Dear Sir,

When I arrived at Cameret near Brest I had an affair in Contemplation which required some delicacy—¹ the Ranger was therefore in disguise—I communicated my thoughts to Comte d’Orvilliers who Commands the Fleet and met with his entire Approbation—as I expected to proceed every hour I did not write to any person nor should I, had not the Equinoctial Gale made it necessary for me to comply with the Comte’s invitation to this Road which I received by express—the Zephir was to have Joined me every hour at Cameret.— On my Arrival here the Comte informed me that he had received Orders from the minister to employ her otherwise but that the Fortunée, of Superior force,² should supply her place as soon as possible.—

We have been out but obliged to put back not being able to weather Ushant.³ we shall embrace the first Wind and you will perhaps hear from me again ⅌ return of the Fortunée—A disorder prevailed in the Ship which was universally thought the small Pox and of course Alarmed me very much—but the Symtoms are now, I thank God, Subsided.—

And now Sir Accept my best thanks for your several polite favours and admit the foregoing as an Apoligy for my involuntary Silence—for I can always find “time”—and can never want “inclination” to write to a friend—

You have obliged me much by your letter of introduction—⁴ but I have been so very Anxious and uneasy on Account of my detention here that I have not made use of it.— Young proceeded with the Fleet—and Mr. Lloyd’s Packet was daily delivered into the hands of Mr. Stephenson—⁵ The Delaps may make the most of what is now in their Hands—their behaviour particularly in not answering my letter is truly mysterious & Surprizing—⁶ They have Occasioned the utmost discontent onboard here—and of Course hurt the Service—I am Sincerely [&c.]

N.B. I am very sorry to hear of your illness but hope you are before this time recovered.—⁷