t Robert Holman, R.N.,
who came on board for me, to his house at Plymouth, where I spent a
very agreeable time, amongst my old shipmates, relatives, and friends.
For the last few days, indeed, my enjoyment was marred by illness, but
that was merely the bitter, which a wise Providence mingles in the cup
of life.

The period of my stay at Plymouth happened to be one of general
congratulation and excitement, owing to the arrival of his present
Majesty, then Lord High Admiral; who came there on a visit of
inspection. His Royal Highness held regular levees, which were
numerously attended. The opportunity to wait upon his Royal Highness
was to me a source of sincere gratification, of which I gladly availed
myself. But I must acknowledge that a faint hope arose in my mind, that
the peculiar circumstances in which I was placed might interest his
Royal Highness on my behalf, and lead to some change in my situation
favourable to the objects I had so long cherished. I ventured to
indulge in the thought, which, perhaps, I scarcely suffered myself
altogether to define, that I might be relieved from the obligations of
my appointment at Windsor, by which I am under restrictions, both as to
time and space; and be permitted to enjoy some equivalent consideration,
which would leave me free to prosecute the plans to which I had devoted
the whole energies of my mind. As it was, I had only obtained
permission to go abroad for the benefit of my health; but the remedy
was in itself an incitement to further travel, so that I should no
sooner have reaped the advantage of my leave of absence, and with
renewed health, acquired an increased desire for exploring distant
countries, than I should be compelled to relinquish my undertaking,
and the apprehension of a sudden recall constantly presenting itself
to my mind, checked in a great measure the enjoyment of my pursuit.
But my sanguine wishes, and unconfessed hopes, faded like a dream; and
I turned again to the sea, to contemplate the bounds that were placed
to my ambitious projects. Had it been otherwise--could I have followed
unchecked the course of my own impulses, I should not have
circumscribed my plan to any precise limits, but would have pursued my
travels, wherever the slightest point of interest encouraged me to
proceed.

Possibly it is better as it is. I have much reason to be grateful for
the protecting hand of Providence that preserved me throughout my
wanderings; and, had I been le