d we have been supplied with the articles I
mentioned, on moderate terms, both for the ships' companies and
officers, which is a seasonable relief, as Gibraltar supplied us with
nothing whatever excepting fowls.

"I am not free from great anxiety lest the account of the gale we
encountered may reach England before that of our safety shall arrive,
and give you some uneasiness; but the experience you have had how
nugatory all such fears are, will, I hope, make you banish them for
ever.

"Monday, 29th.--The Spaniard not having come off as was expected, the
Admiral determined on sending the prize to Gibraltar. I hazarded a
line by her for Mr. Le Mesurier; but we form no great expectation of
her safety, from the great number of the enemy's gun-boats. A vessel
we spoke yesterday, from Marseilles, informs us that the French fleet
put to sea, the 20th, from Toulon, with all their transports, &c.: as
it was that evening the gale of wind came on, we have no doubt but
they must have suffered severely. By this vessel we have also several
papers from Paris, the latest dated the 16th instant: they contain
extracts from the English papers, which to us are very interesting,
viz. the capture of the Hercule, the defeat at Marcon, Sir Sidney
Smith's escape, and other important news, which, on the whole, are
favourable to the welfare of the country, particularly as regards the
unanimity which appears to prevail in England.

"I dined, together with Captain Ball, on board the Vanguard: we all
form great expectations of our future success, which, I trust, will be
realized. Certain it is that no ships could be ordered on a more
promising service.

"Sunday, 3rd June--Nothing particular has occurred these last days.
Yesterday a vessel was spoken with, which mentioned having seen
eleven sail of the line, a few days ago, supposed to be English. We
are at a loss what conjectures to put on this intelligence. We are at
present off Toulon: unfortunately, none of our frigates have joined
us, and we are apprehensive they have returned to Gibraltar.

"Tuesday.--La Mutine brig joined us this morning, with the very
interesting intelligence of the arrival off Cadiz of the reinforcement
under Sir R. Curtis; and that Captain Troubridge, with eleven sail,
was on his way to join us: we look for him with the utmost impatience,
trusting in the Divine Providence to be in time to baffle the designs
of the enemy, who, we understand, are certainly gone to Naple