yesterday in not bearing down upon the enemy and not complying
with the signal which I had made to break the line--was owing to
her being manned with Portuguese. The _Maria de Gloria_ has also
a great number of Portuguese, which is the more to be regretted,
as otherwise her superior sailing, with the zeal and activity of her
captain, would render her an effective vessel. To disclose to you
the truth, it appears to me that one half of the squadron is
necessary to watch over the other half: and, assuredly, this is a
system which ought to be put an end to without delay.

A greater evil is, that this ship is one hundred and twenty seamen
short of her complement and three hundred short of what I should
consider an efficient crew, whilst the bad quality and ignorance of
the landsmen, makes the task of managing her in action no easy
matter, the incessant bawling going on rendering the voices of the
officers inaudible. Had this ship yesterday been manned and equipped
as she ought to have been, and free from the disadvantages stated,
there is no doubt whatever in my mind, but, that singly, we could
have dismantled half the ships of the enemy.

On the whole, Sir, you must perceive that I have not been supplied
with any of those facilities which I requested to be placed in my
hands. I am, however, aware of the difficulties under which a new
Government labours, and am ready to do all in my power under
any circumstances. What I have to request of you is, that you will
do me the justice to feel that the predicament in which I am now
placed, is somewhat analogous to your own, and that if I cannot
accomplish all I wish, the deficiency arises from causes beyond my
control; but I entreat you to let me have--at least this ship--
_well manned_, and I will answer for her rendering more efficient