I hate to fritter
away our men and naval strength on a multitude of brigs and sloops and
petty objects."

Lord Auckland communicated to his friend many interesting opinions
respecting the state of politics and the condition of affairs on both
sides of the Atlantic. A letter from him, dated the 30th of April, had
reference chiefly to the troubles occasioned at that time by the
interference of Nicaragua with British commerce, which had necessitated
the sending of Captain Lock, in the _Alarm_, to watch the course of
events and compel proper behaviour by the turbulent state. "A 'little
war' is always a vexatious thing," he wrote, "and our relations with the
state of Mosquito, though they have long and ancient standing to
recommend them, are strange and anomalous. But the insults of Nicaragua
were highly provoking. The detention of British subjects was not to be
borne, and the spirit which has been exhibited by Captain Lock, the
spirit and enterprise with which his operations were directed, the
conduct of all who served under him, and the successful results which
have been achieved, are all highly to be applauded. I am glad, however,
that they have left the river of San Juan. I see that in 1780 Nelson
lost by the climate there fifteen hundred out of eighteen hundred men;
and I well know what is the effect of a low country in the tropics,
particularly after exertion and fatigue."

The rest of the letter related to the turmoil excited in Europe by the
deposition of Louis Philippe in February, 1848, and the less successful
revolutions in other countries. "We continue to be on the very best
terms with the Provisional Government, and there is a better disposition
towards us on the part of the French people than there was at the first
outbreak of the Revolution. I have therefore at present no apprehension
of war. There is, however, this danger; that Germany and Italy are
greatly disturbed, and that Austria and Sardinia are engaged in war on
the side of Italy, and Prussia and Denmark to the north, and it will not
be easy for France and England to be peaceful lookers-on. Besides which,
the Government of France will long be subject to popular gusts, and it
is never easy to say in what direction they may blow. In the meantime,
however, all wears the appearance of peace, and at home the chances of
disturbance both from Chartists and Repealers have become less. We have
only danger from the distress and want of employment which have fol