, who deals out the news very
_cautiously_. Could we but hear from our friends, it would yield
us some comfort; but that we are also denied: it is, however,
some satisfaction we can let them know we are alive. God bless
you! and believe me, with my kindest love to my dear sister and
children,

Yours most affectionately,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

Orion, Houat, 26th November 1795.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

We sailed from Isle Dieu this day, subsequent to my letter by
the Thunderer; and various have been the decisions respecting
withdrawing the troops from that island. On Monday, Sir John
Warren sailed with the Robust, Theseus, and four frigates, with
the intention of making the embarkation; but it came on to blow
so strong that they were obliged to put back. I was dispensed
with from that service, by having been appointed to carry on the
communication with the royalists, for the purpose of conveying
to them the immense supply of stores and ammunition intended for
them, besides about thirty thousand pounds in specie. The 24th
was the day fixed for their being landed, and General George was
to muster all his force to receive them, at a place called
Bitiers, at the entrance of the Villaine; but the weather proved
so boisterous on that and the following day, that there existed
no possibility of any communication.

Sir John Warren, to my great satisfaction, joined me this
morning with the frigates; the embarkation from Isle Dieu having
at last been given up. To-morrow we hope to hear that our
friends occupy the post agreed on; and we shall throw them as
speedily as possible, by means of the chasse-marees and boats of
the squadron, the various articles in our possession which they
so much want.

The last letters I have received were dated the 19th: they
mention P---- being under arrest; but there was a difference of
opinion respecting him, which was submitted to Monsieur. As his
Royal Highness is gone home, it will be some time before his
fate is decided. Being informed that the Standard was ordered
for England, I would not lose the opportunity, and in some way I
hope to inform you with the successful result of our enterprise:
once ended, I hope we shall bend our steps homeward.

Our friend Dan, with Phil. Dumaresq, are perfectly well.
Remember me with kindest love to my sister, and believe me ever
affectio