The GUILLAUME TELL was at this time closely watched in the harbour of La Valette; and shortly afterwards, attempting to make her escape from thence, was taken after an action, in which greater skill was never displayed by British ships, nor greater gallantry by an enemy.

She was taken by the FOUDROYANT, LION, and PENELOPE frigate.

Nelson, rejoicing at what he called this glorious finish to the whole French Mediterranean fleet, rejoiced also that he was not present to have taken a sprig of these brave men's laurels.

"They are," said he, "and I glory in them, my children; they served in my school; and all of us caught our professional zeal and fire from the great and good Earl St.Vincent.What a pleasure, what happiness, to have the Nile fleet all taken, under my orders and regulations!" The two frigates still remained in La Valette; before its surrender they stole out; one was taken in the attempt; the other was the only ship of the whole fleet which escaped capture or destruction.
Letters were found on board the GUILLAUME TELL showing that the French were now become hopeless of preserving the conquest which they had so foully acquired.

Troubridge and his brother officers were anxious that Nelson should have the honour of signing the capitulation.