"DEAR OLD ADMIRAL,
"Hope you found all right and tight: a gallant vessel—tackle trim— noble crew of true blue waters—guns shining and serving for looking— glasses to shave by—powder dry—plenty in the locker. Wishing you favourable gales,
"I remain,
"Your old friend and rough and tough
"GRANDFATHER."
It is worth while giving the reply—precocious for a boy of ten:
"BEDHAMPTON, "HAVANT, "October 16th, 1853.
"MY DEAR GRANDPAPA,
"We arrived quite safely on Friday night, and were astonished to find that my Aunt and Uncle and Cousin Letitia were gone to Brighton and then to Hastings, and Godpapa had a letter this morning to say that they found it so hot at Hastings that they went on to Folkestone, and they are there now. The Admiral has to report for the information of his Cockney readers that he hoisted his Flag yesterday at the main peak. The weather was, however, so windy and wet that after hiding himself with his honoured father under the cuddy for half an hour, the Admiral thought that prudence was part of his duty, therefore struck his Pocket-handkerchief and retired to luncheon. A Salute from a black cloud hastened his departure.
"Your affectionate grandson,