The _amorins_ will go under the care of Captain Layman; who,
unfortunately, lost his sloop: but, with much credit to himself, he
has been acquitted of all blame.

I rejoice that dear Horatia is got well; and, also, that you, my
dearest Emma, are recovered of your severe indisposition.

In our present situation with Spain, this letter, probably, may never
reach you. I have wrote fully; and intend to send them by the Argus,
who I expect to join every minute.

Elphi Bey, I hear, has had all his fine things taken from him. He
escaped into the Desert, and is pursued; probably, his head is off,
long before this time.

The French fleet came out on the 5th, but went in again the next
morning.

Yesterday, a Rear-Admiral, and seven sail of ships, including
frigates, put their nose outside the harbour. If they go on playing
this game, some day we shall lay salt upon their tails; and so end the
campaign of, my dearest Emma, your most faithful and affectionate

--------

I am glad to hear that you are going to take my dear Horatia, to
educate her. She must turn out an angel, if she minds what you say to
her; and Eliza and Ann will never forget your goodness.

My health is _so, so_! I shall get through the summer; and, in the
winter, shall go home.

You will readily fancy all I would say, and do think.

My kind love to all friends.

LETTER XLIV.

Victory, April 19th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I had wrote you a line, intended for the Swift cutter; but, instead of
her joining me, I had the mortification, not only to hear that she was
taken, but that _all_ the dispatches and letters had fallen into the
hands of the enemy; a very pretty piece of work!

I am not surprised at the capture; but am very much so, that any
dispatches should be sent in a vessel with twenty-three men, not equal
to cope with any row-boat privateer.

As I do not know what letters of your's are in her, I cannot guess
what will be said. I suppose, there will be a publication.

The loss of the Hindostan, was great enough; but, for importance, it
is lost, in comparison to the probable knowledge the enemy will
obtain of our connections with foreign countries! Foreigners for ever
say--and it is true--"We dare not trust England; one way, or other, we
are sure to be committed!" However, it is now too late to launch out
on this subject.

Not a thing has been saved out of the Hindostan, not a second shirt
for any one; and it has been b