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* pied, but rising early has given me time to say so much to you. Kind remembrance to Jane and to all. I think the Brazils the • best possible service for Graham, in winter ;

the climate will be fine, and he will be back • before the heats.

Always affectionately,
• My dear Mother,

• John Moore.'

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Sir John Moore when about to sail for

Sweden:

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• H.M.S. Mars, May 9th, 1808. My dear Mother,–We expect that the ' whole of our convoy will be collected this

forenoon, and as the wind is fair and the ' weather fine, I hope we shall be able to sail in the afternoon.

'I have nothing to say to you, but that I ' am well, and that everything respecting my

command is as well arranged as • reasonably expect in this sublunary region. • If the object of the expedition were more • defined, it would be more agreeable; but on

we can

VOL. II.

2 D

" the other hand, though not in direct terms, 'yet plenty of latitude is given to me, to act ‘at my discretion. If I am successful, my * judgment will be extolled ; if not, if I feel ‘no internal reproach, I can be indifferent as to every other.

I know not how often a packet sails for Gottenburg, but Frank can tell, and I hope • to hear of you and Jane very frequently. · I shall be anxious until I hear how Graham stands the heat.

• Farewell, my dear Mother, kind remem· brances to Jane, and believe me, Always your affectionate

John Moore.'

Sir John Moore to his mother :

Gottenburg, Sweden, May 27th, 1808. . My dear Mother, - I wrote shortly to

- I Frank by the last packet, who would let 'you know that I was here and well. We ' have a packet twice a week from England, • and as often to it. Frank has not yet found 'out this, as he has not sent me the news

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"On my arrival at this place, I found the • situation of the country very different from • what I had been led to expect; the military ' force so small, and the government in such * weak hands, that it was vain to hope the aid "I was directed to offer could enable the • Swedes to resist for any length of time. At 'the same time, in spite of this weakness, ' moral and physical, their king's views were .

of the most magnificent kind. Unfortunately * the conditions upon which this force under 'me was sent had not been explained, and, ' until our arrival, they had considered it to • be placed under the king's sole direction. • My instructions were to keep it under my * own : against this the king remonstrated ; • and, as I have no power to depart, I was 'glad to refer the question home, which gave ' me the opportunity at the same time to state • the situation of affairs here, and to give my • sentiments. With this view I sent home · Colonel Murray", the quarter-master-ge

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* The troops continue on board ship, which are anchored at the entrance of the harbour, - ten miles from this. I was obliged to come

here with my staff, as on board it was impossible for me to write or transact my • business. All the other generals live on ' board, and only come here occasionally,

• I am provided with a very good house, · which has been vacated by the proprietor on purpose.

• The town is small, but cheerful, with 'water running through the middle of the • streets.

• The country is more rugged and rocky • than any I have seen ; but the inhabitants • are more like ourselves, than any foreigners • I ever met. The peasants, in particular, are * exceedingly like the Scots. I have met • them sitting on the side of their carts while

driving along; and they only wanted the • large blue bonnet to make me think I was * in the neighbourhood of Kilmarnock. The ' face, dress, and everything else, was in perfect resemblance.

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• You may believe I am not much pleased ' to find so little prospect of being able to do 'the least good here. What will be the de• termination in England, I cannot guess. I ' have done my part, I have told ministers 'the truth, and they must decide for them(selves. Their ignorance of the state of • matters is very singular.

• I shall hope to hear from you soon, and • often. I wish to know how

you
find

your* self and Jane, since your return to the country.

· I am anxious to know what accounts have · been received from Graham. My kind remembrances to Jane. Always, my dear Mother, affectionately,

John MOORE.'

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* Near Cintra, Portugal, Sept. 3rd, 1808. . My dear Mother,–We had a very tedious passage. When we got near the coast of • Portugal, Sir Harry Burrard removed to a small ship, and preceded the convoy. I