opinion. I sincerely pity him; and have wrote to Lord Melville, and
Sir Evan Nepean, to try what can be done. All together, I am much
unhinged.

To-morrow, if the wind lasts, I shall be off Toulon.

Sir William Bolton is safe, I heard of him this morning. I hear, that
a ship is coming out for him; but, as this is only rumour, I cannot
keep him from this opportunity of being made post: and, I dare say, he
will cause, by his delay, such a tumble, that Louis's son, who I have
appointed to the Childers, will lose his promotion; and, then Sir
Billy will be wished at the devil! But, I have done with this subject;
the whole history has hurt me. Hardy has talked enough to him, to
rouze his lethargic disposition.

I have been much hurt at the loss of poor Mr. Girdlestone! He was a
good man; but there will be an end of us all.

What has Charles Connor been about? His is a curious letter! If he
does not drink, he will do very well. Captain Hilliar has been very
good to him.

Colonel Suckling, I find, has sent his son to the Mediterranean;
taking him from the Narcissus, where I had been at so much pains to
place him. I know not where to find a frigate to place him. He never
will be so well and properly situated again. I am more plagued
with other people's business, or rather nonsense, than with my own
concerns,

With some difficulty, I have got Suckling placed in the Ambuscade,