362 MISSION TO PORTUGAL. [1806. 



toons a-clay for his maintenance. It is true he is 

 quite unmatched in his economy, and luckily had the 

 sense to agree that his reward should be proportioned 

 to his services and to his frugality jointly. 



" During my absence from you I have procured a 

 good deal of valuable matter respecting the Spanish 

 privateering on our trade in the north. This I should 

 like to have sent to Lord St Vincent, as it may lead 

 to some good consequences. I shall send it, therefore, 

 to you by next opportunity, and trust to you for let- 

 ting it come to Lord St V., or whomsoever else you 

 judge to be more proper. 



" My general information respecting the state of 

 Portugal has, of course, been greatly augmented. It 

 all confirms the opinions already delivered by you and 

 also by myself. But it confirms likewise an opinion 

 which I have long held that by a little care and 

 judicious interference on our part, the interval of 

 present quiet may be turned to excellent account in 

 improving the resources of the country. Of this 

 more fully hereafter. 



" I may almost save myself and you the trouble of 

 observing how dull Lisbon is since your departure. 

 To me who know nobody here, I assure you it is a 

 triste sejour. My only hope is that my instructions 

 may soon arrive. Indeed I must rely upon you, my 

 dear lord, for standing my friend, in case the idea of a 

 Spanish communication should go off or be long de- 

 layed, tli at I may not be detained here in uselessness 

 and idleness. I hope you will keep your eye on this 



