September 26th, 1803.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
We have had, for these fourteen days
past, nothing but gales of wind, and a heavy sea.
However, as our ships have suffered no damage, I hope
to be able to keep the sea all the winter. Nothing,
but dire necessity, shall force me to that out of
the way place, Malta. If I had depended upon
that island, for supplies for the fleet, we must all
have been knocked up, long ago; for, Sir Richard Bickerton
sailed from Malta, the same day I left Portsmouth.
So that we have been a pretty long cruise; and, if
I had only to look to Malta for supplies, our ships
companies would have been done for long ago. However,
by management, I have got supplies from Spain, and
also from France; but it appears, that we are
almost shut out from Spain, for they begin to be very
uncivil to our ships. However, I suppose, by this
time, something is settled; but, I never hear from
England. My last letters are July 6th, near three
months. But, as I get French newspapers occasionally,
we guess how matters are going on.
I have wrote Mr. Gibbs, again, a long
history about Bronte; and, I hope, if General Acton
will do nothing for me, that he will settle something:
but, I know, whatever is settled, I shall be the loser.
Till next year, the debt will not be paid off; how