deck in a moment looking out for the shores we all so
longed to see. It was the coast of Cornwall, not far from the Land's
End. Point after point was recognised and welcomed, as, with a fair
breeze, we ran up Channel. Then the Eddystone was made, and the wind
still favouring us, we at length dropped our anchor close together in
Plymouth Sound. I could scarcely believe my senses when I found myself
once more in British waters. Oh! how I longed to be able to go on shore
and to set off at once for Portsmouth; but, in spite of all my
entreaties, I could not obtain leave to go. The captain was very kind,
and so was the first lieutenant, but they were anxious to get the ship
refitted at once, to be able to get to sea to wipe out the discredit, as
they felt it, of having been captured even by so superior a force. All
I could do, therefore, was to sit down and write a letter to my wife to
tell her of my arrival, and to beg her to send me instantly word of her
welfare. I entreated her, on no consideration, to come to meet me; I
did not know what accident might occur to her if she attempted to come
by land or by sea. Travelling in those days was a very different matter
to what it is at present. Even should no accident happen to her, I knew
that before she could reach Plymouth I might be ordered off to sea. I
felt bitterly that I was not my own master. I did not blame anybody.
Who was there to blame? I could only find fault with the system, and
complain that such a system was allowed to exist. Fortunate are those
who live in happier days, when no man can be pressed against his will,
or be compelled to serve for a longer time than he has engaged to do.

The three ships as we lay in the Sound were constantly visited by people
from the shore, and the action between the _Cleopatra_ and the _Ville de
Milan_ was considered a very gallant affair, and instead of getting
blamed, the captain, officers, and crew were highly praised for their
conduct. Our captain, Sir Robert Laurie, was presented with a sword of
the value of a hundred guineas by the Patriotic Fund, as a compliment to
his distinguished bravery, and the skill and perseverance which he
exhibited in chasing and bringing the enemy to action. Indeed, we
obtained more credit for our action, though we lost our ship, than
frequently has been gained by those who have won a victory. The _Ville
de Milan_ was added to the British Navy under the name of the _Milan_,
and cla