CHAPTER XVI.
News from home--A _fatigue_ party employed at Gibraltar--More particulars in the life of Mr Chucks--A brush with the enemy--A court-martial and a lasting impression.
A few days afterwards, a cutter joined us from Plymouth, with orders for the frigate to proceed forthwith to Gibraltar, where we should learn our destination.

We were all very glad of this: for we had had quite enough of cruising in the Bay of Biscay; and, as we understood that we were to be stationed in the Mediterranean, we hoped to exchange gales of wind and severe weather, for fine breezes and a bright sky.

The cutter brought out our letters and newspapers.

I never felt more happy than I did when I found one put into my hands.

It is necessary to be far from home and friends, to feel the real delight of receiving a letter.