yours. I have put down the number of casks of beef, pork, and
pease, which can be easily spared if the commander-in-chief's
orders for victualling have been obeyed. Audacious is, I fancy,
short of salt provisions, not knowing of coming so long a
voyage. If you can manage to let those ships have any part of
their officers and men, it will be very useful for the King's
service; but of this you must be the best judge. Retalick will
tell you all the news from Rhodes, and I was rejoiced to see you
are this side of Candia.

Ever yours most truly,
HORATIO NELSON.

To Sir James Saumarez, &c.

Your squadron evidently sails better than Culloden. The
Bellerophon sails so well that Darby can take very good care of
Conquerant; and Aquilon seems also to sail remarkably well.
Remember me kindly to all my good friends with you.

Orion, at sea, 1st September.

MY DEAR ADMIRAL,

Captain Retalick has just joined me with your order respecting
the Minotaur and Audacious, both which ships are to be detached
for Naples so soon as we are in the fair way between Sardinia
and Minorca, with as much salt provisions as can be spared from
the ships victualled for six months; which shall be duly
complied with. I shall also take from the prizes as many of the
officers and men as can be replaced from the ships left with me,
which I shall endeavour to be as near the full number as can be
thought prudent. Wishing to use as little delay as possible, not
to detain the Bonne Citoyenne,

I am very truly, &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

To Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B.

Orion, at sea, 1st September.

MY DEAR ADMIRAL,

After contending for three days against the adverse winds which
are almost invariably encountered here, and getting sufficiently
to the northward to have weathered the small islands that lie
more immediately between the Archipelago and Candia, the wind
set in so strong to the westward Thursday morning, that I was
compelled to desist from that passage, and bear up between
Sargeanto and Guxo, a narrow and intricate channel; but which we
happily cleared without any accident, the loss of a few spars
excepted, which are now replaced; and we are proceeding as fast
as the wind will admit to our destination. The ships are all
doing as well as possible; the fever on board the Defence fast
abating, and the wounded i