Folios 238-239: Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal, off Cape St Maria....

Folios 238-239: Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal, off Cape St Maria. On falling in with HMS John Bull, Cutter returning from the Fleet under Lord Nelson to enclose the Orders he attaches from the Commander in Chief, and the State of HMS Donegal and of HMS Medusa the only ships of the Squadron in Company. He reports that he arrived in Gibraltar in HMS Donegal on 19 October 1804 having left the Fleet under Lord Nelson on 13 October 1804 off Cape St Sebastian and having been informed by Lieutenant Robert Lloyd the Commander of HMS Guerriere who came off to us that the Garrison was in such a State of Infection that no communication could be had with the shore without the greatest risk, the infectious fever, more fatal if possible that the Plague. He delivered him the Letters with which he was charged and proceeded through the Gut. On the following day he was joined by HMS Medusa off Cadiz and from her Commander he learned that three Frigates with Treasure belonging to Spain had been captured in compliance with the orders of the Admiralty and with HMS Indefatigable, HMS Lively and HMS Amphion had proceeded to England. We are cruising in the expectation of falling in with other ships under similar circumstances. HMS Halcyon and HMS Sophie are cruising off Gibraltar and occasionally, as they are able, assisting that Garrison with what supplies of refreshments they can from time to time procure, such is the extreme caution of the Barbary States, since the fever broke out at Gibraltar that all communication is at an end except by Ships of War and these are kept in quarantine and with great difficulty procure any thing from the shore. He is also much concerned to find that the Fever rages with great violence at Cadiz where we are told they Bury three hundred people daily. The French Ship Le Aigle is likewise sickly having buried in the course of the last week fifty men. he is much at a loss to know how he will procure provisions, for we cannot communicate with Gibraltar. He is now intending to go to Lagos Bay to endeavour to get Wine, Water and Wood of which articles we are very short. The crews of the Squadron are ordered to be put at two thirds allowance until we get the means of being supplied with provisions.

Folios 239-240: enclosure with folios 238-239. Letter dated 13 October 1804 by Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson KB Etc. HMS Victory, at Sea to Sir Richard John Strachan, HMS Donegal. [Total of three sides] States he has this moment received a secret Admiralty Letter dated 19 September 1804 together with a copy of their Lordships Most secret Order dated 18 September 1804 addressed to the Honourable Admiral William Cornwallis, respecting the Blockade of the Port of Ferrol, and opposing or counteracting any Hostile attempts of the Government or Subjects of Spain against His Majesty's Dominions. And whereas he thinks this service of the highest importance, and that an Officer of your Rank and experience should be employed thereon. You are Ordered to proceed immediately in HMS Donegal astride the Straits of Gibraltar and take HMS Medusa, HMS Amphion, HMS Sophie and HMS Halcyon under your Command together with any others of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels which you may fall in with and use your utmost exertions to carry their Lordships Instructions contained in the copy of Mr Marsden's Letter and Admiralty Orders above mentioned (Herewith transmitted) [not included] into effect, taking every measure and precaution in your power for opposing or counteracting any Hostile attempts of the Government or Subjects of Spain against His Majesty's Dominions, or Trade of His Majesty's Subjects. In conjunction with any of His Majesty's Ships which the Honourable Admiral William Cornwallis may have sent off Cadiz to intercept if possible the vessel in which the above mentioned Treasure may be contained, and detain them until His Majesty's pleasure shall be know. You are to continue until further Orders to cruise most diligently between Cape St Vincent and the Straits Mouth. If you detain any of the Treasure Ships you are to send them to Plymouth under the protection of a Frigate or Ship of the Line, as the case may require.