Address:
M^rs Flinders
7 Mary Street
          Fitzroy Square
                    London

                            N^o 2 Common Hard — Portsea
                                        May 17. 1812

      I had the satisfaction, my dear love, of receiving thy letter
this morning; and happy I was to hear that all goes on well
with our little Anne. Poor Bell, I pity her sincerely, and beg
you to console her in my absence, with the assurance of my
affection. It is to be hoped, that the efficacious remedies she
has adopted, will diminished the melancholy which I am per-
suaded she cannot but feel on this occasion; but she must
persevere in them
      I have nothing further to tell thee of the progress
of our experiments as yet. Tuesday is fixed for the commencement
of them as was before mentioned. I believe I should not have written
today; but it is probable that I shall be too much occupied for
several succeeding days to be able to write. Perhaps thou wilt
have no letter after this, until Friday; but in the mean time, I
will tell thee of my proceedings thus far.
      On Friday I met at M^r Park's, captain Epworth
of La Nymphe and captain Bissett of the Danemark, 74. Captain
E. is a good-looking animated officer; but like some of his brothers

has too great an opinion of, and too much confidence in a certain
person to be called a modest man; and I have not, therefore, yet
proposed our dear sister to him. Captain B. is a plain, fatherly
looking seaman; not very bright, but good natured.
      On Saturday morning, I breakfasted with M^r and M^rs
Inman. The first a plain, serious, intelligent man, not much ac-
quainted with the vices of the world, against which he preaches, for
he is in orders; the latter a nice little woman, timid, with two
thumping boys, and ready to lie in of a third, as I believe from her
pale looks. The whole of Saturday was employed with M^r Inman
in the Cupola of the Royal College, trying our different instruments
and making arrangements for Tuesday. I dined with him, alone,
and we had much discourse upon magnetism, the thirty-nine
articles, free grace, D^r Bell, and M^r Joseph Lancaster. It is
not unlikely that I may accompany him to town on my return,
as he is going up to take priest's orders.
      This morning I breakfasted at home. Afterwards accom-
panied M^r and M^rs Park to the dock-yard chapel, where I
heard D^r Scott enforce the truth of the Holy Spirit being still
communicated to men, though not visibly and with the same
force as in the Apostolic days. His proofs were deduced from
^ ^the inward repugnance in man, when committing or about to com

mit an improper action. In my poor opinion, the doctor mis-
took the workings of conscience of the effusions of the Holy
Spirit. After service, the doctor came up and shook hands with me;
and said that he should pay his respects! to me before I left Ports-
mouth.
      I have just been over to see my old friend captain
Portlock, who looks very thin and worn down, in consequence of
an accident which occurred to him some time since. M^rs P. looks
thin and old, but is tolerably well. I presented thy compliments,
and they desired to be kindly remembered to thee
when I should write. From thence I went to the
Acamedy, [sic] but D^r Burney was not at home. I saw Andrew
who looks well, and perseveres in his intention of going to sea.
I therefore intend to get a ship here for him, if possible, against
midsummer. Captain Epworth is, I find, full of youngsters, so
there is no hope there. I think of trying captain Heywood, and
afterwards captain Schomberg, but do not know how I shall
succeed.
      I am going to dine again with M^r and M^rs Park. I
am desired by the first to tell you to be a good girl during my
absence, and to play no naughty tricks. Tomorrow, if fine, I visit
the Loire, to see everything prepared there for the next day; and
shall afterwards dine and finish my work with M^r Inman, if no-
thing arises to prevent it.       Adieu, my best love,
      Thine most affectionately
        M.F:-