giving an account of our disaster, and informing him I should
proceed as soon as the weather would admit of it, taking
_Revolutionnaire_ with me if she was ready, otherwise directing him to
follow. Got an answer from him in the evening offering the King any
ship, even _Rochefort_ (the flagship), if we could not proceed; and
that he had ordered _Active_ down here, to be ready to relieve
_Revolutionnaire_ if she could not go. In the morning, when the King
came out, he took hold of both my hands, squeezed them, and shook
them very heartily, saying, "I am infinitely obliged to you for the
way in which you manoeuvred the ship last night, for had it not been
for your promptitude she must have been dismasted." Dined with his
Majesty, who sent me an invitation, and took my place, by his
direction, at his right hand, in the way I used when Bonaparte was
with me, and was a good deal struck with the similarity of situation.
On the King's left sat the Princess of Paterna, created by him Duchess
of Floridia. She is married to him, but does not assume the title of
Queen, because she is not of blood royal. She is an uncommonly
handsome woman for her time of life,--which the Prince of Babro tells
me is very near fifty,--her manners pleasing, and quite those of a
woman of high rank. He seems much attached to her, was particular in
recommending good dishes to her, and once or twice when he spoke to
her took her hand, and shook and prest it in a friendly affectionate
way.

* * * * *

_Baia, Dec. 15._--Strong gale, with very heavy squalls and showers of
rain. The King is, in my opinion, much better at an anchor here than
beating about the sea in a gale of wind. Employed securing the
bowsprit.... Dined with the King, who told us several anecdotes of his
sea excursions; and he really is a tolerably good sailor. In the
evening a deputation of the Parliament came on board to condole with
his Majesty on the accident that had befallen the ship, and to wish
him a pleasant voyage and a speedy return to his country. In the
evening pointed the yards to the wind.... While at dinner, H.M. sent
out to have "Rule Britannia" played by the band, and drank success to
the British Navy with three cheers.

* * * * *

_Dec. 16._--In the morning the weather fine, with light wind W.S.W.
Unmoored ship.... Stood over towards Capri till half-past one, when we
tacked. The King told us at dinner he h