With the action of the 3rd of May, Captain Brenton’s service in the Mediterranean concluded. “The day after the action,” he adds, “I received dispatches from Admiral Martin, containing my orders to proceed to the Adriatic, for the purpose of taking the command of the squadron there, but I was no longer in a situation to avail myself of it. On the following day we arrived at Palermo, but were put under quarantine. The Ambassador and the Admiral kindly came off to see me, but could not come on board. The Admiral was anxious to know my wishes, and instantly complied with my request, that the Spartan might be sent to England. It appeared to be the only means of giving me a chance of recovery. I was accordingly ordered to Malta to refit, and to take home Mr. Adair, the British minister, from Constantinople. We had a most favourable passage to Malta, to the great comfort and advantage of the wounded. Should it ever be in your power, my dear children, to shew kindness to the family of my excellent friend, Dr. Allen, do not neglect to do it. To his kindness and hospitality I am greatly indebted, under Providence, for my life. I was for some time so extremely exhausted in consequence of my wound, that my recovery was almost despaired of. I seldom felt any great apprehensions myself, with the exception of one day, when from extreme pain and languor, I had reason to suppose my end approaching. I remember with humble gratitude the tranquil and resigned feeling I experienced, and the comfort I enjoyed from a recollection of the indescribable affection which had united your beloved mother and myself. The dangerous symptoms however soon abated. I was carried to my ship, and sailed on the 10th June with a convoy for England.” CHAPTER XIV. JOINED BY HIS FAMILY.—SLOW RECOVERY FROM HIS WOUND.—FRESH TRIALS FROM THE FAILURE OF HIS AGENTS, AND ACTIONS THREATENED BY NEUTRALS DETAINED.—FRIENDLY INTERFERENCE OF MR. ABBOTT.—APPLIES TO THE ADMIRALTY FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND APPOINTED TO THE STIRLING CASTLE. 1812.—COMPELLED BY THE STATE OF HIS WOUND TO RESIGN THE COMMAND.—MADE BARONET.—APPOINTED NAVAL COMMISSIONER AT MINORCA.—RESIDENCE THERE.—FAILURE OF LADY BRENTON’S HEALTH.—THE ESTABLISHMENT AT MINORCA BROKEN UP ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE WAR.—RETURN TO ENGLAND, AND APPOINTMENT TO THE DORSET YACHT.—MADE NAVAL COMMISSIONER AT THE CAPE.