Cuxhaven, Feb. 7th, 1799.
MY DEAREST BROTHER,
The fatigue which I have undergone, added to the necessity of my
writing several letters upon my arrival here, makes it impossible
for me to say more to you than that I am alive and well, after a
miraculous escape from the 'Proserpine,' which ran ashore off
Searhorn, and a second danger, scarcely less, yesterday morning, in
a long walk to gain this place, during which we were overtaken by
the tide and forced to wade for an hour, in the hardest frost I
ever felt, against a strong current of tide, which was sometimes up
to, and sometimes above our middle. We are all, however, well
to-day, and I proceed this evening towards Berlin, as well as my
fatigues will allow me. I cannot say enough to you of Mr. Fisher's
behaviour in these trials of danger; his resources, his attachment,
and his kind attentions in assisting our poor Henry, and lessening,
where he could, the inconvenience of my situation, have entitled
him and ensured to him the sincerest and warmest regard. Henry,
likewise, has been a stout mariner, and has shown a fortitude much
beyond his years.
I find no Italian news except a report of the French having
possession of Naples. They have, likewise, Ehrenbreitstein. When
will they have Berlin? We have not a shirt in company. My loss,
about L700.
God Almighty bless and preserve you.
Having arrived safely at Berlin, Mr. Grenville gives a sketch of his
first impressions of the King of Prussia and his Court.