I have left in my box some letters from Colonel Sibthorp, which I shall feel pleasure another day to read to you, as it is impossible to express the fatherly and friendly manner he has at all times condescended to address me with. Being in such a hurry to embark, it is with some difficulty I have time to address you at all, and I had almost forgotten to mention my dear Ann, who, I hope, will forgive me, and not attribute it to my neglect. My blessing to the children; and, if it pleases God to spare my life, I hope on my return to see you all. My best wishes to uncle, aunt, and friends.—I am affectionately yours, George Simmons. [Sidenote: Dover, May 25th] Do not mention my letters, I beg of you. It was a most beautiful sight to see us embark, and the lovely creatures cheering the men as they passed. _Journal—25th May-15th July 1809_ [Sidenote: 1809 May 25th] The 1st Battalion 95th Regiment had been under orders to embark at a moment's notice for some days. The order arrived last night, and at two o'clock this morning the Battalion was formed in the Barrack Square, consisting of 1000 as fine young fellows as were ever collected to fight their country's battles. For my part, my heart was as light as a feather when we marched off; and, if I may judge from appearances, every person had the same feelings. We entered Dover about six o'clock and marched through it. The windows were crowded with inhabitants; some greeted us, but in general the women seemed sorry to see us depart, knowing well that numbers must never return to their native land again. The Battalion embarked in three transports, _Fortune_, _Malabar_, and _Laurel_, and sailed immediately for the Downs, where we came to anchor. The 1st Battalion 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry joined us here, which with ourselves formed a Light Brigade, under the command of Major-General Robert Craufurd, who took post on board the _Nymph_ frigate, 44 guns, commanded by the Honourable Captain Percy, and also the _Kangaroo_ sloop of war under his command. Foul winds and sometimes very stormy until 3rd June. The Commodore hoisted the signal for sailing at daylight. The fleet got under weigh towards evening and stood down the Channel. [Sidenote: 1809 June 4th] Saw the Isle of Wight at daylight; we neared it and anchored at St. Helens. [Sidenote: 5th] The weather very squally. The fleet weighed and moved close to Cowes, where we were detained by contrary winds for six days. [Sidenote: 11th] The wind seeming to become favourable, the fleet was put once more into motion, but proving a false alarm, we brought up opposite Yarmouth, and were again detained with foul winds until the 18th. [Sidenote: 18th]