_Dec. 14._--Strong breeze to the westward, with sea getting up. Saw _Revolutionnaire_ to leeward. On examination, found the cut-water so much shook I determined to run on to Baia and secure the bowsprit; made signal to prepare to anchor, and bore up little after 8 A.M. Anchored in fifteen fathom water. The _Revolutionnaire_ was examined also, when I found her mainmast was sprung; sent the master and carpenter to survey the damage she had sustained, two or three of her timbers being broke. They reported she might be put in a state to proceed in two days. Sent Lieutenant Drewry up to the Admiral with a letter giving an account of our disaster, and informing him I should proceed as soon as the weather would admit of it, taking _Revolutionnaire_ with me if she was ready, otherwise directing him to follow. Got an answer from him in the evening offering the King any ship, even _Rochefort_ (the flagship), if we could not proceed; and that he had ordered _Active_ down here, to be ready to relieve _Revolutionnaire_ if she could not go. In the morning, when the King came out, he took hold of both my hands, squeezed them, and shook them very heartily, saying, "I am infinitely obliged to you for the way in which you manoeuvred the ship last night, for had it not been for your promptitude she must have been dismasted." Dined with his Majesty, who sent me an invitation, and took my place, by his direction, at his right hand, in the way I used when Bonaparte was with me, and was a good deal struck with the similarity of situation. On the King's left sat the Princess of Paterna, created by him Duchess of Floridia. She is married to him, but does not assume the title of Queen, because she is not of blood royal. She is an uncommonly handsome woman for her time of life,--which the Prince of Babro tells me is very near fifty,--her manners pleasing, and quite those of a woman of high rank. He seems much attached to her, was particular in recommending good dishes to her, and once or twice when he spoke to her took her hand, and shook and prest it in a friendly affectionate way. * * * * * _Baia, Dec. 15._--Strong gale, with very heavy squalls and showers of rain. The King is, in my opinion, much better at an anchor here than beating about the sea in a gale of wind. Employed securing the bowsprit.... Dined with the King, who told us several anecdotes of his sea excursions; and he really is a tolerably good sailor. In the evening a deputation of the Parliament came on board to condole with his Majesty on the accident that had befallen the ship, and to wish him a pleasant voyage and a speedy return to his country. In the evening pointed the yards to the wind.... While at dinner, H.M. sent out to have "Rule Britannia" played by the band, and drank success to the British Navy with three cheers. * * * * *