is given entire. Being devoted to a single subject, and inspired by
the spirit of the writer when in a state of more than usual
exaltation, it possesses a unity of purpose and demonstration,
necessarily absent from most of his letters, in which many and diverse
matters have to be treated.

24th March, 1801.

MY DEAR SIR HYDE,--The conversation we had yesterday has
naturally, from its importance, been the subject of my thoughts;
and the more I have reflected, the more I am confirmed in
opinion, that not a moment should be lost in attacking the
enemy: they will every day and hour be stronger; we never shall
be so good a match for them as at this moment. The only
consideration in my mind is, how to get at them with the least
risk to our ships. By Mr. Vansittart's account, the Danes have
taken every means in their power to prevent our getting to
attack Copenhagen by the passage of the Sound. Cronenburg has
been strengthened, the Crown Islands fortified, on the outermost
of which are twenty guns, pointing mostly downwards, and only
eight hundred yards from very formidable batteries placed under
the Citadel, supported by five Sail of the Line, seven Floating
batteries of fifty guns each, besides Small-craft, Gun-boats,
&c. &c.; and that the Revel Squadron of twelve or fourteen Sail
of the Line are soon expected, as also five Sail of Swedes. It
would appear by what you have told me of your instructions, that
Government took for granted you would find no difficulty in
getting off Copenhagen, and in the event of a failure of
negotiation, you might instantly attack; and that there would be
scarcely a doubt but the Danish Fleet would be destroyed, and