The Superbe being orderd from the fleet wᵗʰ the Admirall’s letters, I send this to tell you I am well.
Five days ago we had a battle wᵗʰ the Spanish fleet off of Cape Passaro,[a] on the Island of Sicily, in wᶜʰ severall of their ships were taken and some destroyd. The Grafton had her share in that action, and the Admirall has been pleased to make me great compliments on my behaviour that day. I shall soon be orderd to be refitted at Port Mahon, the ship requiring it. I had fifty men killd and wounded. Among the former was Lᵗ Bramble, who was appointed by the intrest of Sir Cha. Wager. I’m sorry for him, he being a good officer. My Cousin Haddock[] chased towards the shoar after part of the Spanish fleet, when they separated, wᵗʰ 4 or 5 other ships whose signalls were made for that purpose, and they are not yet come into the fleet. However, I doubt not but he is well, the ships that they were sent after being of the smaller sort.
My dʳ, pray send to Mrs. Harris to tell her her spouse is well.[c] He dined aboard me the day after the action; he was one of the ships engaged.
Just before we saild from Naples I received yʳ letter, and am glad to hear yʳself and the little boy are well. I give my love to all freinds, and remaine, my dʳ Fanny,
Yʳ most affecᵗ husband,
Nˢ. Haddock.
[a] On the 31st July, when Sir George Byng almost destroyed the Spanish fleet.
[] Probably William Haddock. See above, [p. 43], [note d].
[c] Captain Barrow Harris, of the Breda.