Next morning, Sophia came running in with a sealed letter in her hand,
which she opened and read as follows:--

"HEAD QUARTERS, SAFETY BAY, DAYBREAK.

"The Admiral commanding the Fleet stationed in Safety Bay to her
Most gracious Majesty Sophia, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland.

"May it please your Majesty,

"The crews of your Majesty's yachts, the _Elizabeth_ and the
_Morse_, are quite entire and in perfect health. The enemy having
kept at a respectful distance, we have not had as yet an
opportunity of proving our courage and devotion. Mr. Midshipman
Jack fell asleep on the carriage of a four-pounder, like Marshal
Turenne before his first battle; but, in all other respects, the
conduct of the officers has been most exemplary, and merits the
utmost commendation.

"It is the admiral's intention to push out a reconnaissance
towards the east, in the direction of Pearl Bay, which he has not
yet explored. If, however, your Majesty should regard this
expedition as likely to interfere with the good understanding that
subsists between that government and your own, it will be only
necessary to fire a gun, in which case we shall return to port.
Under other circumstances, the squadron will proceed with the
enterprise, and endeavor to obtain a collar for your Majesty's
doll."