at the moment of embarking was forbidden his passage by the govern-
ment. He took a passage on board a Danish vessel a few weeks after-
wards, but the evening before sailing, officers of the police were sent on
board to search his trunks, and seven or eight of my letters with
some others were taken away; in the hope no doubt, of finding some-
thing in them by which my liberty would be compromised; but I
know too well the nature of my situation to have committed such
an imprudence: the captain-general will have found an exposition
of his base conduct towards me, but nothing that could injure the
French nation or its allies. Three months are since passed, and no
mention of these letters has been made to me by the government, which
proves that the general has not found what he sought for.
      A French cartel has since sailed to India with all the
English prisoners of war, but I still remain in the dark as to the time
when I may hope to profit by a similar advantage; except that the
general has been heard to signify his intention of setting me at
liberty very soon. My only hope of being publickly [sic] set liberated
is from a frigate now in port, which being old and in need of great
reparation, may perhaps be sent to Europe in a few weeks; in
which case it is possible she may be charged with my conveyance.
This mode of returning would be to me the most agreeable, since I
am intimately acquainted with one of the officers on board, and
the captain is reported to be both a good man and a good officer,
and has testified a considerable interest in my painful situation.
I acknowledge, however, that my hopes in this affair are far from
being extreme.
      I have more than once told thee of my intention to re-
nounce my parole, let what would be the consequence; and this
I should certainly have put in execution on the departure of the Bri-
tish cartel without me, had not the earnest remonstrances [sic] and persua-
sions of my friends here prevented it. This intention I had imparted
to Sir Edward Pellew in the letters that were seized, and consequently
it is known to the general, but I hope a vessel will arrive soon, with
the captain of which I am acquainted, and with whom I shall be able