Transcription

The Magnificent has been on shore, lost her false keep & Gripe keeps her [[addition]] ^ hand [[/addition]] pumps going, night and day, without ceasing, and must be hove down, in this situation, She ought by no means to be carried into action; Yet she is still with us, though She might at this hour have been at Halifax (where I understand she is intended to go) and would probably have joined before we left New York; as it is, she is likely to become liable to an equinoctial Gale, before she reaches her careening port. I really feel much for Admiral Pigot, and probably have gone too far, in hints I have thrown out to him, though I must confess, he has given men no reason to suppose, he has not taken all I have said in good part, and a single moments reflection must convince him. I meant well; but he seems at present, to have no other Idea, than carrying his fleet altogether to New York, regardless (as circumstances appear to me) how long he is going thither. His situation is much to be pitied, having no one about him capable of affording him wholesome advice, which without any imputation to him, as he has been so long on land, & never hoisted his flag or commanded a squadron before, I should think could not be unwelcome. I unbosom myself to you my dear General and write without reserve, fully confiding, that I address myself to a real friend. I prepare this, in case a sudden opportunity should offer; and am sorry to tell you, I cannot shake off my complaints and am still confined to my cabbin. Ever & affectionately yours Hood