I have now received the assurances of the Swedish government that British ships of every kind will be received into the Swedish ports until after the 12th of November, the time fixed by them for putting into execution the stipulations contained in the 3rd article of their treaty of peace with Russia. This article does not at all refer to the departure from Swedish ports of British ships, and therefore I conclude, as I am indeed warranted by the declarations of the ministry here, that the sailing of convoys from Sweden may continue up to any period of the year, but the English flag may not enter any port of the country after the 12th of November; you will, of course, be best able to judge how this will agree with your arrangements.

I had several days ago spoken to Admiral Stedinck about orders to the pilots to be ready at Carlscrona in case you should want any number of them, and I received his assurances that every necessary direction should be instantly given to that effect. The Mercurius has sailed with the Duke of Brunswick's chests. I understand a Swedish brig is off Dalerö to give convoy. The Hearty is not, owing to contrary winds. I shall inquire about the periods when convoys will be required, and let you know the results.

I have, &c. &c. &c.

Augt. Foster.

To Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez.

Stockholm, 1st October 1809.

Sir,

I think it right you should be informed that the opposition here have raised some outcry on the invitation made to you to enter Carlscrona. I can perceive even that some of the members of the government do not wish your stay there to be long, for fear of their being committed, and I really believe, that provisions were collected for you in Gothland, in order to diminish the necessity of it: finding such to be the case, I intimated to Baron Platen, whose frankness and openness on all occasions I have the greatest cause to commend, that I would write to you, and that I was sure you would find means to avoid entering Carlscrona at all, if you heard that any ill-founded and unjust suspicions were entertained of your intentions, on which he conjured me not to do so; that on the contrary he wished you would come in, and that it would have the happiest effect if you were to stay there with a fleet a few days, and prove to the ill-minded that British honour was to be trusted.

I cannot but think so too, and therefore I was very glad to find that it was your intention to take at least some ships into Carlscrona. The fleet, of transports coming from England with the Russian seamen, described in the German papers as a formidable fleet, has also created some alarm among the ill-informed. Harassed and torn as this country has been, it is perhaps excusable that the people should be fearful and nervous to excess, as to the situation of the small remaining resources which they possess.