Rᵈ. H. * * * * * [a] This must be a son of Sir Richard’s daughter, who married a Mr. Lydell. [b] Children of another of Sir Richard’s daughters, who married John Clarke, of Blake Hall, in Bobbingworth, co. Essex. [c] No doubt Dr. John Radcliffe. CAPTAIN NICHOLAS HADDOCK TO HIS WIFE. Grafton at sea, about 10 leagues from Cape Passaro, Aug. the 4ᵗʰ, 1718. MY Dʳ FANNY, The Superbe being orderd from the fleet wᵗʰ the Admirall’s letters, I send this to tell you I am well. Five days ago we had a battle wᵗʰ the Spanish fleet off of Cape Passaro,[a] on the Island of Sicily, in wᶜʰ severall of their ships were taken and some destroyd. The Grafton had her share in that action, and the Admirall has been pleased to make me great compliments on my behaviour that day. I shall soon be orderd to be refitted at Port Mahon, the ship requiring it. I had fifty men killd and wounded. Among the former was Lᵗ Bramble, who was appointed by the intrest of Sir Cha. Wager. I’m sorry for him, he being a good officer. My Cousin Haddock[b] chased towards the shoar after part of the Spanish fleet, when they separated, wᵗʰ 4 or 5 other ships whose signalls were made for that purpose, and they are not yet come into the fleet. However, I doubt not but he is well, the ships that they were sent after being of the smaller sort. My dʳ, pray send to Mrs. Harris to tell her her spouse is well.[c] He dined aboard me the day after the action; he was one of the ships engaged. Just before we saild from Naples I received yʳ letter, and am glad to hear yʳself and the little boy are well. I give my love to all freinds, and remaine, my dʳ Fanny, Yʳ most affecᵗ husband, Nˢ. HADDOCK. * * * * * [a] On the 31st July, when Sir George Byng almost destroyed the Spanish fleet. [b] Probably William Haddock. See above, p. 43, note d. [c] Captain Barrow Harris, of the Breda. THE SAME TO THE SAME. Grafton, at Regio, Janʳʸ the 19ᵗʰ, O.S., 1718/9. MY DEAR SPOUSE, I send this to tell you I am well. I believe, before this come to you, you will have heard of my having forced ashoar on Sicily a Spanish man of war of 70 guns, wᶜʰ is overset and sunk. I recᵈ some shot from her, but without much damage. My dʳ, we are here at an anchor, in company wᵗʰ the Kent, Royˡ Oake, and Rochester, to block up Camock,[a] who is at Messina and will not venture out, his squadron being much inferiour to us. By the news we receive from England, I conjecture Spain will soon be oblidgd to accept the terms proposed to ’em; after wᶜʰ I suppose the bigger ships will be orderd home, where I shall always be glad to be, whenever it consists wᵗʰ my honour; for, indeed, my dear Fanny, I heartily love you.