<P_53>

<heading:edcomment:CAPTAIN_NICHOLAS_HADDOCK_TO_HIS_WIFE>

<heading>

Grafton at sea , about leagues from Cape Passaro ,
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.4)

Aug. the 4=th= , 1718 . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.5)

</heading>

My D=r= Fanny , The Superbe being orderd from the fleet w=th= the
Admirall's letters , I send this to tell you I am well .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.7)

Five days ago we had a battle w=th= the Spanish fleet off of Cape
Passaro , on the Island of Sicily , in w=ch= severall of their ships
were taken and some destroyd . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.8)

The Grafton had her share in that action , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.9)

and the Admirall has been pleased to make me great compliments on my
behaviour that day . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.10)

I shall soon be orderd to be refitted at Port Mahon , the ship
requiring it . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.11)

I had fifty men killd and wounded . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.12)

Among the former was L=t= Bramble , who was appointed by the intrest of
Sir Cha. Wager . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,53.13)

$I $'m {TEXT:I'm} sorry for him , he being a <P_54> good officer .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.14)

My Cousin Haddock chased towards the shoar after part of the Spanish
fleet , when they separated , w=th= 4 or 5 other ships whose signalls
were made for that purpose , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.15)

and they are not yet come into the fleet . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.16)

However , I doubt not but he is well ; the ships that they were sent
after being of the smaller sort . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.17)

My d=r= , pray send to Mrs. Harris to tell her her spouse is well .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.18)

He dined aboard me the day after the action ; (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.19)

he was one of the ships engaged . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.20)

Just before we saild from Naples I received y=r= letter ,
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.21)

and am glad to hear y=r=self and the little boy are well .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.22)

I give my love to all freinds , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.23)

and remaine , my d=r= Fanny , Y=r= most affec=t= husband , N=s=.
HADDOCK . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.24)

<heading:edcomment:THE_SAME_TO_THE_SAME>

Grafton , at Regio , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.26)

Jan=ry= the 19=th= , O.S. , 1718//9 (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.27)

My dear Spouse , I send this to tell you I am well .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.28)

I believe , before this come to you , you will have heard of my having
forced ashoar on Sicily a Spanish man of war of guns , w=ch= is overset
and sunk . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.29)

I rec=d= some shot from her , but without much damage .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,54.30)

My d=r= , we are here at an anchor , in company w=th= the Kent , Roy=l=
Oake , and Rochester , to block up Camock , who is at Messina and will
not venture out , <P_55> his squadron being much inferiour to us .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.31)

By the news we receive from England , I conjecture Spain will soon be
oblidgd to accept the terms proposed to 'em ; after w=ch= I suppose the
bigger ships will be orderd home , where I shall always be glad to be ,
whenever it consists w=th= my honour ; (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.32)

for , indeed , my dear Fanny , I heartily love you .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.33)

Pray give my love to all freinds , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.34)

and I remaine , my d=r= , Y=r= most affect. husband , N=s=. Haddock .
(NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.35)

P.S. This goes for Naples w=th= an express that Capt. Mathews sends to
the Adm=l= , (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.36)

and from thence it will be forwarded to you . (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.37)

N=s=. H. (NHADD-1710-E3-P2,55.38)