The Flora did not join me till this instant, owing to the
commander's timidity. I was waiting for him the whole night. I
thought it my duty to open one of Earl St. Vincent's public
despatches, in case they might contain anything that might
render necessary any alteration in my present proceedings. I
find from them that Colossus is to the southward of Sardinia,
with the Alliance and four victuallers: we shall of course keep
a look-out for them. This information will enable me to keep
rather a greater supply of provisions than I had made
arrangements for, having scarcely reserved four weeks to each
ship of the squadron. I have charged Captain Newhouse with the
Flora's despatches, with orders to proceed in search of you
immediately, and also indicated to him the track I mean to
pursue, in case you should have occasion to send me further
orders, in consequence of your letters from Earl St. Vincent.

I hope you will do me the favour to believe that I have acted to
the best of my judgment for the good of his Majesty's service,
and that you will approve my having opened one of Lord St.
Vincent's public despatches; which it will be satisfactory to me
to know from you.

With sincere and best wishes for your health
and every happiness, &c.
JAMES SAUMAREZ.

To Sir H. Nelson, K.B. &c.

"Thursday, 6th September.--The last four days we have got on
remarkably well; and, what is still better, the wind seems now set in
very favourably. Late last night the Thalia joined me, after cruising
in all directions to fall in with Sir Horatio. I was not disappointed
at receiving no letters by her: but this morning, having been joined
by the Flora cutter, that left England the 26th July, and the fleet
off Cadiz so late as the 12th August, I own it gave me concern to
receive no tidings from you; but, on recollection that all the letters
for this ship have been kept back, from our being expected down the
Mediterranean, my disappointment ceases.

"I have seen nothing of Admiral Nelson since I last wrote; and, as our
route now lies in a different direction, I do not expect to meet with
him again. The information obtained by the above vessels is of a very
satisfactory nature; and I trust things will soon, very soon, draw to
a favourable crisis.

"The Thalia brought me from Bequir several intercepted letters from
France, taken in a corvette going to Alexandria. I have rea