I have just seen in the newspapers what I conceive to be exceedingly mischievous, and to officers who are bearing the brunt and severities of war, is exceedingly disgusting, when the whole nation is clamorous against the convention of Lisbon and the treaty which Sir Chas. Cotton made with the Russian Admiral about the ships, it is stated that _I_ had made a proposition of the same kind to the Russian Commander at Trieste which had been rejected. There is not a syllable of truth in it. _I_ have had no correspondence with Russia, nor anything happened that could have given rise to such a conjecture. It must therefore be sheer mischief. There are such diabolical spirits, who, incapable of good, cannot rest inactive but fester the world with their malignant humours. And meanwhile the ardent patriotism of Collingwood was deeply wounded by the attitude of the politicians of his native land. OCEAN, OFF TOULON, _May 16th, 1808._ The contentions in Parliament are disgraceful to our country and have more to do with its reduction than Bonaparte has. They grieve my heart; when all the energy and wisdom of the Nation is required to defend us against such a Power as never appeared in Europe before--the contest seems to be who shall hold the most lucrative office. I abhor that kind of determined opposition; if the Ministers have not that experience it were to be wished they had, they the more need support and assistance. We have resources to stand our ground firmly, until this storm is over--but it depends on the use we make of our means, whether we shall or not. It would appear to me good policy to make and preserve peace with all the nations who have the smallest pretention to independence--we should shut our eyes to many things which during the regular Governments in Europe would deserve to be scrutinised--the laws and rules of former times are not suited to the present--a man cannot build a Palace during the convulsions of an earthquake, and I sincerely hope our differences with America will be accommodated--if favourable terms we can grant them. Are not _we_ constantly in storms obliged to take in our topsail?--and even sometimes limit ourselves to no sail at all? But our ship is saved by it and when the storm is over we out with them again, and so should the State do.