several charts and drawings. I hope he will make out
what I mean, though I cannot express my ideas as I wish in a
foreign language.

Part of the expedition to the north is already under way, and
the rest will to-morrow set off under the command of Admiral
Puke. May the Almighty crown the undertaking with success, and
soon send them back again! Perhaps something might be effected,
before bad weather puts a stop to operations, with the small
fleet. Till now, every event seems favourable to the
expedition; and the knowledge of the chief makes me confident
that what is possible will be done. How much will Sweden be
indebted to your excellency for having so powerfully promoted
the business by combined measures.

I rejoice in the opportunity this gives me to assure your
excellency of the high esteem wherewith I am for ever,

Sir, &c. &c. &c.
B.V. PLATEN.

P.S.--It is by the order of his Majesty that I have the honour
to announce to your excellency that Lieutenant Ross has been
created a Knight of the order of the Sword, on the particular
request of the Admiral Puke.

Victory, Gulf of Finland, 12th August 1809.

SIR,

With the greatest pleasure I have received the letter your
excellency has done me the honour to write, and I have to
express my sincerest regret at not having been able to enjoy
for a longer time your valuable company on board the Victory;
but when I considered how precious every hour must be to your
excellency at this important epoch, I could not prevail upon
myself to offer the least delay to your departure, however
happy it would have made me to postpone it for some days
longer.

I hope soon to have the satisfaction to be informed that the
expedition has been crowned with the most complete success; and
should the proposed enterprise against Aland be adopted, I
trust to be able to reinforce the detachment under the orders
of Captain Reynolds, and contribute, as far as my means will
admit, to an expedition that has the security of Sweden for its
object.

I return you my sincere thanks for the charts you have been
pleased to send to Captain Hope, and for the attention your
excellency has bestowed on the welfare of the squadron in
directing that the ships may be supplied with fresh provision