truction of the enemy, and
not riches for myself, that I was seeking: these would have fell to
me, if I had had frigates; but, except the ship of the line, I regard
not all the riches in this world.

From my information off Malta, I believed they were gone to Egypt:
therefore, on the twenty-eighth, I was communicating with Alexandria
in Egypt; where I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but knew
nothing beyond report.

From thence I stretched over to the coast of Caramania; where, not
speaking a vessel who could give me information, I became distressed
for the kingdom of the Two Sicilies: and, having gone a round of six
hundred leagues, at this season of the year, (with a single ship, with
an expedition incredible) here I am, as _ignorant_ of the situation of
the enemy as I was twenty-seven days ago!

I sincerely hope, the dispatches, which I understand are at Cape
Passaro, will give me full information. I shall be able, for nine or
ten weeks longer, to keep the fleet on active service, when we shall
want provisions and stores. I send a paper on that subject, herewith.

Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the Admiral to victual us,
and I hope he will do it cheaper than any other person: but, if I
find out that he charges more than the fair price, and has not the
provisions of the very best quality, I will not take them; for, as no
fleet has more fag than this, nothing but the best food, and greatest
attention, can keep them healthy. At this moment, we have not one sick
man in the fleet.

In about six days, I shall sail from hence: and, if I hear nothing
more of the French, I shall go to the Archipelago; where, if they are
gone towards Constantinople, I shall hear of them.

I shall go to Cyprus; and, if they are gone to Alexandretta, or any
other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information.

You will, I am sure, and so will our country, easily conceive what
has passed in my anxious mind; but I have this comfort, that I have no
fault to accuse myself of: this bears me up, and this only.

I send you a paper, where a letter is fixed for different places:
which I may leave at any place; and, except those who have the key,
none can tell where I am gone to.

July 21.

The messenger is returned from Cape Passaro; and says, that your
letters for me are returned to Naples. What a situation am I placed
in! As yet, I can learn nothing of the enemy: therefore, I have no
conjecture but that they are go