same silence which I enjoined to Anderson. This, however, does not extend to Graham, 'James, &c., to whom I have no secrets, and 'where discretion can so well be trusted. You shall hear further the moment I have 'more to impart.

I paint to myself the joyful scene exhi'bited in Clifford Street by Graham's return ' after such distinguished conduct

'I shall not be in time to make one of the

party; and, indeed, I fear Graham will be 'despatched on some cruize before I can possibly get over the water. I am glad you opened Anderson's letter; I only wish you ' could have prevented his journey. He will ' have the expense and trouble of it for nothing. My love to my Mother, and all 'assembled.

• Your affectionate Son,

'would have written to me, after your return

'to England: you, perhaps, on the contrary,

6

expected to hear from me; we shall there⚫fore drop the subject.

'I heard some time ago of the Melampus* "having captured a frigate, and have been exceedingly anxious to hear what port she had ' reached. This day I have read Graham's letter in the newspapers; it is excellent. His at once bearing up to the two frigates, ' and attacking a force so superior, was extremely gallant, and met the reward it de'served.

The day you left me at Carrick, Lord • Cornwallis sent for me; I stayed a day with "him, and on my return we marched and en'camped in the neighbourhood of this place. • From the time of the sailing of the squadron 'from Brest, till that of its defeat by Sir • John Warren, we were kept in suspense;

expecting daily to hear of a descent upon 'the coast; when my brigade would have

* Commanded by Graham Moore.

' resumed its old post, in front of Lord Corn' wallis.

'I thought we were secure for this winter; 'but an express arrived yesterday from Kilala, stating that seven French ships had ' anchored there. No attempt had been made "to land from them, when the express came

away. Part of my brigade had marched

' into Athlone, the rest are cantooned in this ' and some neighbouring villages.

The weather became so bad, that I was ' induced to break up the camp, and cantoon, 'till such time as the barracks in Athlone 'could be got ready for the whole of us.

'I can however collect in a few hours; and 'shall be ready to move, if these fellows attempt to land. I am induced to think they will make off with themselves, when "they hear the fate of the rest of the expedi' tion. Had this expedition escaped our fleet, we should have had a very trouble'some job.

6

This climate is too wet, and not calcu

6

'lated for a winter campaign.

I however no

longer fear for the country. The French 'lost their moment; we are now too strong, and too well prepared. Lord Cornwallis has been a blessing to this country he has 'assumed a line of conduct truly respectable ' for himself, and the best possible for restoring tranquillity to this distracted country. 'How happy must all Clifford Street be with 'Graham's success; I cannot tell you how I delight in it. Let me hear from you, and 'believe me, my dear James,

'Your's affectionately,

'JOHN MOORE.'

'Athlone, 26th Dec., 1798.

The

My dear Father, I this day received your joint letter with Graham's. 'same post brought me one from B.,* 'with a damp to all my hopes. It was my 'wish to spare you the anxiety you feel. "You may now be at ease; I am doomed to remain where I am. Lord Cornwallis

me, in such terms, that it is supposed it would give him umbrage if it were

proposed to withdraw me. This may perhaps afford you consolation, I therefore tell it to you. As for me, I draw none from such 'source. I cannot reconcile myself to remain here, and be troubled with the continued 'broils of this distracted people, when active ' and distinguished service is going on else'where. I consider myself yet as in my ap'prenticeship; I wish to serve it under the 'best masters, and where there is most busi'ness, that at some future day I may be able

Our

to direct and instruct in my turn. business, like every other, is to be learned only by constant practice and experience; and our experience is to be got in war, not ' at reviews.

'I have still hopes, however, of getting from 'this, though not so soon as I expected, and 'these hopes are my only comfort. I beg, however, that these, as well as what has 'passed, may continue a secret.

'This climate is too moist and does not