IIQ 



LETTER XL 



A dreadful florm overtakes the Jleet, It returns to St. Helenas 

 in a difabied condition. Author's fenfations during the Jiorm, 

 Thofe of other Paffengei s unaccuflomed to the fea, ^laint 

 jokes and remarks of the failors. Difmal efftBs of the 

 gale. Author and his comrades go on fhore at Portfmouthy 

 and at the IJle of Wight, Are told that the Ulyjfes is to 

 proceed to C$ve iviih the firfl fair ivind^ without waiting 

 for the convoy, 



Splthead, Nov. 19. 

 When, In my laft, I mentioned to you the 

 grand and fplendld fight we had witnefled, 

 in the failing of an important divifion of our 

 great expedition, I did not anticipate the 

 painful reverfe of, thus foon, communica- 

 ting the unhappy tidings of its return. But, 

 alas ! how uncertain are all human expec- 

 tations 1 Pleafed as we were at the proud 

 failing of this fleet, only a few days fince ; now, 

 we fhould rejoice, ftill more, could we fee 

 every fhip again fafe in harbour. 



We, yelterday, experienced a moft tremen- 

 dous gale, which, from its difaftrous effeds 



