riety of
events. I have placed Monsieur Le Duc, and the rest of the party, at
cards, to send these lines in time _pour ton reveil demain. Encore
adieu, ma tres chere_! Write every hour of the day, and send your
letters to Mr. Maxwell.

"Wednesday morning.--Grieved as I am to be a prisoner still another
day, there is consolation in the _certainty_ of our being released
to-morrow. Ardently as I aspire for the moment of our meeting, I must
delay going on shore until after the performance of divine service in
this ship:[22] and I know this arrangement will have your full
concurrence. Your note is just received: how well have you anticipated
my thoughts, and met my wishes even before they were expressed. Please
God, to-morrow we shall be compensated for a separation of two long
years; and on a day in which none can have greater mercies to
commemorate than ourselves.

[22] November 29th, the day appointed for a general thanksgiving
for the great naval victories.

"Wednesday evening.--I have just ascertained that the Duke and the
Marquis do not proceed to town before Friday; therefore expect to
receive them at dinner, and desire Mrs. Fielding to prepare for
eighteen or twenty guests."

Sir James remained at Portsmouth, until the 15th December, when he
sailed for Plymouth, at which place he arrived on the 22nd: and on
the 6th of January 1799 the Orion was paid off, when Sir James went to
Bath, where he was once more free and happy in the bosom of his
family.

CHAPTER XII.

1800.

Sir James writes to Earl Spencer.--Is appointed to the Caesar, of
84 guns.--Joins the Channel fleet.--The Brest fleet having
escaped, proceeds to the Mediterranean.--English fleet at Bantry
Bay.--Return of the French fleet.--Caesar at Lisbon.--Sir James
returns to Spithead.--Rejoins the Channel fleet.--Earl St.
Vincent takes the command.--Appoints Sir James to command the
advanced squadron.--Black Rocks.--Earl St. Vincent's letter of
approbation.--Douvernenez Bay.--Various letters.--Complete
success of the blockade--Enemy's fleet laid up Sir James returns
to Spithead.--Conclusion of 1800.

Sir James had cherished the hope that he was to be permitted to enjoy
the blessings of domestic life, at least for a few months; but even in
the most perfect state of happiness which can be well imagined, he
always held his duty to his King and country, (next to the duty he
owed to his Creator,) to be paramount