ned without any letters, having left
Plymouth with sealed orders. We have such blessed weather at
present that it is almost impious to be discontented; yet I
cannot enjoy it while I remain so long without hearing from you.
I accuse the Earl of indifference to the comfort of those whom
it is incumbent on him to attend to. Since he has left this
station there has been scarcely a day that the wind has not been
favourable for vessels to join us. A fortnight or three weeks
more and I hope my turn will come, when, if things do not meet
my expectations, I shall be tempted to take leave of the good
ship, and look out for a snug cottage to pass some time in the
enjoyment of your society. I am serious, _je t'assure_. I
understand Sir Hyde Parker is to command in the absence of the
chief. _Cela ne me plait pas aucunement_; for, after having been
employed upon this important and arduous service with
acknowledged credit, I shall certainly very ill brook being
hurried out of port in the usual manner to serve with him: I
therefore _go on shore_ unless my views are complied with. I
hope to-morrow to have letters from you to acknowledge the
receipt of. At present I am much out of humour, and with too
much cause to be easily reconciled on any other terms but of
hearing from you.

2nd.--Another disappointment this morning, having been joined by
a lugger which we hoped had letters, but which proves to be from
another quarter. I look for the Nimrod: if she joins us
to-morrow I shall be satisfied. It has blown strong all day,
with very thick weather. I hope for better success, but I still
continue out of temper.

3rd.--The Superb, which has been in sight since daylight, is at
last joining. Imagine my impatience after a whole fortnight
since the date of your last letter. Captain Sutton, who is now
with me, has not brought a single letter. I send this by the
Courageux, and have only time to say that the Edgar is hourly
expected, and possibly we may be more fortunate. A ship is in
sight: I hope it is her.

On the 9th of November the fleet experienced one of the severest gales
ever known, which did immense damage to the shipping; but, except the
loss of some storm-sails, the Caesar sustained no injury; while several
of the others lost masts and yards, obliging them to return to port.
But Sir James kept his station; indeed, during the whole