his object was
completely obtained. The officers took him below, and showed him the
ship clear for action, each deck having a thousand extra shot added to
the usual number; on some of which the sailors had been exercising
their wit by writing in chalk, "Post-paid"; "Free, George
Canning";[6]--jokes which Mr. Skripeetzen did not seem to relish; and
he quitted the ship evidently confused and mortified.

[6] The lamented Mr. Canning was then secretary of state for
foreign affairs; and it was a seaman of the Victory of the same
name that _franked_ the shot: sailors having an idea that to
stop a letter post-paid, or franked, is _death by the law_.

The hopes of the Admiral and his officers were now raised to the
highest pitch; every preparation had been made, and the dawn of day of
the 2nd September was waited for with anxious expectation. The wind,
which in the evening had been favourable for the enterprise,
unfortunately veered to the southward before day-break; and, as it
was directly against going in, an attack was impossible. As this
hard-hearted gale continued for eight days, all hopes of being able to
attack the enemy vanished.

The enemy in the mean time moored his ships in a compact line, with
booms moored outside; and, having marched six thousand troops from
Revel, threw up strong batteries on each side, so that his position
was soon rendered impregnable.

Sir James now sent, by a flag of truce, the following letter to the
Emperor Alexander:

His Britannic Majesty's ship Victory, off Baltic Port,
17th September 1808.

SIRE,

Your imperial Majesty is probably uninformed of the events that
have recently taken place in the southern parts of Europe.
Spain has succeeded in rescuing herself from the usurpation and
tyranny of the ruler of France. Portugal has also extricated
herself from the baneful hands of the enemy of all independent
states; the whole of the French forces in that country having
been compelled to surrender to the British army under Sir
Arthur Wellesley. It is to be hoped that those events will
induce the powers of the Continent to unite with Great Britain
to restore that peace so highly to be desired for the welfare
of mankind.

Knowing it to be the object most at heart of my gracious
sovereign, and that of his Majesty's ally, the King of Sweden,
should your imperial Majesty be impressed