An express has just arrived in nine days from Vienna; the Empress is dead,[473]—and the Austrian Eagle may soar.—It is confidently said that the two great fleets are in sight, and expectation is high and eager. For my own part I do not believe that there ever can be a sea-fight.
411.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
Monday Night, December, 1780.
HOLROYD CREATED LORD SHEFFIELD.
All delays are at an end—Tuesday—to-morrow the final warrant will be signed; Friday next, you may salute the Royal paw.
Saturday the gazette will announce his Lordship, and Sunday (December 24th) I shall set out for Bath. Be resolute and conquer. We have forgot the fleets, but it is supposed that d'Estaing is in Brest. It is time that everybody should go to sleep for the Winter.