When men of such good sense, such great sea-officers, differ so widely, is it not natural that I should wish the mode of defence to be well arranged by the mature consideration of men of judgment ?" Meanwhile he had again gone off Boulogne, and directed an attack in boats upon the line of vessels moored outside.

He took great care in the arrangements for this hazardous expedition, giving personal supervision to all details.

"As you may believe, my dear Emma," he wrote to her who had his closest confidence, "my mind feels at what is going forward this night; it is one thing to order and arrange an attack, and another to execute it; but I assure you I have taken much more precaution for others, than if I was to go myself--then my mind would be perfectly at ease." He professed, and probably felt, entire confidence in the result.

Fifty-seven boats were detailed for the attack.

They were in four divisions, each under a commander; Edward Parker having one.