at Gothenburg under
the pressure of so much grief.

Admiral Crown has afforded an example of the uncertainty of
calculations of time and of meeting at sea, in regard to the
sailing of men-of-war; for this squadron outstripped all the
vessels and cruisers you sent, and, missing all the copies of
the Emperor's orders, arrived at Sweaborg, I think, on the
10th. The Emperor sent immediate orders for this fleet to
prepare to return forthwith to Wingo. Vice-admiral Crown has
sent up no details whatever to the Minister of Marine
concerning the state of the squadron, but that minister, the
Marquis Traversay, has sent a superior officer of known
activity, to hasten the supply of everything necessary for
them, and to repeat the order for the immediate sailing of the
whole squadron, or of as many ships as can be ready; the
remainder to follow.

The wind being fair, it is expected that Admiral Tait is under
sail with a division as per enclosed list, and it is probable
he may be the first to reach you. I have not failed to
communicate your idea in regard to the road at Dantzig to the
Minister of Marine.

The Snipe will sail with the last division, &c.

I have the honour to be,
With truth and regard,
CATHCART.

To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B.

Here follows a list of one ship of one hundred guns, one of eighty,
five of seventy-four, and three frigates, under Admiral Tait; seven of
seventy-four, and three frigates, and four smaller vessels, under
Admiral Crown; and three of seventy-four, two frigates, a brig, and
four English transports, under Rear-admiral Karobka. Sir James at the
same time received details of the proceedings at Riga, which have
already been mentioned.

The following passage relative to the death of his daughter is
extracted from a letter from Sir James to his brother.

At a time I was buoying myself up with the expectation of soon
returning to England, and affording that consolation to my
beloved wife and to those dear ones whom the Almighty yet
spares us, which they so greatly need, I received despatches
which rendered it impossible for me to leave the station; I
most fervently implore the all-gracious Providence to enable me
to submit to its divine decree with patience and due
resignation.

If I could be assured of Lad