to secure their valuable resources for prosecuting the war against France ; and it being considered that Captain Cockburn was particularly acquainted with the actual state of those provinces, and the mutual interests of the two countries, it was decided that he should proceed to England, and lay the necessary information upon those subjects before His Majesty’s Government. He consequently left Cadiz in the Druid frigate, April 21st, 1811; at which period he was nominally captain of the Alfred 74, the Implacable having been sent to reinforce the fleet off Toulon.
In June following, we find the Alfred cruising between Capes Trafalgar and Spartel, commanded, pro tempore, by Lieutenant Westphal, who was afterwards charged with the equipment of the Spanish ships of war at Cadiz, preparatory to their being sent for security to Minorca. On the completion of this service, he was appointed by Rear-Admiral the Hon. A. K. Legge, to act as commander of the Columbine sloop, in which vessel he conveyed part of the Spanish royal family from Cadiz to Portugal. On the 8th of the ensuing month, the Princess of Peace, then at Tavira, in the latter kingdom, addressed a letter to acting Commander Westphal, of which the following is a true translation:–
“I have received with great estimation the attentive letter you have been good enough to direct me, dated the 2d instant, in which you explain to me your having requested the commandant of the British naval forces stationed at the Guadiana, to give me information of any danger that may offer from the vicinity of the enemy; and in such case to arrange that one of the brigs of war under his orders should transport me, with my family, to a secure point. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude, for a politeness so singular, and so worthy of estimation.
“I have much felt not seeing the gentleman, commandant of the Guadiana forces, who introduced himself to my beloved brother, and to whom he delivered the letter, which he sent, upon finding it was for me, at which time the commandant had departed.
“I repeat to you my most expressive thanks for your repeated politeness, and, with my beloved brothers, remain full of acknowledgments for the benefits and attention you treated us with.
“To the Commandant of the Colombine, brig of war.”
