The letter ran thus:-- Chesley Manor, Surrey, Oct.

4th, 1824.
My Dear Child: Having a few moments to spare this morning I devote them to your benefit, with a fond hope that you are as happy as the day is long.
It does seem rather hard for me to be moping around this quiet house and my little girl away in New Brunswick, but it is useless to repine.

In a few days I will take charge of a ship to go abroad for some months.

Our fleet now demands my attention, which, I am happy to say, will drive away loneliness and repinings for the little runaway.

Was much pleased to meet an old friend of Sir Howard Douglas--Colonel Fleetwood--who served in the same regiment while in Spain, and is ever loud in praise of his friend.