From my information off Malta, I believed they were gone to Egypt:  therefore, on the twenty-eighth, I was communicating with Alexandria in Egypt; where I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but knew nothing beyond report.

From thence I stretched over to the coast of Caramania; where, not speaking a vessel who could give me information, I became distressed for the kingdom of the Two Sicilies:  and, having gone a round of six hundred leagues, at this season of the year, (with a single ship, with an expedition incredible) here I am, as ignorant of the situation of the enemy as I was twenty-seven days ago!

I sincerely hope, the dispatches, which I understand are at Cape Passaro, will give me full information.  I shall be able, for nine or ten weeks longer, to keep the fleet on active service, when we shall want provisions and stores.  I send a paper on that subject, herewith.

Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the Admiral to victual us, and I hope he will do it cheaper than any other person:  but, if I find out that he charges more than the fair price, and has not the provisions of the very best quality, I will not take them; for, as no fleet has more fag than this, nothing but the best food, and greatest attention, can keep them healthy.  At this moment, we have not one sick man in the fleet.

In about six days, I shall sail from hence:  and, if I hear nothing more of the French, I shall go to the Archipelago; where, if they are gone towards Constantinople, I shall hear of them.

I shall go to Cyprus; and, if they are gone to Alexandretta, or any other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information.

You will, I am sure, and so will our country, easily conceive what has passed in my anxious mind; but I have this comfort, that I have no fault to accuse myself of:  this bears me up, and this only.

I send you a paper, where a letter is fixed for different places:  which I may leave at any place; and, except those who have the key, none can tell where I am gone to.

  July 21.

The messenger is returned from Cape Passaro; and says, that your letters for me are returned to Naples.  What a situation am I placed in!  As yet, I can learn nothing of the enemy:  therefore, I have no conjecture but that they are gone to Syria; and, at Cyprus, I hope to hear of them.

If they were gone to the westward, I rely that every place in Sicily would have information for me; for it is too important news to leave me in one moment’s doubt about.

I have no frigate, or a sign of one.  The masts, yards, &c. for the Vanguard, will I hope be prepared directly:  for, should the French be so strongly secured in port that I cannot get at them, I shall immediately shift my flag into some other ship, and send the Vanguard to Naples to be refitted; for hardly any person but myself would have continued on service so long in such a wretched state.