MT. 23.]

LETTERS.

59

TO WILLIAM LOCKER , ESQ., GRAY’s INN.

[Autograph, in the Locker Papers.]

Portsmouth , March 10th, 1782.

My Dear Sir,

Your favour I received last night inclosing a letter fromlloss, 2 of December the 31st. He has twice been on hispassage for England, was once drove back by the FrenchFleet, and the other time shipwrecked; but he is going to makeanother trial, and I suppose will arrive in this Convoy . Hedesires his particular compliments to you: it is as friendly aletter as I ever received. I dare say you will see him verysoon. In his postscript he mentions having received a let-ter from Mr. Higgins, saying that I was going to pay for apipe of Madeira wine. He desires me, if I have paid it, tosend for the money again, as there is no error existing but inMr. Higgins’ accounts; but, if you remember the circumstance,I did not pay for the wine.

All the Admiral’s 3 family are well, enjoying the moun-tains, and daily increasing in wealth. General Dalling 4landed here last night; he came home in the Ranger ArmedShip; one or two of the Convoy are also arrived, TheJupiter arrived yesterday morning, with a brig from St. Do-mingo, and a French privateer. I have just learnt that theRanger’s Convoy were most of [them] taken in the Gulf ofFlorida, by two Line of Battle Ships, and six armedSchooners, so I suppose Ross is carried into the Havannah.Adieu, my dear Sir, and assure yourself I am your

Most obedient Servant ,

Horatio Nelson .

2 Hercules Ross, Esq., before mentioned.

3 Sir Peter Parker.

4 Vide p. 9, ante.