fray the expense, and to have his picture,
which is to be put up in the room intended to hold the _Egyptian
Club_, when we all meet in England. The overplus, which will come to
about thirty pounds each, is to be applied for the relief of the
widows and orphans of those who have nobly fallen in the action. All
this shows unanimity at least, and I believe greater never existed in
any squadron.

"Wednesday, 22nd.--This morning the wind has set in very favourably
for us; but it is to the southward, and produces such a close, sultry,
and damp air, that it is scarcely bearable; and, with all this, we
have to encounter so strong a western swell, that the prizes and
crippled ships, for want of more sail, can scarcely contend against
it. What if we should have the good fortune to fall in with the four
French ships! They are certainly on their way to Toulon; and, from the
want of water and provisions, must have put into some of the ports in
these seas. I _dreamt_ so much of them last night that I really form
great hopes of our falling in with them. This leads me to mention that
all the captains agreed to share together in whatever may be captured
till the 1st of October.

"It is now exactly three weeks since the Battle of the Nile; it
appears almost an age; but when once we get in the fair track down the
Mediterranean, every day will, I hope, shorten our distance. We have
seen but one strange sail since we left Bequir, and that at too great
a distance to speak with. I think it probable Sir Horatio may be on
his way to Naples, as he proposed to sail soon to join the Portuguese
squadron, taking with him the Culloden, Alexander, and Goliath. The
Zealous, with Swiftsure, and the frigates, were to be left to block up
Alexandria, and distress the enemy. What barbarous people we must be,
after having done them so much mischief, still to add to their
disasters!

"August 24th.--I have been right in my conjectures this morning,
having fallen in with Sir Horatio, who obligingly sent the Bonne
Citoyenne with letters, &c. for the ships with me, brought by the
Seahorse, which joined him at Bequir. He has only the Culloden and
Alexander with him, having left the rest of the ships for the good
purposes before mentioned. This meeting has afforded me an opportunity
of sending you a few hurried lines, which I have requested the Admiral
to forward from Naples. I have no doubt that the letter will reach
you some time before any other I can have a