"It is an old saying, the devil's children have the devil's luck. I cannot find, or to this moment learn, beyond vague conjecture, where the French fleet are gone to. All my ill fortune, hitherto, has proceeded from want of frigates. Off Cape Passaro, on the 22d of June, at daylight, I saw two frigates, which were supposed to be French; and, it has been said, since, that a line of battle ship was to leeward of them, with the riches of Malta on board; but it was the destruction of the enemy, and not riches for myself, that I was seeking. These would have fell to me, if I had had frigates: but, except the ship of the line, I regard not all the riches in this world. From my information off Malta, I believed they were gone to Egypt: therefore, on the 28th, I was communicating with Alexandria, in Egypt, where I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but knew nothing beyond report. From thence, I stretched over to the coast of Caramania; where, not speaking a vessel who could give me information, I became distressed for the kingdoms of the two Sicilies: and, having gone a round of six hundred leagues, at this season of the year, with an expedition incredible, here I am, as ignorant of the situation of the enemy, as I was twenty-seven days ago. I shall be able, for nine or ten weeks longer, to keep the fleet in active service, when we shall want provisions and stores. I send a paper on that subject herewith. Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the admiral to victual us; and, I hope, he will do it cheaper than any other person. But, if I find out that he charges more than the fair price, and has not the provisions of the very best quality, I will not take them: for, as no fleet has more fag than this, nothing but the best food, and greatest attention, can keep them healthy. At this moment, we have not one sick man in the fleet. In about six days, I shall sail from hence; and, if I hear nothing more of the French, I shall go to the Archipelago; where, if they are gone towards Constantinople, I shall hear of them. I shall go to Cyprus; and, if they are gone to Alexandretta, or any other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information. You will, I am sure, and so will our country, easily conceive what has passed in my anxious mind; but I have this comfort, that I have no fault to accuse myself of: this bears me up, and this only." The next day, July 21st, he writes to Sir William--