"To take possession of that place," he said, "would be a week's expedition for four or five thousand troops." This, however, required a consultation with the Admiralty; and that something might be done, meantime he resolved upon attacking the flotilla in the mouth of the Boulogne harbour.

This resolution was made in deference to the opinion of others, and to the public feeling, which was so preposterously excited.

He himself scrupled not to assert that the French army would never embark at Boulogne for the invasion of England; and he owned that this boat warfare was not exactly congenial to his feelings.

Into Helvoet or Flushing he should be happy to lead, if Government turned their thoughts that way.

"While I serve," said he, "I will do it actively, and to the very best of my abilities.