The Queen made signal to bring up and lay to, which we did all the night. We supposed that she was waiting for the Dragon, who had left us at mid-day to reconnoitre, and we began to consider how we should like a French prison.
This morning the Dragon returned, and we suppose all clear, as we are now on our voyage with a smart breeze.
We see the coast of Portugal very plain, and can distinguish with the naked eye the buildings immediately on the beach, and with a glass we discover further into the country, which appears beautiful.
We have met shoals of Portuguese fishing boats, and to-day we have been much amused with the sight of a sea-monster of immense size. He frequently gave us very good views of his grand tail, and he was attended by a foreign suite, inhabitants of the surmounting element. His tail was forked, and on one side he displayed a jetty brightness, and on the other a dazzling white. He gave us glimpses of other parts of his body, which increased our respect for him. He was, I should think, two miles distant, and yet we saw him perfectly distinct.
* * * * *
Off Lisbon Rock, May 5, 1805.
We have had blowing weather from the south, but I stood it seaman-like this time. The weather now quite calm. The Ordnance agent is on board. He confirms late reports of the Toulon fleet of twenty-one sail being out, and that Lord Nelson is after them, but not, as we thought, off Cadiz, in which case we expected to put into Lisbon. What they may do I fear! Lord Nelson has but ten. Is he to strive with impossibilities and get the better of them?
The Admiral sending despatches to England, I seize the opportunity.
God for ever with his blessings surround us in one happy circle.... Adieu. We soon shall meet again.