Caesar, Bay of Brest, 18th Oct.

The delightful weather we have enjoyed this last week has
enabled me to remain at anchor off the Black Rocks. They have
lost their gloom from the serene atmosphere, but more
particularly from having had such frequent tidings from you, as
scarce a day has passed (I believe not one) without being joined
by something from the fleet. Yesterday, the Earl sent me a
message that he expected my flag to be hoisted in a very few
days; and Troubridge writes to me the promotion was to extend to
Sir Edward Pellew; and,--what think you!--that Lord St. Vincent
has actually written for Captain Brenton to be appointed my
flag-captain. His lordship, in his letter, tells me that Capt.
Thornbrough is to remain in the Mars, and will relieve me here,
if the measure he has proposed is acceded to: so you may
perceive I have some grounds on which to form my hopes; but I do
not wish _you_ to dwell too much upon it.

21st.--I am now _solus_. Captain Brenton, who I mentioned had
been staying with me, is gone to the Ville de Paris. I know no
one I should prefer as captain under my flag. He is a steady,
sensible, good officer, and of great experience, having served
several years with admirals as a lieutenant. Captain Cook dined
with me to-day on a _Black Rock_ dinner, viz. a fine piece of
salmon and a nice little _cochon-de-lait_, with _entremets_,
removes, &c. The salmon was sent me with a basket of vegetables
from Plymouth, I suspect from Captain Markham; the roaster was a
present from Captain Hood, who, being under sail, could not dine
with me. I mention these trifles because I know they please you.
The boats occasionally go to the small islands and procure
bullocks, &c.; and, as fast as the stock is purchased, they
contrive to replenish it from the mainland,--a proof they are
well satisfied with the price we pay for it, which is fixed by
themselves.

26th Oct.--After near a fortnight passed at what the Earl now
calls the Elysian Lake (instead of Siberia), a westerly wind
compelled me to get under sail yesterday afternoon; and it was
fortunate that I did so, as it has blown a gale since that time.
By the Megaera, which has joined me this evening, I find the
fleet is to go to Torbay; and, from what Sir Thomas Troubridge
writes, I conjecture the Earl intends to go on shore part of the
wint