[156 — To Henry Drury]
Volage
frigate, off Ushant, July 17, 1811.
My Dear Drury, — After two years' absence (on the 2d) and some odd days, I am approaching your country. The day of our arrival you will see by the outside date of my letter.
present, we are becalmed comfortably, close to Brest Harbour; — I have never been so near it since I left Duck Puddle
. We left Malta thirty-four days ago, and have had a tedious passage of it. You will either see or hear from or of me, soon after the receipt of this, as I pass through town to repair my irreparable affairs; and thence I want to go to Notts. and raise rents, and to Lanes. and sell collieries, and back to London and pay debts, — for it seems I shall neither have coals nor comfort till I go down to Rochdale in person.
have brought home some marbles for Hobhouse; — for myself, four ancient Athenian skulls