LETTERS.

343

.®T. 45.]

proportion of bread for 5600 men for two months, with everyother species of provisions to six weeks, except wine, of whichnone is wanted; and should there not be a sufficient quantityof sugar in store for the above purpose, you are not to pur-chase, but send what remains. And as it is of great conse-quence to have all the provisions in one Transport, in orderthat the Vessel of War which convoys her may take her intow, you will endeavour to have the provisions all put intoone Transport: and, therefore, if it cannot be stowed in suchVictualler, you will only send a month’s beef and pork, insteadof six weeks’, as our little supplies of fresh beef will, in somemeasure, make up the deficiency. You will send me an ac-count of the provisions which you may ship, as before directed,by the first opportunity, as well as a regular account of theremains of every species in store, by any of his Majesty’sShips joining me from Malta , that I may on all occasionsknow what supplies can be drawn from the stores under yourcharge. I am, &c.

Nelson and Bronte.

TO CAPTAIN JOHN WHITBY, H.M. SHIP BELLEISLE.

[Letter-Book. “ Monday, 2nd January, 1804. Weighed and made sail out ofAgincourt Sound, as did the Squadron, p.m. At 1, carried away the jib-boom inthe cap; bore up for Agincourt Sound, and at 2, anchored.’— Victory's Log.'}

Victory, Madalena Islands, 3rd January, 1804.

Sir,

I have received your letter of yesterday’s date, acquaintingme that Thomas Carrol, Quarter-Gunner, belonging to hisMajesty’s Ship Belleisle, under your command, had given him-self up as a deserter from the Peterel Sloop, having entered forthat Vessel previous to her being paid off; in answer to whichI am to desire you will, whenever the Belleisle meets thePeterel, if he entered on board her since her being paid off,deliver him up: and you will warn the said Thomas Carrol ofthe punishment which he merits, and that it is only by hisextraordinary good conduct in the Belleisle from this time,that [he] can lessen the punishment which a Court-martial mayinflict; and that if ever he deserts again, he can expect nothingless than to suffer death. I am, &c.

Nelson and Bronte.