What must have been Sir George's mortification on receiving a mere formal and official reply to his letter, and this, too, from a nobleman who had always professed the utmost friendship and regard for him! and what must have been his disappointment on hearing at the same time of numerous appointments of other officers, of much inferior pretensions to himself, to high and important commands! Finding, at length, that nothing was to be done unless he could obtain a personal audience of his King, he strained every nerve to gain his liberty, and to clear himself of his debts; but here again his friends failed him, and he was destined to receive from the hands of a generous stranger, and an enemy to his nation, that assistance which was withheld from him by his own countrymen. The following letters, addressed to Lady Rodney, who had gone to England on the private affairs of the family, will best depict the state of Sir George's feelings at that most anxious and momentous crisis.

'TO THE LADY RODney.

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Paris, February, 1778.

• Your letter has given me more pleasure than 'I have experienced a great while, as it has 'assured me that your health is perfectly re'stored, since you write in more spirits than 'in many of your former letters. Pray take care of it; and remember how very necessary it is for the sake of our dear girls, whose unfeigned joy at your recovery shewed itself visibly in their countenances, and has con'tributed to their own health.

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The letter from Lord Sandwich was such

as I had expected, and Mr. Robinson, I thought, might long since have favoured us ' with his influence. Could Colonel Bhave such influence with Lord H- as to pension all his relations, and Mr. Robinson 'not have greater with Lord North? What' ever is intended to be done ought to be done 'soon. Delay is worse than refusal, because 'it gives hopes, and leaves one in distress. If it is thought proper I should write to Lord 'North, let me know.

'The kind attentions of Admiral and Mrs.

'Byron lay me under the greatest obligations. 'Pray make my compliments acceptable to ' them.

The Americans here have received no 'news for a considerable time. Three of the captains of their men-of-war have paraded it at the public places in their uniforms. They talk, I hear, much of fighting, for which reason I believe they are cowards. 'Their conduct when they attacked the 'Druid did not shew their courage. I hear they have received orders to quit Port L'Orient, where their ships now are.

The French are impatient for news. You 'know they are all Americans, and would fain believe that General Howe has been defeated. Their taking part with the Americans shews how much they dread England. May they ever continue to do so!

Many thanks for the King's speech. I 'think it says all that could be said on the occasion. Surely the ship sent with the

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despatches must be lost. Even if nothing had been done, I should have thought it

my duty to have sent an express before the 'meeting of the Parliament, that the King's

'Ministers might have been truly informed ' of the state of affairs; but I suppose Lord 'Howe understands politics better than I 'should have done.'

TO THE LADY RODNEY.

'Paris, February, 1778.

I am happy to find by your letter that the 'fever has left you, and that you are able to 'take an airing. It is very good of Mrs. Byron to invite you to her house; but the

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dampness of Bagshot Heath, at this season, 'must be very prejudicial after the severe ' illness you have experienced.

The refusal of Lord Sandwich does not surprise me. He cannot say but I have 'offered my services, and some friend will 'let the King know I have so done. I hope you approved of my letter to Lord George 'Germaine. I can have no excuse in case of ' another vacancy in the West India Islands. We are all here impatient for news from America. The American commissioners

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' have not received any for these two months

past, but all conclude that Philadelphia is ⚫ taken.

'The dear girls are well, and desire their love and duty. To hear that you are per'fectly recovered will be the most pleasing 'intelligence you can send to

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'TO THE LADY RODNEY.

'Paris-(no date.)

Not hearing either from yourself or my son*, by the last messengers, gives me un' easiness inexpressible, as the delay of com

pleting what has been promised obliges me to remain in the hotel where I am, at an

expense I could wish to avoid, and daily 'adds to my embarrassments. What to do I

really don't know. To speak to Lord Stor'mont I am unwilling, but I will talk to Mr. James upon the subject, as he is a good

man, and feels the distresses I am driven to.

'I beg you will desire my son to see Lord

Colonel the Hon. George Rodney, of his Majesty's Foot Guards, Sir George's eldest son.