It was an apology for their not being given before, which, I understood you, they would have been, but for the difficulty of fixing who was to have them;" an allusion particularly valuable as indicating, in this case of flat contradiction between two honorable men, what was the probable cause of withholding the marks of hard-won distinction.

"I have never failed assuring the Captains, that I have seen and communicated with, that they might depend on receiving them.

I could not, my dear Lord, have had any interest in misunderstanding you, and representing that as an intended Honour from the King which you considered as so improper to be recommended to the King: therefore I must beg that your Lordship will reconsider our conversation--to me of the very highest concern, and think that I could not but believe that we would have medals.

I am truly made ill by your letter." St.Vincent replied briefly, "That you have perfectly mistaken all that passed between us in the conversation you allude to, is most certain.

At the same time I am extremely concerned that it should have had so material an effect upon your health," etc.