27 



Cork, to join the expedition under major- 

 general Whyte. But as this fhip is now in 

 the Thames, and is to touch at Splthead on 

 her way, it will give us a few days to pre- 

 pare our baggage, and inftead of going round 

 with her by fea, we can put our things on 

 board, and meet the vefTel at Portfmouth. 

 I fhall thus gain a few pleafant hours, among 

 my friends, which I had not anticipated ; and 

 fhall have time to provide myfelf with fuch 

 neceffaries as I may require, both for the 

 voyage, and the climate. Moft of the few 

 things which I had been able to hurry to- 

 gether, during the fhort moment allowed, 

 previous to my journey to Southampton, are 

 already rendered ufelefs to me, in confequence 

 of a fubfequent arrangement, requiring the 

 officers of the hofpital ftaff to appear in a 

 certain preferibed uniform. How will you 

 fmile to fancy your friend, who hath fo long 

 clothed himfelf in fable, like a very lobfter, 

 changed, all at once, to a gay fcarlet, and 

 fringed and embroidered with gold. Come 

 and fee him, and be aiTured that, whether he 

 be gay or fad, his coat bright or black, he is 

 always, faithfully, ------- yours. 



