fall in
with ships from Plymouth, and that I shall have the satisfaction of
receiving letters from you,--the greatest I can possibly enjoy at this
time, except that of beating the French fleet.

"May 8th.--Off Cape Clear.--Captain Durham hailed me: he says the
French fleet were seen a week ago, steering to the southward. These
are trying times for those who feel as we do the importance of events,
which involve and may decide the fate of nations.

"May 17th.--Sir Alan Gardner has joined us this morning with a
reinforcement. We are still without any certain intelligence of the
enemy; a few days must determine. I only wish we could soon, very soon
meet them, to put a stop to our perplexity and impatience.

"Friday evening, 24th May.--We are just anchored in Bantry Bay. I fear
my conjectures of the enemy being gone to Portugal, or the
Mediterranean, and not being destined for this country, are too surely
founded.

"I have this instant received your letter of the 4th, by which,
though, as yet, very hastily perused, I learn you are at Teignmouth. I
am sorry to see that you have already taken alarm at the reports which
are circulated respecting us: follow the example of Lady Howe, who
neither reads newspapers, nor listens to rumours. I know not who are
most to blame, those who invent them, or you who believe them.

"26th.--We continue without any certain accounts respecting the
destination of the French armament. Admiral Collingwood arrived this
morning, and hoists his flag in the Triumph. He will take a strong
detachment with him for the Mediterranean. It is not yet known what
ships are to go: but I have been on board Lord Bridport; and I do not
hear the Caesar is to be one of them; which, I suppose, will _please_
you: _in other respects_, there is no doubt that the Mediterranean
station is far preferable to the Channel service. Your wish that we
should carry away a mast was nearly gratified, the Achille and the
Caesar having been on board each other in coming into this bay; the
principal damage was, however, sustained by the former;
notwithstanding which, she will not be obliged to return into port;
therefore, form no such wishes, but show yourself a true patriot, and
let the good of the country be the principal wish of your heart. The
escape of the French fleet, was, I dare say, consonant to these
feminine feelings, and see what a dilemma it has thrown us into.

"31st May.--Off Cape Clear.--I see Lord Bridport very f