We have also seen Don Tomaso Blanco, the 2nd-in-command on board the _Algescias_; he is the cousin of the author of the _Español_. He gave me the news of Mde. Ariza having returned to Madrid, where she was acting a considerable part owing to the influence she possesses over Urquijo.[358] He was a dependent originally of the Alba family, and owed his station in life to their favour and influence, which she now avails herself of by claiming in return his protection. The Town Major, who is under our roof, dined with us. Ld. Amelius Beauclerk,[359] a nephew of Ld. Bessboro’s, and very like a Cavendish in his appearance and demeanour. Capt. Irwin, the commander of the _Puissant_, a sheer hulk, on board of which Charles was mustered during the period of his residence at Dr. Burney’s at Gosport. [Sidenote: THE FRENCH PRISONERS] Great alarm prevails amongst those military in office, such as General Whetham and Sr. Roger Curtis,[360] in regard to the French prisoners. There are 17,000 at Gosport, and, in the hulks 4000 convicts lie very close to them, and Governt., by some strange mismanagement, has allowed French officers on their parole to live in this neighbourhood. They say there is a general system of organisation, that each officer has his corps, that a correspondence is maintained between them and Napoleon’s Govt., and that it is his policy to keep them in this country so that they might assist him in the case of an invasion. There was in the winter 40,000 prisoners; the number is increased to 70,000 at present. We drive and walk out in the morning, and our evenings are usually employed in reading or hearing Mr. Dumont read French. The _Lively_ was wrecked on the rocks near Malta; the fault is ascribed to the Lieut. of the watch and the Master. The former neglected his official duty of apprising the captain when they made land. This accident happened early in Sept.; it made my heart ache, notwithstanding Charles is safely deposited in another ship. Capt. Stewart, of the _Seahorse_, now stationed at Palermo, to whom Charles was recommended by Gen. Fox and Ld. Keith (it being our intention that he should join him in the Mediterranean), being apprised of his sailing in the _Lively_, immediately upon hearing she was wrecked sent express to Malta to order him a supply of money and proper equipment, and also to secure a speedy passage from thence to him. All this was done in a most obliging and gentlemanlike manner, so as to leave a strong desire upon my mind of returning the civility whenever any opportunity should occur.