I had not long to wait before this letter was answered by a summons to
join the expedition to Sweden, under Sir John Moore, and by the 15th
April I was in London preparing for departure.
BLENHEIM HOTEL, BOND STREET, LONDON,
_April 27, 1808_.
EVER DEAREST DAD--I feel conscious from your letter that you
have not much spirits to spare. Whatever hurts you, goes to the
quick with me also. But God did not mean us to be perfectly happy
here, and I hope that we jog on towards the next place with as
comfortable prospects as our neighbours.
If from any want of efficiency on my part, it were your business
to prescribe my motions, you would (however disagreeable to your
affections) direct me as I am now going. The rage that pervades the
youth of blood to go with General Moore exceeds anything I ever
heard of, and many suicides are expected in consequence of rejected
applications.
I pray God to bless you all, and me, in such a return as lately
gladdened my heart.--Your ever most affectionate