r
our voyage will prove very tedious, and that the want of provisions
and other circumstances will compel us to put into some port; this may
occasion great delay, which the approach of the equinox makes me very
desirous to avoid. I really believe no ships in so bad a condition as
those with me ever attempted so intricate a navigation.

"September 1st.--You are certainly unapprised of the Orion being on
her way to England. Here have we been occupied for three weeks in
effecting what might be accomplished in two days. Your wishes, I
think, would prove more availing were you acquainted with the real
state of things. This extraordinary delay makes me more fractious than
can be imagined, and I begin to lose the character for patience which
I had given myself by so tiresome a situation; besides which, I have
Le Peuple Souverain to drag after me, that causes me more trouble than
even the Spanish _saints_ did after the 14th of February.

"Sunday.--I had almost determined not to resume my pen till we were
entirely clear of this same island of Candia; but we have made such
great progress since yesterday, and the prospect continues so
favourable, that I cannot refuse myself the satisfaction of
congratulating you thereon.

"I received last evening a letter from the Admiral, brought me by La
Bonne Citoyenne.[18] He is desirous of having the Minotaur and
Audacious detached to Naples after accompanying us as far on our way
as Minorca. A vessel was yesterday spoken with that saw one of the
French line-of-battle ships, with the loss of her main-mast, and towed
by a frigate towards Corfu, only eight days since; so that, had the
winds favoured us, we should have been at no great distance from them.
I dined to-day in the ward-room; but I am sorry to say we had no
church this morning; this is so very necessary a duty, that I am
always grieved when it is omitted."

[18] MY DEAR SIR, Vanguard, September 1st, 1798. From what I
have heard, and made up in my own mind, I feel it is absolutely
necessary that I should order the Minotaur and Audacious to quit
your squadron when you are in the fair way between Sardinia and
Minorca, and join me at Naples; and also with as much salt
provisions as can be got out of the ships victualled for _six_
months, reserving only one month's at whole allowance. My
squadron are at two-thirds of salt provisions, making the
allowance up with flour; therefore you will direct the same in