Volume Ii Part 5 (1/2)

Therefore, I shall only say, that I hope a little of your good nursing, with a.s.s's milk, will set me up for another campaign; should the Admiralty wish me to return, in the spring, for another year: but, I own, I think we shall have peace.

The Ambuscade arrived this day fortnight, with our victuallers, &c.

and very acceptable they were. By her, I received your letters of May 14th, 22d, and 30th, _via_ Lisbon; and, of April 9th, 18, 15th, May 10th, 18th, 29th, June 1st, 5th, through, I suppose, the Admiralty.

The box you mention, is not arrived; nor have I a sc.r.a.p of a pen from Davison. The weather in the Mediterranean seems much altered. In July, seventeen days the fleet was in a gale of wind.

I have often wrote to Davison, to pay for all the improvements at Merton. The new-building the chamber over the dining-room, you must consider. The stair window, we settled, was not to be stopped up. The underground pa.s.sage will, I hope, be made; but I shall, please G.o.d, soon see it all.

I have wrote you, my dear Emma, about Horatia; but, by the Kent, I shall write fully. May G.o.d bless you, my dearest best-beloved Emma!

and believe me, ever, your most faithful and affectionate

Kind love, and regards, to Mrs. Cadogan, and all friends. G.o.d bless you, again and again!

LETTER LII.

Victory, August 20th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

The Kent left us three days ago; and, as the wind has been perfectly fair since her departure, I think she will have a very quick pa.s.sage, and arrive long before this letter. But, as a s.h.i.+p is going to Rosas, I will not omit the opportunity of writing through Spain; as, you say, the letters all arrive safe.

We have nothing but gales of wind; and I have had, for two days, fires in the cabin, to keep out the very damp air.

I still hope that, by the time of my arrival in England, we shall have peace. G.o.d send it!

I have not yet received your m.u.f.f; I think, probably, I shall bring it with me.

I hope, Davison has done the needful, in paying for the alterations at Merton. If not, it is now too late; and we will fix a complete plan, and execute it next summer. I shall be clear of debt, and what I have will be my own.

G.o.d bless you! Amen. Amen.

George Elliot goes to Malta, for a convoy to England, this day. If you ever see Lord Minto, say so.

LETTER LIII.

Victory, August 31st, 1804--Say 30th, at Evening. Therefore, I wrote, in fact, this Day, through Spain.

MY EVER DEAREST EMMA,

Yesterday, I wrote to you, through Spain; this goes by Naples. Mr.