antage in stormy weather, with
the squadron under his command.

Caesar, Douvarnenez Bay, Sept. 24th, 1800.

We anchored at eleven last night, and this morning found
ourselves in one of the finest bays I have ever seen. It is far
more spacious than Torbay, and much more enclosed; consequently
more secure against all winds. It is the same distance from
Brest by sea as Dartmouth is from Torbay; and by land the same
as from Brixham, not being more than five miles across, over a
hilly country; substituting the Bec de Chevre for the Berry
Head, and it exactly forms the counter part to Torbay. It
abounds with the finest fish, of which we shall profit.

As it is not possible for the ships to sail from Brest but with
an easterly wind, which blows directly out of this bay, we can
always be beforehand with them.

25th.--It has continued to blow hard since we entered this bay,
and it has now risen to a severe storm. I wish you knew how
well sheltered we are in this famous anchorage. Captain
Pierrepont has been with me since yesterday: he has been near
fourteen weeks at sea, and, as you may suppose, very tired. I am
better satisfied with my situation than since I have been in the
Channel fleet, and find it far preferable to being attached to
it.

Monday, 29th Sept.

I trust my letter by the Marlborough has reached you this
morning, which will have set your mind at ease as to our safety
after the gales we encountered last week. I wrote to you
yesterday, but too hastily to express, as I wished, the
happiness I derived from having just received your letters of
the 15th and 19th. They had been too long and too anxiously
looked for not to receive the most cordial and heartfelt
welcome. I am in hourly expectation of seeing the fleet, the
letters from the Earl acquainting me with his intention of
putting to sea the moment the weather moderated. The Superb,
with Centaur and Warrior, hove in sight this afternoon,--the
only ships I have seen since last Tuesday, when I went into
Douvarnenez Bay; and I have the satisfaction to reflect that,
notwithstanding the tempestuous weather, this squadron has been
enabled to keep its station, although all the other detachments
have been driven from theirs. Now that your letter gives me
reason to believe you entertain serious thoughts of going to
Guernsey, like your father I los