Corunna, 16 December, 1779.
My dearest Friend,--Last night we all arrived in this place from Ferrol.
The distance is about twenty miles by land, over high mountains and bad
roads. You would have been diverted to have seen us all mounted upon our
mules and marching in train. From the mountains we had all along the
prospect of a rich, fertile country, cultivated up to the tops of the
highest hills and down to the very edge of water, all along the shore.
I made my visit last night to the Governor of the province, who resides
here, and to the Governor of the town, and was politely received by
both. I have a long journey before me of a thousand miles, I suppose, at
least, to Paris. Through this kingdom we shall have bad roads and worse
accommodations. I don't expect to be able to get to Paris in less than
thirty days. I shall have an opportunity of seeing Spain, but it will be
at a great expense. I am advised by everybody to go by land. The
frigate, the _Sensible_, is in so bad condition as to make it probable
she will not be fit to put to sea in less than three or four weeks,
perhaps five or six; and then we should have the storms and enemies of
the Bay of Biscay to escape or encounter. After this wandering way of
life is passed, I hope to return to my best friend and pass the
remainder of our days in quiet.
I cannot learn that Great Britain is yet in temper to listen to
propositions of peace, and I don't expect before another winter to have
much to do in my present capacity. My tenderest affection to our dear
children, and believe me
Ever yours.