better we shall be able to withstand the clamours of those whose fears for their own local safety blind them to the real interests of the general defence. For this purpose the history of the American War is of especial value.

The portrait of Lord Hood which serves as frontispiece to this volume is taken from the mezzotint by John Jones, after Sir Joshua Reynolds. The original was painted in 1783, immediately after Hood's return from the West Indies, and therefore shows him as he was when these letters were written. I have to end by thanking Captain Charles N. Robinson for his kindness in looking through my proofs and for various suggestions.

Portsmouth Dockyard, 4th of August, 1778. DEAR SIR: The Gazette you sent in the express yesterday was [a] great relief to my mind, for an account having reached this place Saturday afternoon of a general action, and my not receiving a line from any one on Sunday night or by the western mail the next morning, though several letters had been received from inferior officers, I suffered very much from my apprehensions that some of those I love may have fallen, but I find no officer was killed. I am sorry, very sorry, the French did not feel themselves bolder, for could all our ships have been fairly brought to action in a compact line, I have not a doubt but the arms of his Majesty would have gained a complete victory.

1 The letter refers to the battle off Ushant of the 27th of July, 1778. The 'unpleasant disagreement' Hood speaks of is the famous quarrel between Keppel and Palliser.

B

Inter nos-The master of a Plymouth Trader, that came here yesterday, talks very strangely of reports at Plymouth, of an unpleasant disagreement between the Chief and one of the Vice-Admirals. Has any such account been brought to you? I don't like it; pray satisfy me in this point-and tell me also if your wine is safe in your cellar? I advised you of its being sent hence in the manner you desired [at] the beginning of last week.

Adieu. Affectionate wishes and regards ever attend you and yours from all belonging to, dear Sir, Your most faithful and sincere humble Servant, SAM. HOOD.

HOOD TO STEPHENS.

Barfleur, at Spithead, 1st of November, 1780.

Sir:-I beg you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that six only of ships, out of the twenty-eight named in the list you transmitted to me, and for which I am to wait, are yet arrived at Spithead, and from all the enquiry I can make I cannot find any order is received here for the embarkation of the troops.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

SAM. HOOD.

HOOD TO STEPHENS.

Barfleur, at Spithead, 2nd of November, 1780.

Sir: I have received your letter of yesterday's date by express, acquainting me that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have given directions to Admiral Sir Thomas Pye for causing the first battalion of the 1st Regiment, the 13th and 69th Regiment of Infantry, and ninety persons of General Rainsford's Regiment, to be received on

board the West India merchant ships which have been engaged to carry out troops to the island of St. Lucia, and which I am directed to take under my convoy. In return to which I beg leave to observe that the Commanding Officer at Portsmouth has no orders to embark them; and that fifteen of the ships appointed to receive them are not yet come round. Seven arrived last night and this morning, and on the other side are the names of the ships which are at Spithead.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

SAM. HOOD.

HOOD TO STEPHENS.

Barfleur, at St. Helens, 11th of November, 1780.

Sir:-I beg you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that a pretty large convoy is in sight from the Downs, part of which I know are many of the ships appointed to carry troops to St. Lucia, if not the whole of them. I therefore judged it right to give you notice of it by express, and at the same time to inform you that I shall hold it my duty to put to sea, agreeably to their Lordships' orders of the 4th, if the wind should come to the eastward before I

receive your answer. The anchors of the squadron under my command were so buried by the late gale of wind that they were purchased with great difficulty; both viol1 and messenger gave way in several

1 'The viol or voyol block. A large single-sheaved block through which the messenger passed when the anchor was weighed by the fore or jeer capstan; its block was usually lashed to the mainmast. . . . It was only used when other means failed, and, after the introduction of Philipps' patent capstan, was disused.'Smyth's Sailor's Word Book, sub voce.