Deal--[Shall be on board the Medusa
before this letter go from the Downs]--July
31, 1801.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

Did not you get my letter from Sheerness on Thursday morning, telling
you I was just setting off for Deal; as I have no letter from you of
yesterday, only those of Wednesday, which went to Sheerness? It has
been my damned blunder, and not your's; for which I am deservedly
punished, by missing one of your dear letters. They are my comfort,
joy, and delight.

My time is, truly, fully taken up, and my hand aches before night
comes.

I got to bed, last night, at half past nine; but the hour was so
unusual, that I heard the clock strike one. To say that I thought of
you, would be nonsense; for, you are never out of my thoughts.

At this moment, I see no prospect of my getting to London; but, very
soon, the business of my command will become so simple, that a child
may direct it.

What rascals your post-chaise people must be! They have been paid
every thing. Captain Parker has one receipt for seven pounds odd, and
I am sure that every thing is paid; therefore, do not pay a farthing.
The cart-chaise I paid at Dartford.