Egypt, even
if they had the means of conveyance for them.

"The winds prove all this time very variable, _et nous avancons fort
lentement_.

"The Admiral is still in sight, though we are not in company together.
Had I not been certain of going to England, I should regret losing
the opportunity of seeing Naples, particularly on this occasion; but
everything is absorbed in that first consideration. The newspapers are
at all times acceptable, and I was happy when you found opportunities
to send them from Ryde; but as many of the squadron receive them, and
they are always circulated to the different ships, I would not trouble
you to send them. _D'ailleurs, pour le present, j'espere que ce serait
inutile._

"Monday.--We get on very slowly indeed, not having yet got sight of
Candia; we must however have _patience_. Three days' fair wind will
bring us the distance of Sicily. I have invited Captains Miller,
Louis, and Gould to dine with me to-day. To the former I said that
your ladyship had the pleasure of having made acquaintance with Mrs.
Miller. Miller is an excellent man. Another day I shall have the other
captains, Derby, Peyton, and Cuthbert, late first lieutenant of the
Majestic.

"Whilst I am writing, a fine breeze has sprung up, which will get us
as far as Rhodes at least. We have entirely lost sight of the Admiral;
and I think, from the wind having favoured us, that we shall have
considerably the start of his little squadron.

"Tuesday.--Nothing so uncertain and variable as the winds in this
country. We are still off the island of Rhodes, which appears fertile
and well cultivated. We have also sight of Candia at the distance of
above thirty leagues. Our present route is different from any of the
former, as we go to the northward of Candia, amidst the innumerable
islands that form the archipelago. It is thought by many a dangerous
navigation with our disabled ships, but I always consider _que le bon
Dieu nous guide_.

"The Admiral has again joined us, but too far off for any personal
communication. This evening we have effected a great object in
doubling Rhodes, and we are now proceeding with a fine breeze. I hope
in three days to congratulate you on our being in the fair track down
the Mediterranean.

"Friday, 31st.--Events multiply and increase upon us, but not so
favourably as they promised when I last took up my pen. After
contending for three days against the baffling winds we had so often
experienced,