, and he intends to
invite the ladies to a ball on this occasion. We have, also,
invitations from the different corps for every day we are likely
to remain here: but what has afforded me more satisfaction, is
the manner we were received after the attack of Algeziras,
which, from the arrival of the Spanish squadron, subjected the
garrison to every inconvenience of a port blockaded. The St.
Antoine I have ordered to be purchased into the service; and I
propose to appoint officers to her. She is a very good ship, and
has suffered so little that I expect to have her fit for service
in less than a fortnight. The Spencer and Audacious I detached
off Cape St. Mary's, and I shall join them with the Pompee and
Superb the first easterly wind, and resume my station before
Cadiz, where they cannot have more than four ships ready for
sea; and, I may venture to pronounce, the Spanish ships will not
come out, except the French take possession of the batteries and
compel them. We have almost daily accounts from thence,
describing the disagreements between the French and Spaniards as
most serious. They also describe the two French ships as being
in a very shattered condition, and there being no materials in
store to repair them.

I think my first accounts will reach you by way of Lisbon; but I
hope Dumaresq, with the subsequent ones, will make his
appearance very soon after. I am very impatient to hear from
England. I require small vessels very much, as I have not been
able to convey the accounts of our success to Lord Keith.

When am I to hear from you? and when shall I be assured you have
not suffered from the relation of these events? The governor and
others talk to me of honours being conferred; but, unless
Parliament furnish the means to support them with dignity, I
might as well be without them. The only ladies I have yet seen
are, Lady Ann Niel and Mrs. Edwards, whose husbands have
regiments here; they are very amiable people: besides, Mr.
Fyers, whose daughter was married the evening of the
illumination,--an ominous day you will think. Captain Brenton
will draw you some excellent views of both actions, without
partiality. I am most highly indebted to him, in getting this
ship so soon refitted, and, indeed, throughout the whole of our
important service. A large shot passed through the cabin, which
filled it wit