I am glad to hear that you are going to take my dear Horatia, to
educate her. She must turn out an angel, if she minds what you say to
her; and Eliza and Ann will never forget your goodness.

My health is _so, so_! I shall get through the summer; and, in the
winter, shall go home.

You will readily fancy all I would say, and do think.

My kind love to all friends.




LETTER XLIV.


Victory, April 19th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I had wrote you a line, intended for the Swift cutter; but, instead of
her joining me, I had the mortification, not only to hear that she was
taken, but that _all_ the dispatches and letters had fallen into the
hands of the enemy; a very pretty piece of work!

I am not surprised at the capture; but am very much so, that any
dispatches should be sent in a vessel with twenty-three men, not equal
to cope with any row-boat privateer.