Expecting to sail from day to day, I delayed writing till I could acquaint you with the precise time of our departure. This morning the wind proved easterly, but it has again veered to the westward, and become as uncertain as ever, so that I yet hope to hear from you. I understand that about four thousand troops, _British_, and fifteen hundred emigrants, sail under our escort. They are commanded by General Doyle, and it is supposed are destined to take possession of Noirmoutier, to keep up communication with Charrette's army. Monsieur, who you know is embarked on board the Jason, accompanies them. It is to be hoped that this last effort of ours to secure a footing on their own territory to these unfortunate people, will prove successful; I say this last, for, from what I learn, Lord Moira resigns with the whole of his staff, and the rest of his army are to be, under command of Sir R. Abercromby, destined for the West Indies. We are likely to have enough on our hands should war be continued, as it is impossible but we must have the Spanish to contend with. Several ships sailed this morning to reinforce our squadron in the North Seas, which shows the Dutch are beginning to stir themselves. I write from Ryde, where Lady S. has been since yesterday, being near Spithead, where I must be every day. As the wind is at present, there is every reason to expect that we shall be here some days longer; therefore write to me. Adieu! God bless you all! I am truly and affectionately yours, JAS. SAUMAREZ. The expedition, alluded to in the above letter, was placed under command of Rear-admiral Henry Harvey, and consisted of the Prince of Wales (flag-ship), Queen Charlotte, Prince, Orion, Russell, Arethusa, and Jason, with a convoy of one hundred and twenty-six vessels. These were detained at Spithead till the end of September; and on the 13th of October they reached Isle Dieu, where they were destined to co-operate with the former expedition. When off Hedic, Admiral Harvey sent the Orion to join Commodore Sir John Borlase Warren, with that part of the convoy intended to act with the royalists, while he proceeded with the rest to the West Indies. The troops were landed. The Orion was employed blockading the coast near Rochfort and L'Orient; the nature of which memorable service will be best understood from the following letters from Sir James to his brother. Orion, at sea, 26th October. MY DEAR RICHARD,