us weather; but, thanks to
Divine Providence! without an accident to any of the ships; I have but
once more to weigh anchor, and then I trust in its mercy to bring me
to the haven where I would be, and to find all my precious treasures
in complete possession of health and happiness.

"A packet arrived this morning with Commissioner Coffin. The only
letter I have been so fortunate as to receive is one from Mr. Le M.
dated the day Captain Capel arrived. What would I not give for one of
as late date from you! Another is soon expected, this packet having
had nearly three weeks' passage."

The extract of the following letter from Sir James to the
commander-in-chief continues this narrative:

Orion, Tagus, 1st November, 1798.

MY LORD,

I have the honour to acquaint your lordship of the safe arrival
in the Tagus of this ship and the Theseus, with five of the
prize-ships lately taken in his Majesty's service.

His grace the Duc d'Havre embarks on board this ship on Monday
next; and the Marquis de Mortemart having solicited a passage to
England, I have consented to receive him on condition of his
being considered in the suite of the duke. Captain Tyler also
takes his passage in the Orion. I should have been happy to have
made the like offer to General Trigge, but it was not possible
to accommodate him and the ladies of his family without
considerable inconvenience to the Duc d'Havre. His grace is a
nobleman of the first distinction and consideration, and he
expresses himself very sensible of your lordship's attention in
providing for him so good a conveyance.

I beg to offer my most sincere and fervent wishes for health and
every happiness to attend your lordship; and, with my unfeigned
thanks for all your lordship's favour,

I remain, &c.

Sir James, having now fulfilled the anxious charge entrusted to him,
and, with great professional skill and unremitting vigilance, brought
the prizes in safety to Lisbon, is at length setting sail for England:
and who will not share the feelings of the husband and the father, on
approaching his home after so long an absence! The following extracts
from his letters will convey some impression of what those feelings
were.

Lisbon, Nov. 3rd, 1798.

I am now rejoicing in the hope of being in England nearly as
soon as this letter can reach you. I propose to sail from this
place the beginning of next week, and