72 LETTERS. 
day, after a most tempestuous passage of 
forty-nine hours, with the wind directly con- 
trary the whole way. Yet notwithstanding 
that vexatious circumstance, hard boards, 
aching bones in consequence, together with 
passing two nights almost without closing my 
eyes, let me but be blessed with the cheer- 
ing influence of HOPE, and I have spirit to 
undertake anything. The plaid was a most 
comfortable thing to me ; I wrapped it round 
my head. At the mouth of the river this 
morning, we met a small open fishing-boat, 
into which I got, as I was told I should, by 
that means, arrive two hours sooner than I 
should otherwise have done ; and, as the sea 
was very high, every wave washed over me, 
and I had a complete wetting. On my 
arrival, I found poor Henry had sailed two 
days ago. I regret I did not come in time 
to see him, but I rejoice to find he went off 
in good spirits ; and his last words mentioned 
Peter ! I have been myself to secure a place 
in the mail-coach, and hope to be by ten 
o'clock to-night on my road to (may I not 
hope?) the completion of all my earthly 
happiness. Mr. Southcote, whom I passed 
