'pied, but rising early has given me time to say so much to you. Kind remembrance 'to Jane and to all. I think the Brazils the 'best possible service for Graham, in winter ; ' the climate will be fine, and he will be back 'before the heats.

'H.M.S. Mars, May 9th, 1808.

My dear Mother,-We expect that the 'whole of our convoy will be collected this 'forenoon, and as the wind is fair and the

weather fine, I hope we shall be able to 'sail in the afternoon.

'I have nothing to say to you, but that I .. am well, and that everything respecting my 'command is as well arranged as we can 'reasonably expect in this sublunary region. If the object of the expedition were more 'defined, it would be more agreeable; but on

VOL. II.

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'the other hand, though not in direct terms,

yet plenty of latitude is given to me, to act

at my discretion. If I am successful, my 'judgment will be extolled; if not, if I feel 'no internal reproach, I can be indifferent as ' to every other.

'I know not how often a packet sails for

Gottenburg, but Frank can tell, and I hope to hear of you and Jane very frequently. 'I shall be anxious until I hear how Graham 'stands the heat.

'Farewell, my dear Mother, kind remem'brances to Jane, and believe me,

6

Gottenburg, Sweden, May 27th, 1808. My dear Mother, -I wrote shortly to Frank by the last packet, who would let 'you know that I was here and well. We have a packet twice a week from England, ' and as often to it. Frank has not yet found out this, as he has not sent me the news

papers.

'On my arrival at this place, I found the 'situation of the country very different from ' what I had been led to expect; the military 'force so small, and the government in such 'weak hands, that it was vain to hope the aid 'I was directed to offer could enable the 'Swedes to resist for any length of time. At 'the same time, in spite of this weakness, 'moral and physical, their king's views were ' of the most magnificent kind. Unfortunately 'the conditions upon which this force under

me was sent had not been explained, and, ' until our arrival, they had considered it to 'be placed under the king's sole direction. 'My instructions were to keep it under my

own against this the king remonstrated;

and, as I have no power to depart, I was ' glad to refer the question home, which gave

me the opportunity at the same time to state 'the situation of affairs here, and to give my 'sentiments. With this view I sent home 'Colonel Murray *, the quarter-master-ge'neral.

*Now the Right Honourable Sir George Murray.

The troops continue on board ship, which ' are anchored at the entrance of the harbour, ⚫ ten miles from this. I was obliged to come up here with my staff, as on board it was

impossible for me to write or transact my 6 business. All the other generals live on board, and only come here occasionally.

'I am provided with a very good house, which has been vacated by the proprietor

on purpose.

The town is small, but cheerful, with 'water running through the middle of the

'streets.

The country is more rugged and rocky 'than any I have seen; but the inhabitants ' are more like ourselves, than any foreigners ' I ever met. The peasants, in particular, are exceedingly like the Scots. I have met 'them sitting on the side of their carts while 'driving along; and they only wanted the large blue bonnet to make me think I was in the neighbourhood of Kilmarnock. The 'face, dress, and everything else, was in 'perfect resemblance.

• You may believe I am not much pleased 'to find so little prospect of being able to do 'the least good here. What will be the de' termination in England, I cannot guess. I have done my part, I have told ministers 'the truth, and they must decide for them'selves. Their ignorance of the state of ' matters is very singular.

I shall hope to hear from you soon, and ' often. I wish to know how you find your'self and Jane, since your return to the country.

I am anxious to know what accounts have 'been received from Graham. My kind re'membrances to Jane.

'My dear Mother, We had a very tedious passage. When we got near the coast of 'Portugal, Sir Harry Burrard removed to a

small ship, and preceded the convoy. I