hursday.--Early this morning I fell in with the Barfleur and
Northumberland. Although not without great difficulty, I persevered in
my endeavours to join them; but, to my great concern, I found no
letters for me on board either ship. Captain Dacres tells me he wrote
to Ryde, thinking you were there, but in vain. Lady Parker, however,
assured him that she had a letter from you very lately.

"I was glad to hear Captain Capel had reached England with the
accounts of our action, the news of which were received at Portsmouth
the day before the Barfleur sailed.

"Fortune has, as usual, proved propitious this month. What think you
of two vessels, with valuable cargoes from Genoa, which promise to
give, at the most moderate computation, at least L10,000 between
Captain Miller and myself![21] The Theseus joined me with one
yesterday noon, and we brought the other to, some time after; both
under Greek colours, but unquestionably laden with the property of
Genoese merchants. More are on their way, which we expect to fall in
with. But indeed, my dearest love, we require not riches to add to our
happiness. Let us but have peace and tranquillity, and we have enough
for every earthly enjoyment whilst it pleases Heaven to bless us with
good health. Alas, poor Lady W.! how sensibly I feel for the
misfortune that has deprived her excellent husband of all prospect of
ever again enjoying comfort in this life. She was, indeed, all you
have said of her.

[21] This was never realised.

"To-morrow I depend on arriving at Lisbon, with the hope of being
detained a few days only, and where I rely on being cheered with
letters from you. _A propos_: Miss R. is there, and will not be sorry
to hear the Leander is at last heard of, although in possession of the
enemy. She is going to England with General and Mrs. Trigge.

"27th October.--I had hoped before the arrival of this _blessed_ day
to acquaint you with our being safe in the Tagus; but the light winds
prevented our getting round Cape St. Vincent before yesterday evening,
and it now blows so strong from the westward that there is no
possibility of getting over the bar. To-morrow, I trust, we shall be
more fortunate; or, what would prove still better, that it will blow
so strong as to compel me to bear up for the Channel, which I
certainly would do in case of a south-west gale.

"Sunday, two o'clock.--I now congratulate you on our safe arrival in
the Tagus, in the midst of very boistero