fear of their being committed, and I really believe, that
provisions were collected for you in Gothland, in order to
diminish the necessity of it: finding such to be the case, I
intimated to Baron Platen, whose frankness and openness on all
occasions I have the greatest cause to commend, that I would
write to you, and that I was sure you would find means to avoid
entering Carlscrona at all, if you heard that any ill-founded
and unjust suspicions were entertained of your intentions, on
which he conjured me not to do so; that on the contrary he
wished you would come in, and that it would have the happiest
effect if you were to stay there with a fleet a few days, and
prove to the ill-minded that British honour was to be trusted.

I cannot but think so too, and therefore I was very glad to
find that it was your intention to take at least some ships
into Carlscrona. The fleet, of transports coming from England
with the Russian seamen, described in the German papers as a
formidable fleet, has also created some alarm among the
ill-informed. Harassed and torn as this country has been, it is
perhaps excusable that the people should be fearful and nervous
to excess, as to the situation of the small remaining resources
which they possess.

I hope to have the honour to hear from you from Carlscrona, and
that your excellency has had everything you wished there.

I have, &c. &c. &c.
AUGT. FOSTER.

To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.

During the time the fleet lay at Nargen roads the ships were not
molested by the Russians, who had marched 15,000 men to defend Revel.
The poor inhabitants on the island were liberally paid for everything
that was supplied to the fleet; some valuable trees were cut down, and
the empty transports which had brought out stores and provisions were
partly loaded with them.

On the 28th of September it became no longer necessary to blockade the
Russians, who had now concluded an armistice; Denmark had done the
same. Sir James, therefore, proceeded to Carlscrona with three sail of
the line only, the remaining ships being distributed in other places
where anchorage could be found.

During the summer, Rear-admirals Bertie and Manley Dixon had been
stationed to protect convoys, the former in the Sound, and the latter
in the Belt. Nothing of any consequence happened exce