and 29th August
I received the morning of my arrival, and they gave me real comfort
after so long a privation. I now trust that, in a few weeks, we shall
be re-united, no more to part! It is my firm intention to remain, for
some time at least, entirely abstracted from active service. If I can
do so, and retain the command of the ship, well and good; if not, I
shall apply to be superseded.

"An expedition under Sir John Duckworth is now sailing from this bay;
various are the conjectures on its destination. I need not tell you,
after what I have noticed respecting the Earl, that we are on a very
good footing. Indeed, the solicitous attention he shows to me almost
overwhelms me, as I wish to keep clear of laying myself under
obligation, except as far as concerns the promotion of my officers.

"24th October, Orion, off Cadiz.--Yesterday I got clear of Gibraltar
Bay with the Theseus and five of the prizes, it having been decided,
the morning before we sailed, to leave the Souverain for a hulk at
Gibraltar, which I had strongly recommended before.

"I was fortunate in the arrival of the Transfer brig, in ten days from
Naples, a few hours previous to our sailing. She brought the sad news
of the capture of the Leander, with the despatches; but having long
before given her over for lost, and being apprehensive for the safety
of all on board, the account rather gave me satisfaction, especially
as she is said to have well supported the fame of the Nile squadron,
though the details of the action are not known.

"Earl St. Vincent afforded me the perusal of several interesting
letters that came by the Transfer from Naples, particularly from the
envoy and our gallant Admiral: he was on the point of sailing for
Malta, which, there is scarcely a doubt, is by this time, entirely in
possession of the inhabitants.

"We are going on with a fine breeze for Lisbon, which I hope to reach
before Saturday. This morning I gained sight of our squadron off
Cadiz; and, although within a few miles of one of the ships, (the
Hector,) they had not the curiosity to join us, and I was unwilling to
be delayed by going to them, although I should have been happy to have
had communication with some of the ships. I hope my stay at Lisbon
will be but short; as, after I embark the Duc d'Havre, and have seen
the prizes taken care of, I proceed immediately for Portsmouth. Judge
then of my feelings. My only regret is, being unable to impart them to
you!

"T