“I have been unable from illness to apply to any business whatever since my arrival here, you must therefore not be surprised at my silence. “The turn which the war has taken upon the Danube is not altogether favourable. The enclosed bulletin will put you _au fait_ of the operations of the two armies. The Arch-duke Charles has since been separated from General Hiller, and has fallen back to the frontiers of Bohemia. General Hiller was expected at Braunau yesterday, and will probably retire towards Saltzburg, and the Tyrol. In this situation the Capital is left open, but it is not imagined that the French will risk advancing with an Austrian army on each flank. “The Emperor is still in the vicinity of Enns. “In every other direction the war has taken a favourable turn, and the dispositions of the different powers of Europe seem favourable to the Austrian cause; even Russia indicates no desire of becoming hostile. “The firmness of the government is not shaken, though the first opening of the campaign has not answered their expectation. Pray let me recommend to you the most cordial co-operation with the Austrian army in Italy. It is probable the Arch-duke John will for the present remain upon the defensive in the Venetian States, your station will therefore become of the greatest importance. “Believe me, &c. “R. BATHURST.” On the 7th of May, General L’Epine writes from Trieste as follows:— “SIR, “Captain Flanegan, who will deliver this letter, is appointed to have the command of the various Austrian armed vessels, which are employed in the blockade of Venice, and is ordered to follow your directions, as long as you intend to remain before that place. I beg therefore you may be so good as to concert with him such dispositions as you may think most proper to attain the intended purpose, which is to prevent the enemy from receiving supplies.