6

pied, but rising early has given me time to say so much to you. Kind remembrance 'to Jane and to all. I think the Brazils the ' best possible service for Graham, in winter ; 'the climate will be fine, and he will be back 'before the heats.

'My dear Mother,-We expect that the 'whole of our convoy will be collected this 'forenoon, and as the wind is fair and the 'weather fine, I hope we shall be able to 'sail in the afternoon.

6

'I have nothing to say to you, but that I

am well, and that everything respecting my 'command is as well arranged as we can

reasonably expect in this sublunary region. If the object of the expedition were more ' defined, it would be more agreeable; but on 2 D

VOL. II.

the other hand, though not in direct terms, yet plenty of latitude is given to me, to act at my discretion. If I am successful, my 'judgment will be extolled; if not, if I feel no internal reproach, I can be indifferent as 'to every other.

6

'I know not how often a packet sails for

Gottenburg, but Frank can tell, and I hope to hear of you and Jane very frequently. 'I shall be anxious until I hear how Graham 'stands the heat.

Farewell, my dear Mother, kind remem'brances to Jane, and believe me,

Always your affectionate

'JOHN MOORE.'

Sir John Moore to his mother:—

Gottenburg, Sweden, May 27th, 1808. My dear Mother, I wrote shortly to Frank by the last packet, who would let you know that I was here and well. We ' have a packet twice a week from England, ' and as often to it. Frank has not yet found 'out this, as he has not sent me the news6 papers.

'On my arrival at this place, I found the 'situation of the country very different from ' what I had been led to expect; the military force so small, and the government in such 'weak hands, that it was vain to hope the aid 'I was directed to offer could enable the 'Swedes to resist for any length of time. At 'the same time, in spite of this weakness, 'moral and physical, their king's views were ' of the most magnificent kind. Unfortunately 'the conditions upon which this force under

me was sent had not been explained, and, ' until our arrival, they had considered it to 'be placed under the king's sole direction. My instructions were to keep it under my own against this the king remonstrated; ' and, as I have no power to depart, I was glad to refer the question home, which gave

me the opportunity at the same time to state ⚫ the situation of affairs here, and to give my sentiments. With this view I sent home 'Colonel Murray *, the quarter-master-ge'neral.

*Now the Right Honourable Sir George Murray.

.

'The troops continue on board ship, which

are anchored at the entrance of the harbour,

' ten miles from this. I was obliged to come

up here with my staff, as on board it was

'impossible for me to write or transact my All the other generals live on

⚫ business.

'board, and only come here occasionally. 'I am provided with a very good house, which has been vacated by the proprietor

on purpose.

The town is small, but cheerful, with 'water running through the middle of the

" streets.

The country is more rugged and rocky 'than any I have seen; but the inhabitants are more like ourselves, than any foreigners 'I ever met. The peasants, in particular, are 'exceedingly like the Scots. I have met 'them sitting on the side of their carts while 'driving along; and they only wanted the

large blue bonnet to make me think I was ' in the neighbourhood of Kilmarnock. The 'face, dress, and everything else, was in perfect resemblance.

You may believe I am not much pleased 'to find so little prospect of being able to do

the least good here. What will be the de

' termination in England, I cannot guess. I have done my part, I have told ministers "the truth, and they must decide for them'selves. Their ignorance of the state of ' matters is very singular.

I shall hope to hear from you soon, and ⚫ often. I wish to know how you find your"self and Jane, since your return to the

country.

'I am anxious to know what accounts have "been received from Graham. My kind re'membrances to Jane.

Always, my dear Mother, affectionately,

'JOHN MOORE.'

'Near Cintra, Portugal, Sept. 3rd, 1808.

My dear Mother, We had a very tedious

passage. When we got near the coast of

Portugal, Sir Harry Burrard removed to a

small ship, and preceded the convoy. I