LETTER XXXIII.


Victory, off Toulon,
August 1, 1803.

[I do not know that you will get this letter.]

MY DEAREST EMMA,

Your letter of May 31, which came under cover to Mr. Noble, of Naples,
inclosing Davison's correspondence with Plymouth, arrived by the
Phoebe two days ago: and this is the only scrap of a pen which has
been received by any person in the fleet since we sailed from England.

You will readily conceive, my dear Emma, the sensations which the
sight and reading even your few lines [occasioned.] They cannot be
understood, but by those of such mutual and truly sincere attachment
as your's and mine. Although you said little, I understood a great
deal, and most heartily approve of your plan and society for next
winter; and, next spring, I hope to be rich enough to begin the
alterations at dear Merton. It will serve to amuse you; and, I am
sure, that I shall admire all your alterations, even to planting a
gooseberry bush.

Sutton joined me yesterday, and we are all got into the Victory; and,
a few days will put us in order.