died on the 3d October, 1803, in the eighty-second year of his age, in indigent circumstances.

During the revolution, Mr. Adams was constantly labouring in behalf of his country, and always exerting the energies of his mighty mind, fearless of the consequences, to which his devotedness in the cause of liberty might expose him. In 1777, many of the warmest friends of America, began to despair. It was at this critical juncture, after Congress had resolved to adjourn from Philadelphia to Lancaster, that some of the leading members accident- The person of Samuel Adams was of the midally met in company with each other. A conversa- dle size. His countenance was a true index of his tion in mutual confidence ensued. Mr. Adams, who mind, and possessed those lofty and elevated characwas one of the number, was cheerful and undis-teristicks, which are always found to accompany true mayed at the aspect of affairs, while the counte- greatness.

nances of his friends were strongly marked with He was a steady professor of the Christian re