September 1.
To-day I wish my dearest father much good sport, and you a good appetite to enjoy his success.
I am ashamed, my ever dearest lady mother, to send you so dirty a letter, but I trust you will excuse it, as I was hurried by the idea of the vessel sailing.
Sir John Stuart carries the mail in which are these letters. I hope the country will receive him as the daring nature of his exploits and the fulness of his victory warrant and demand.
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Messina, October 10, 1806.
My dearest Father—I have seen but little of General Moore. When I meet him he treats me in the most agreeable way possible. I dined with him the other day. He came very close to my heart talking of you in a very friendly manner. Not indeed that he said much, but when he mentioned you, he had a sort of friendly satisfaction very agreeable. He told me I was not such a slim fellow as you, and asked about your shooting, etc.
I feel it a sort of comfort to have some interest with a man who may possibly prevent my being left in holes and corners when I should be elsewhere.
General Sherbrooke is here. I do not know him, but hear he is a first-rate officer.
We are extremely anxious for the packet. We expect to hear by the next arrivals what our countrymen think of the battle of Maida.—Your dutiful and affectionate son,