I found Lady Hester established in a small cottage by the sea-side, about a league from the town, in a straggling village, named Trianda, whither Christian inhabitants are accustomed to retire in the summer season: and from this spot she addressed a letter which may find a place here without impropriety.
Lady Hester Stanhope to ——.
From a little habitation three miles from the town of Rhodes.
January 13th, 1812.
My dear ——,
Captain Beaufort will tell you in what sort of situation he and Captain Hope found us here, and that the latter is so good as to give us a passage to Egypt. I cannot say how much I feel obliged to both of them for the kindness they have shown us. Probably we shall see something more of Captain B. when he returns to this part of the world, and then I shall have the pleasure of hearing again about you.
I know no news of any kind, as our Firmans are not yet come from Constantinople; when they do, I suppose I shall hear from his Excellency.
I hear a party of fine gentlemen are come out to fish up curiosities, and that Mr. Gell is amongst the number. If I see anything of them, I will send you an account of all their learned airs, and the wise faces they will probably make over every crooked stick and worn-out stone which may meet their eye.
I find poor Mr. Taylor has been ill. Pray mention how he was when he got to Malta; he is such an amiable man I cannot but feel interested about him; and, if he is still with you, remember me very kindly, and say I beg another time he will travel with plenty of medicine and a few more comforts, in case of illness. Poor François must have been half out of his mind when he saw his master so ill, and without assistance, though I am sure he would do all he could for him, and he is an admirable nurse.
Captain Barrie, I find, has lost his fine ship. He had on board a most magnificent dress B. had sent home, and some beautiful Dresden china I picked up in a Jew’s shop, for which I paid about the tenth part of its value: also a very fine pelisse for old Mr. B.—— and all these things are lost. I am so sorry, too, for Captain B.; but as for the quiz of an ambassador, his losses concern me not at all.