* * * * *
MESSINA, _August 13, 1806,
and August 28_.
MY DEAREST MOTHER--I am just returned from a most unexpected
cruise in the Gulf of Taranto (mouth of the Adriatic), where I was
despatched at a very short notice to reconnoitre Gallipoli and
Tarentum, port towns in the Gulf, and I this day carried in my
report to H.E. General Fox, who is a man of pleasant manners and
sensible appearance.
I was sent out in H.M.S. _Wizard_, a very fast-sailing brig,
Captain Palmer commander, and as he could not take me into the
harbour of Tarentum in the brig, owing to the batteries on an
island at the mouth--from which they gave us a hint or two--he
lowered his boat, and we advanced unmolested, very near the walls
of the town, which imprudence nearly cost us our liberty. For the
enemy on the watch let us come on as far as we would, and the
moment we turned, sent out a boat full of soldiers with a huge
sail. We attempted for some time to sail before them, but finding
they gained on us very fast, the sail was _downed_, and we threw
ourselves upon hard rowing for escape, which at one time neither
the captain nor myself had any hopes of; and I felt no small
degree of exultation to find myself on board H.M.S., as I was far
from wishing to be captured in so silly a manner.
They tell us of peace, but I will not believe it. No Minister can,
no Minister dare make peace in the present position. Nothing, in
my opinion, but this island being an acknowledged British colony,
could justify our admitting Joseph’s title to Naples, and we cannot
do this without providing for this king, and if he be provided
for, somebody else must be robbed. No, no, it won’t do.--Adieu, my
dearest mother, ever your affectionate son,