e my courage at the prospect of
it. I sincerely wish I had never suggested the idea, which I was
induced to do from the hope of the war being over, and that you
would pass the winter more comfortably than in England during
the dreary months. I am now become a very coward on the subject,
and leave it to you to determine as you think best; at the same
time assuring you that I shall endeavour to be reconciled to
whatever plan is adopted which is most likely to conduce to your
comfort. Your account of our dear girls gives me the most
heartfelt satisfaction, and of the increasing strength of the
sweet dove in particular, whom I truly long to behold,--a
happiness I still hope to enjoy ere many weeks are elapsed. I
shall expect a letter from the dear boy by the next opportunity
from Plymouth.

The next letter to the Earl of St. Vincent gives an account of the
further proceedings of his squadron, and the situation of the enemy's
fleet in Brest, which proves how successful his endeavours had been in
preventing its meditated escape.

Caesar, off the Black Rocks, 28th September 1800.

MY LORD,

Soon after I despatched my letter by the Marlborough, dated from
Douvarnenez Bay, the wind having shifted to the northward, I got
under sail with the squadron; but in the evening it came to the
south-west, with thick weather: I returned to the anchorage, as
did Captain Knight, with the Montague and Naiad.

It continued to blow very strong till yesterday noon, when the
wind suddenly shifted to N. and N. by E. I immediately got under
sail, and stood out of the bay; the Pompee leaving a
bower-anchor, her cable having parted in endeavouring to weigh
it. From the report of several signal-guns fired in Brest soon
after the sudden change of wind, I have no doubt of the
preparatory movements of the enemy to put to sea, had the wind
continued favourable for them; and I carried a press of sail
during the night, in order to be off St. Matthew's Point early
this morning to watch their motions.

I had a full view of the enemy's fleet, and counted twenty-two
sail with their top-gallant-masts struck, but apparently ready
for sea. Having made the signal to the Megaera to reconnoitre, I
beg to refer your lordship to Captain Hill for a more particular
report of their state and numbers.

I have the honour to be, my lord,
Your lordship's ob